An undisputed premier firm, Lee & Ko holds steady in the rankings as a fool-proof choice for its impressive roster of offshore and onshore clients. Its renowned finance practice wins plaudits from peers and clients that acknowledge its frequent role in representing lenders. The firm was elevated this year into the ‘Outstanding’ tiers for labour and employment and real estate. Despite a slowdown in the capital markets, Lee & Ko’s traditional dominance in debt capital markets helped it maintain a steady flow of debt deals. Managing partner Yong Seok Ahn is recognised for his corporate and competition expertise.
The firm has continued to evolve its practice areas through strategic hiring and internal changes. In the capital markets sector, Lee & Ko strengthened its team with key hires from the Financial Supervisory Service, including partners Taekyoung Kwon in March 2023, and Donghyun Lee and Jiho Song in February 2024. The competition practice was bolstered by the addition of partner Ju Eun Shim from the Korea Fair Trade Commission in June 2023.
Further expanding its expertise, the firm’s corporate and M&A practice welcomed several high-profile partners: Hyun Sung Kim from NHN; Yuseok Kim from Daelim; and Hyungi Ryu from Kim & Chang.
The dispute resolution practice has also seen significant developments, with the addition of seven new partners in the past year. Sang Hyun Lee and Donghyuk Kang joined in March 2024, strengthening the white-collar crime and administrative law capabilities. Joonah Jang and Ki Sang Jung, also joining in March 2024, bring expertise in construction, corporate, administrative, and tax disputes. Sungyoon Cho came on board in November 2023, while Hyunwoong Kim and Hyongkun Kim joined in March 2023, further enhancing the firm's white-collar crime, antitrust, and capital markets dispute resolution capabilities. However, the practice also saw the departure of partner David Kim to Baker McKenzie & KL Partners Joint Venture Law Firm in November 2023, impacting the international arbitration team.
The firm has bolstered its intellectual property practice with two key partner-level hires in the past year. Ja Young Koo, specialising in IP with a focus on healthcare and chemical sectors, joined the firm as a partner in April 2023, from Koreana Patent Firm. Additionally, Ki Yun Nam, an IP expert with a concentration in healthcare, is set to join as a partner in February 2024, coming from Kim & Chang. These strategic appointments underscore Lee & Ko's commitment to expanding its IP capabilities, particularly in healthcare-related fields.
Client feedback
"Very responsive and very knowledgeable about aviation law." – Aviation
"Easy to communicate with." – Aviation
"Assistance with customs in working with South Korean firms." – Aviation
"Fast response and detailed response regarding the required steps for the company to launch operation in Korea." – Aviation
"Fast feedback, professionals with great experience and knowledge, warm-hearted." – Aviation
"They possess a profound and comprehensive grasp of the airline industry and the legal challenges that an airline may encounter in its pursuit of market expansion. They serve as the company's legal counsel. Their extensive experience enables them to anticipate and respond effectively to any potential conflicts." – Aviation
"They are very professional in progressing with the deal." – Aviation
"Since it was a Chapter 11 case, we had to hire additional New York counsel to represent us in front of the court. Lee & Ko contacted and listed the potential counsels, arranged the communication with the New York counsel, and managed the time difference by attending most of the virtual meetings on behalf of us.” – Aviation
"The most positive point is their aptitude for new financial surroundings. They always give us highly updated knowledge very quickly. I think they always study new regulations and decrees with diligence." – Capital markets
"Great expertise in competition law/antitrust, easy to communicate with." – Competition/antitrust
"They communicate closely with their clients and provide solutions quickly." – Construction
"They are willing to hold meetings and listen to the client's explanation about factual background. Most of the team lawyers, even the ones not directly involved with the case, would attend the meeting and offer their opinions." – Construction
"Provide realistic and effective solutions with rich experience in construction disputes." – Construction
"Communicate seamlessly with the client. Always strive to meet customers' needs and respond immediately to customers' requests. There is always a way to contact Lee & Ko's lawyer." – Corporate and M&A
"Attorneys at Lee & Ko gave professional, accurate advice for clients about difficult, complicated problems." – Corporate and M&A
