Lee & Ko offers a comprehensive service across all aspects of shipping law and related sectors, providing clients with a full range of expertise. In recent years, the team has successfully expanded its practice into cross-over industries, including port terminal operations, warehousing, offshore construction, and commodity trading. The practice is led by Jin-Young Jung, a seasoned expert in maritime law, marine insurance, and international commercial disputes. Yun-Jeong Seo leads the firm’s highly-regarded shipping finance team, advising shipping companies, financial institutions, and investors on complex transactions such as acquisitions and structured financing. Complementing the team’s strength, Yang-Ho Yoon brings a wealth of experience in shipping-related litigation and arbitration, while Young Jae Park advises on transactions in the industry and general average.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Lee & Ko, particularly Woo Jin Choi, is excellent and has a first-rate knowledge of Korean shipping law.’
‘Woo Jin Choi has provided first-rate feedback to us. He always returns calls and is generous with his time.’
‘Jin Young Jung is a very hard worker, engaged and knowledgeable.’
‘Lee & Ko has many experts, including lawyer Yang-Ho Yoon, who has demonstrated his capabilities as an expert on domestic and foreign ships, providing advice and litigation.’
‘Yang-Ho Yoon provided the best legal services with various experience, an understanding of cases, and a perfect understanding of the ship market.’
‘Leveraging his extensive knowledge of the port industry, particularly in the critical areas of the container terminal business, Yang-Ho Yoon is diligently striving to deliver favourable outcomes in the disputes our company is navigating. His assistance has been invaluable.’
‘Jin-Young Jung is a leader in the ship finance field.’
'The team headed by Jin-Young Jung is a highly reliable and experienced team who always provides accurate and practical advice.'
Key clients
- Japan P & I Club
- HMM Corporation Limited (formerly known as Hyundai Merchant Marine Co, Ltd.)
- Pan Ocean Co., Ltd. (formerly known as STX Pan Ocean)
- Busan Port Terminal Co., Ltd
- Taeyoung Shipping Co., Ltd.
- Heung-A Shipping Co., Ltd
- DSEC Co. ,Ltd.
- Meritz Fire & Marine Insurance Co., Ltd.
- Lotte Global Logistics Co., Ltd. (formerly known as Hyundai Logistics)
- Samsung SDS Co., Ltd.
Work highlights
Advised Hyundai LNG Co., Ltd on a case where the vessels at issue are equipped with LGIP engines, which should be able to interchangeably use LSFO and LPG gas, but due to a malfunction with the engine fuel system, they have been unable to use LPG gas and have had to use LSFO exclusively.
Represented Heung-A Line and Heung-A Shipping in LMAA arbitration in the UK and litigation in Korea with respect to bareboat charter and time charter disputes.
Advised a ship investment company established by Global Marine Financing Co., Ltd. (GMF) under the Ship Investment Company Act of Korea on financing the GMF’s acquisition of four new-build dual fuel pure car and truck carriers under construction, to be registered in the Republic of Malta in the ownership of four Maltese special purpose companies.
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
Jin-Young Jung; Yun-Jeong Seo
Other key lawyers
Yang-Ho Yoon; Gidon Nam; Woo-Jin Choi; Young Jae Park