With clients highlighting the group’s ‘seamless integration of Korean legal expertise with international standards and expectations’, Lee & Ko has a long-standing position in the international arbitration market, with particular experience in the IP, entertainment, and energy sectors. Team head Eun Young Park is a seasoned practitioner in commercial and investment treaty arbitration. Also leading the practice is Zac Sharpe, who is dual-qualified in the US and as a solicitor-advocate in England and Wales, regularly advising the oil and gas, shipbuilding, and technology sectors. Sanghoon Han is an investor-state disputes specialist, and Han-Earl Woo previously served as a public advocate where he developed experience in investor-state arbitration.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Lee & Ko truly lives up to their reputation of being client-centric and a market leader in international arbitration. They always put the client's best foot forward . ’
- ‘One individual who deserves particular mention is Eun Young Park, Chair of the Global Affairs at Lee & Ko. Eun Young brings not only deep expertise in international arbitration but also a rare combination of strategic foresight, cultural fluency, and genuine client empathy.’
- ‘It's the people and excellent collaboration that make Lee&Ko International Arbitration team unique. The team understands the client's needs and knows how to provide tailored support. ’
- ‘L&K International Arbitration Team is professional and super responsive. They are working very proactively and meet the client's expectation.’
- ‘From our experience, Sanghoon Han is the person you want leading your case when the stakes are high. He takes the time to truly understand our business and our priorities, and he makes us feel like our case is the most important one he is working on. His advice is clear, practical, and tailored to our needs—not just legal theory.’
- ‘Lee & Ko’s international arbitration team is a standout in the Korean and wider global legal market. Their ability to combine deep legal knowledge with commercial pragmatism makes them a trusted partner on high-stakes, cross-border disputes.’
Key clients
- Kiheung International LLC, Kiheung Motors Limited
- Shanghai Kaiying Network Technology Co., Ltd.
- Banyan Tree Group
- The Republic of Korea represented by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration
- Jeju Air Co., Ltd.
Work highlights
Represented the Republic of Korea represented by the Defence Acquisition Program Administration in the defence procurement sector
Represented Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and Korea Electric Power Corporation in the energy and natural resources sector
Represented Shanghai Kaiying Network Technology Co., Ltd in the IP, entertainment and gaming sector
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Eun Young Park; Zac Sharpe
Other key lawyers
Sanghoon Han; Han-Earl Woo; Grace Yoon; Minjae Yoo