"Accurate and expedited operations." – Corporate and M&A
"They research the best methods from the client's perspective and draw out the best results." – Dispute resolution
"Professionalism and customer-friendly attitude." – Dispute resolution
"Lee & Ko has the highest loyalty to clients among other law firms." – Dispute resolution
"Competent lawyers with extensive knowledge and experience." – Insurance
"Faithful to customer needs." – Insurance
"During the most recent work that the law firm did for me, they conducted extensive research into various legal issues related to my business. As a result, they were able to discover many good arguments that supported my position in a legal dispute I was involved in." – Intellectual property
"Lee & Ko has a robust intellectual property practice that is highly respected both domestically and internationally. Beyond just legal representation in patent cases, Lee & Ko has provided a full range of services." – Intellectual property
"Working with Lee & Ko's IP team has been an immense pleasure since my first interaction with them. Not only does the team possess exceptional knowledge and expertise in their field, but their meticulous attention to detail has consistently paved the way for effective execution of our work. Moreover, their top-notch attitude ensures that every deliverable exceeds expectations." – Intellectual property
"Friendly and quick response, detailed feedback." – Intellectual property
"Proactive and client-friendly." – Labour and employment
"Expertise in labour law and tax law fields, and swift and accurate legal advice." – Labour and employment
"They have an understanding of client work and expertise in work. Above all, I appreciate their efforts and flexibility." – Labour and employment
"Swift, accurate and thoughtful." – Privacy and data protection
"Highly professional, reliable, and trustworthy: Lee & Ko offers results that are firmly grounded in laws and regulations rather than personal ideas or opinions, consistently communicates with clients to grasp their underlying intentions or viewpoints, even those of which the clients themselves may not be fully aware, while always adhering to the project's timelines and milestones." – Privacy and data protection
"Lee & Ko Law Firm provides guidance to respond quickly and accurately to various legal issues, including response to new technology regulations, compliance, and dispute response." – Privacy and data protection
"Successfully defended our position against the claim by NTS (National Tax Service) that the royalties paid were not arm's length transactions through extensive document analysis and effective communication." – Tax
"Tax expertise and ability to exchange information." – Tax
"Lee & Ko has many experienced and well-qualified professional staff." – Tax
"Highly proactive and always try to be ahead of the game, especially under tax audit situations. Lee & Ko tax audit defence team, spearheaded by 'Steve Minhoo Kim' was highly capable in terms of technicality of tax law as well as technique to handle tax auditors." – Tax
"Lee & Ko tax team, led by Steve Minhoo Kim, is highly responsive and always endeavours to provide practical solutions. Also, it teams up with high-calibre tax advisers in Indonesia very effectively to provide comprehensive advice." – Tax
"Highly responsive, highly attentive to facts and law, positive attitude." – Tax
"Very professional, very responsive and solution-oriented." – Tax
Sunghee Chae
"Kind and accurate."
"Ms. Chae is both professional and reliable, consistently showing dedication to her projects and a zeal for achieving the best results for clients. She also has a deep understanding of autonomous driving, data business in the automotive industry, and the regulatory frameworks concerning privacy and data across different countries."
Young Joo Cho
"Aviation law expert and knows a lot of people. Very good English and US law knowledge."
"Good command of English, and very knowledgeable about the aviation industry."
Jeong Yoon Choi
"Best lawyer (best core attorney) in terms of quality of work and case management."
"A high degree of expertise in the Fair Trade Act."
"Jeongyoon conducted extensive research into various legal issues related to my business. As a result, Jeongyoon was able to discover many good arguments that supported my position in a legal dispute I was involved in."
"Smart & fast."
Yuseok Kim
"He is ready to communicate with customers at any time. He has a wide variety of experiences and expertise, including in-house counsel, so he understands the needs of clients well."
Kyungchun Kim
"He gives advice accurately and quickly. His attitude towards clients is also gentle and calm. He asserts opinions strongly against counterparties for clients' needs."
