Excelling in both wet and dry shipping work, the diverse team at Kim & Chang advises on major marine casualties and insolvency, as well as charterparty and shipbuilding contract disputes. The department is helmed by the capable duo of Byung-Suk Chung and Chul-Won Lee. Chung is a name to note for arbitration and litigation relating to shipping, and Lee's experience extends to maritime and environmental casualties, charterparty and shipbuilding disputes. Sang-Hyup Lee acts in investigations and litigation relating to both dry and wet issues, while Jae-Bok Lee is equipped to handle work in both the contentious and transactional spheres, handling charterparty disputes, cargo claims and marine insurance matters. Na-Rae Kim is also noted.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Kim & Chang’s Shipping Team is unique among domestic law firms in that it provides full services across the entire maritime sector, including shipping.’
‘The attorneys in the Shipping Team possess in-depth knowledge of shipping and have specialised expertise in various related fields, such as insurance, port operations, and industrial safety and health. Furthermore, the team includes former officials from organisations such as the Coast Guard and the Navy, who contribute their expertise as well.’
'Sang-Hyup Lee works for clients with dedication and sincerity, and is highly regarded for his ability to provide practical solutions based on his deep understanding of the shipping industry.’
Key clients
- Pan Ocean Co.,LTD
- seaworld express ferry.co.ltd
- Korea P&I Club
- NorthStandard Limited
- Ambatovy / Dynatec Madagascar, S. A.
- HMM (Hyundai Merchant Marine) CO.,LTD
- Dongryun Logistics Co., Ltd.
- Greenwich Shipping S.A. / West of England (Hellas) Limited
- Inficess shipping co,.ltd
- H-LINE Shipping Co.,Ltd.
Work highlights
Representing a client in two consecutive worker death investigations from January 2025, handling inquiries from the Korea Coast Guard and the Ministry of Employment and Labor regarding potential violations of the Punishment of Serious Accidents Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
Successfully assisted a major Korean ferry operator in obtaining government approval to use a larger RO-RO vessel, which had been initially denied.
Representing a client in a KCAB arbitration, defending against a buyer’s counterclaim for alleged defects and rust in a chemical tanker’s cargo hold, arguing that the vessel was in good condition at the time of sales contract, and that the client is not liable under the contract or Korean Civil Code.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
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
Byung-Suk Chung; Chul-Won Lee
Other key lawyers
Sang-Hyup Lee; Jae-Bok Lee; Na-Rae Kim