Collaborating with several other departments in the firm, including internal investigations, compliance and white-collar crime, the sizeable Kim & Chang labour and employment practice maintains a strong position in the market. The team is co-led by Chun Wook Hyun, who has a solid track record acting for multinational and domestic corporations, and Weon Jung Kim, a key contact for employment litigation and dispute resolution. Ki Young Kim supports in human resources and management of organisations, while Matthew F. Jones advises multinational clients on issues affecting the workplace, including workforce reductions, employee discipline and immigration issues. Hyun Jae Park, Ji-Hyo Ryu and Daeyup Kim are also noted.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘My experience with K&C's Labour and Employment team has been highly satisfactory. Not only do they have a high level of knowledge and experience on Korean labour laws and relevant cases, but they also focus on understanding the unique features of the client's business and employment environment.’
‘The individual lawyer I work with (Attorney Daeyup Kim) has abundant knowledge and experience on labour and employment cases in the industry that we engage in. His advice is not only substantive but also highly practical, which makes him stand out from other lawyers.’
‘Paul Cho and Sung Il Yoon are my go-to trusted advisors in Korea. I enjoy working with their team, including their juniors, who are all well-versed in the law and diligent. What I appreciate most about them is the responsiveness and willingness to be commercial and to think outside the box. Their advice and strategy are highly appreciated. ’
‘Paul Cho is a consummate advisor, and he has consistently helped out on matters, no matter the level of complexity and no matter how short notice. Paul has a calming presence, and his strategic insight has been instrumental in many matters we've worked on over the years.’
‘What makes Kim and Chang truly unique is its unparalleled ability to assemble the right team of experts tailored to the specific nature of each matter — not only based on legal subject matter but also on the procedural posture and industry context.’
- ‘A key differentiator is the firm’s broad bench of professionals across virtually every field — from employment and M&A to environmental and regulatory matters. Regardless of the topic, the firm always has the right expert available, and the quality of their knowledge and skills is consistently exceptional.’
Key clients
- Hyundai Motor Company
- POSCO
- Microsoft
- Renault
- Pfizer
- Applied Materials
- Chanel
- Nike
- Coupang
- Hyundai Heavy Industries
- Asiana Airlines
- AIA Group
Work highlights
Represented Korea Expressway Corporation in a civil case where approximately 200 employees from a subcontractor filed claims under the Workers Dispatch Act, seeking direct employment and KRW 30 billion in damages.
Advised a global IT company on liquidation and the restructuring process for the employees belonging to the liquidated entity.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
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
Chun Wook Hyun; Weon Jung Kim
Other key lawyers
Ki Young Kim; Matthew Jones; Hyun Jae Park; Ji-Hyo Ryu; Daeyup Kim; Paul Cho; Sung Il Yoon; Do-Yoon Kim