Kim & Chang is recognised as a leader in the market, praised by clients for its ‘proven track record in managing high-stakes government investigations and enforcement actions’. The firm is distinguished by its extensive experience in corporate investigations, as well as its expertise in cross-border investigations. Practice head Kook Hyun Yoo is a key contact for senior executives of global companies on complex investigations and enforcement actions. Myungsuk Sean Choi regularly oversees investigations at the firm, as well as criminal defence and corporate crisis cases. Seasoned criminal defence attorney Seung Ho Lee is another name to note, and Sang Hyuk Park has corporate investigation expertise with multi-national companies in Korea. Jung-Il Han is noted for his work on criminal investigations and related complex crises for domestic and global companies. For clients in the life sciences and technology industries, Jong-Won Jeon is a key practitioner and praised by clients for his ’exceptional professionalism and discretion’. Ho Keun Ryu and Sung Won Hong are other key lawyers in the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Kim & Chang is the largest law firm in South Korea and has both capable lawyers and a strong network with relevant stakeholders. This strength usually brings more and better information in advance than other firms.’

  • 'Jong-Won Jeon stands out for his exceptional professionalism and discretion, qualities that are rare even among top-tier firms. He consistently demonstrates sound judgement in high-stakes, sensitive matters and is not only technically brilliant but also incredibly responsive and practical in his advice.’

  • ‘Kim & Chang’s White-Collar, Compliance, and Investigations practice is uniquely positioned as a market leader in Korea, offering a multidisciplinary, full-service approach that sets it apart from other firms.'

  • 'Their team combines deep regulatory expertise, former high-ranking prosecutors and government officials, and internationally trained lawyers to provide seamless support across criminal defence, internal investigations, and compliance advisory.’

  • ‘Potential clients consistently look to their team for its proven track record in managing high-stakes government investigations and enforcement actions.'
  • 'The team’s credibility with enforcement bodies, combined with its discretion and strategic thinking, enables them to deliver practical solutions even in the most sensitive situations.’

Key clients

  • GlaxoSmithKline Korea Ltd.

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.

Practice head

Kook Hyun Yoo

Other key lawyers

Myungsuk Sean Choi; Seung Ho Lee; Sang Hyuk Park; Jung-Il Han; Jong-Won Jeon; Ho Keun Ryu; Sung Won Hong