Seon Tae Kim
"Exceptional talent in dispute resolution."
Insoo Kim
"Professional, has lots of knowledge/experience, and trustworthy."
Steve Minhoo Kim
"Effective communication that's easily accessible."
"Steve is highly responsive and proactive and always tries to provide the best solution in a given situation. He is highly recommended."
"Steve Kim is a go-to expert in TP and international tax. Not only his expertise in this field but also his network in various jurisdictions comes in very handy when we need cross-border tax advice."
Kyung Tae Kim
"Communication skills and tax expertise."
Min Hu Kim
"He is an excellent professional for both legal and tax/accounting. He can lead tax audits smoothly, which helps a lot in handling tough tax audits."
Hwan Kyoung Ko
"Wide and deep legal knowledge and experience in the ICT sector."
Jaewoo Kwak
"Great advisory total solution service."
"Jaewoo is widely regarded as the top lawyer of the year in the IP sector. Not only is his expertise acclaimed by industry experts, but he also demonstrates exceptional friendliness and genuine concern for people's feelings and situations."
Tom Kwon
"Excellent communication, identifies issues in advance and is prepared with comprehensive, thoughtful advice."
"Tom is really involved in the assignments and is solution-oriented."
Jin Hong Kwon
"Superb in client management and understanding of client's needs and problems."
Miji Lee
"As a legal professional specialising in subcontracting law in the competition/antitrust field, she has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in corporate partnerships and contractual relationships."
Myung Hyun Ryu
"Fast feedback, a lot of experience and knowledge with Korean airline companies."
"He has a deep understanding of the aviation industry and the legal issues of every kind that an airline may face. He is proactive and has a strong relationship with the client. He is honest and reliable."
"He is very professional and cooperative in dealing with several new aircraft delivery transactions."
"Myung Hyun is an aviation specialised lawyer and he has developed his team well as aviation specialists."
San Ha Na
"He has extensive knowledge in the field of construction law, constantly communicates with clients, and provides prompt and in-depth solutions."
"He provides advice by fully incorporating his case experience and industry trends into the inquiries."
Soon Pyo Nam
"He is the leader of the construction team we're working with. Although our company cannot pay much as a government organisation, he and his team members seem dedicated to providing us with better solutions."
Hyunjoo Oh
"She is a hard worker. Whenever I asked some complicated question on capital markets, she always studied up on it in very limited time. I am sometimes surprised by her realm of knowledge."
Kwang Bae Park
"Client-friendliness, flexibility, responsiveness and network."
"Excellent attitude when dealing with customers."
Jung Myong Park
"Listens carefully and understands issues fast. Professional and friendly manner to communicate."
Dongho Ryu
"Excellent insight in related field with experience and knowledge."
Jin So
"Professionalism and customer-friendliness."
Hyunseok Song
"Prompt labour law consultation."
Jeong-Ho Sun
"Great expertise, easy to communicate with, great relationship."
Ki Jung Sung
"Satisfying work results, kind manner."
"He is perfect in every aspect."
Jae Sung Yoo
"Provides effective and realistic solutions based on extensive experience and legal knowledge."
"Prudent and cost-effective."
Yang Ho Yoon
"Detailed legal review, fast feedback."
"Insurance expertise."
"Was prompt, efficient and clear in his advice."
Work highlights
Represented Hyundai Motor Company, one of the world's largest automotive manufacturers, in a landmark Supreme Court case concerning employee termination for prolonged poor performance. The case challenged long-standing precedents and overturned decisions by the regional and central labour relations commissions and lower courts. The firm successfully argued for the legitimacy of the termination, incorporating domestic and international legal precedents. The Supreme Court ruled in favour of Hyundai Motor Company, establishing a significant precedent for performance-based terminations in South Korea. This ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for personnel management practices across various industries, providing clearer guidelines for employers dealing with underperforming employees.
