Lee & Ko is fully equipped to provide comprehensive legal services in the energy and project development market. Its expertise spans domestic and international coal-fired power generation, renewable energy, and infrastructure projects, advising on structuring, financing, EPC, O&M, transfers, tax, and litigation. The team represents a broad range of corporations and financial institutions, such as domestic and foreign banks, insurance companies, and asset management firms. Co-head Dong Eun Kim brings extensive experience in handling inbound and outbound transactions, representing key stakeholders such as investors, lenders, project companies, and governments. He leads the firm’s Korean energy projects and supports foreign clients on inbound investments as well as Korean firms on outbound ventures. Co-head Hun Ko specialises in project finance with a focus on PPI projects and real estate development. Hyunsu Kim, another key member, primarily advises on infrastructure and energy, particularly for domestic banks.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘This legal team stands out due to its deep passion and enthusiasm for tackling complex legal matters within the energy industry, both locally and internationally. They possess exceptional capabilities in developing, financing, operating, managing, selling, and purchasing interests in infrastructure projects. The team is composed of experts from various jurisdictions, allowing them to provide informed advice in both local and global energy markets.'
'Compared to other firms, this practice distinguishes itself through its specialised focus on the energy sector and its ability to handle cross-border legal challenges efficiently. Its track record in the global energy market, combined with a client-centric approach, makes it a highly reliable and credible partner for legal issues in the energy sector.’
‘The individuals I work with, particularly Kwang Yul Kim and Jungmin Pak. What differentiates these prominent individuals from competitors is their spontaneous access to newly discovered business opportunities in the energy sector, facilitated through their relationships with key financial stakeholders. This early involvement allows them to offer clients efficient and satisfactory advice based on up-to-date industry developments.’
Key clients
- New Airport Hiway Co., Ltd
- KOOKMIN Bank
- EIP Asset Management
- Gasan DC JV Co., Ltd.
- DL Energy
- KBAM
- Brite Energy Partners
- Korea Development Bank, KIAMCO
- Shinhan Asset Management
- Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.
Work highlights
- Advised New Airport Hiway Co., Ltd (NAH) on restructuring one of Korea’s early PPP projects, involving a significant toll charge reduction.
- Successfully advised Kookmin Bank on KRW 530 billion (appx. USD 405 million) credit facilities for the SK Multi-Utility Combined Heat and Power Plant Project.
- Advised EIP Asset Management on a USD 450 million equity investment in a 350MWac solar farm project in Texas, USA, pursued by Concho County Solar 1 LLC.
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.
Hyunsu Kim
Practice head
Dong Eun Kim; Hun Ko
Other key lawyers
Kwang Yul Kim; Jae Hoon Lee; In Soo Kim; Hyunsu Kim; Jungmin Pak