Represented Samsung Electronics Service in a case involving an employee's death by electrocution during work. The company and its directors faced investigation for alleged violations of occupational safety and health standards and the Serious Accidents Punishment Act. The firm successfully defended the client through to the prosecution's decision, arguing that the accident stemmed from unforeseeable circumstances despite the company's implemented safety measures. The case sets a significant precedent for interpreting workplace safety regulations and liability in cases of unforeseen accidents, particularly under the severe standards of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act.
Key clients
Daebo Information & Communication (DI&C), Joeun Systems, LG Chemicals, POSCO
Work highlights
Represented a global specialty chemical company in a complex patent dispute, successfully challenging the validity of a competitor's parameter invention patent while simultaneously defending against an infringement lawsuit. The case presented unique challenges due to the rarity of Korean courts addressing description requirements for parameter inventions. Despite these obstacles, the firm secured a landmark Supreme Court judgment invalidating the patent. This ruling is expected to hold significant precedential value, particularly in clarifying the description requirements for parameter inventions. The victory not only resolved the immediate dispute but also established an important legal precedent in Korean patent law.
Represented Coway, Korea's leading water purifier company, in multiple high-stakes patent disputes against competitor ChungHo Nais. The representation included successfully defending against a patent infringement suit involving ‘Ice Water Purifier’ patents, where the firm’s IP practice group secured a favourable appellate court judgment overturning a lower court's decision that had initially awarded W10 billion ($7.5 million) in damages to ChungHo. Additionally, the team represented Coway in offensive litigation involving ‘Sterilised Water Purifier’ patents, which included managing parallel invalidation and negative scope confirmation actions. The IP High Court ultimately ruled in Coway's favour, finding their patents valid and infringed by ChungHo's products. These victories significantly strengthened Coway's market position in the highly competitive water purifier industry, with the cases garnering substantial media attention due to their commercial importance and the substantial damages at stake.
Key clients
Boryung Pharmaceutical, Novartis, Regeneron, Samsung SDS
Work highlights
Represented One Store as third-party interveners supporting the KFTC in a landmark antitrust case against Google. The case stems from Google's alleged abuse of market dominance in the Korean app market, resulting in a $35 million fine and corrective order issued by the KFTC. This marks the world's first instance of Google being sanctioned for antitrust activities in the app market. The ongoing litigation, where Google seeks to overturn the KFTC's decision, has significant implications for regulating the practices of dominant platform operators in the mobile app market globally.
Represented Kakao Corp in a high-profile criminal investigation and prosecution for alleged violations of the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, stemming from Kakao's acquisition of management rights in SM Entertainment. The case involves accusations of stock price manipulation during a fierce competition with Hybe for control of SM Entertainment in February 2023, where Kakao invested $200 million to purchase SM shares above Hybe’s public offer price. The ongoing case has significant implications for Kakao's business structure and has sparked one of the most prominent corporate controversies in South Korea's entertainment industry.
Key clients
MediaTek, Naver Corporation, Shinbundang Railroad
Work highlights
Advised MBK Partners, in consortium with UCK Partners, on the $1.8 billion acquisition of Osstem Implant, South Korea's largest dental prosthetics company listed on Kosdaq. The complex transaction involved a multi-faceted approach, including a tender offer, acquisition of existing shares from the largest shareholder and related parties, purchase of convertible bonds, and issuance of warranty bonds. This landmark deal showcased an innovative public M&A structure and marked a significant shift in the Korean M&A landscape towards public takeovers, attracting substantial market attention due to its scale and the involvement of leading private equity funds.
Advised LG Energy Solution (LGES) on the establishment of a $4.3 billion joint venture with Hyundai Motor Group for EV battery manufacturing and sales. The ongoing transaction involves LGES acquiring a 50% stake in the joint venture company. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen LGES's position in the global EV battery market and diversify its customer portfolio. The deal includes plans for a mega-plant in Georgia, US, to leverage EV subsidies under the Inflation Reduction Act. The firm’s role encompassed complex negotiations on long-term agreements, addressing governmental approvals, US federal and state subsidies, and environmental considerations.
Key clients
Brain Asset Management, KY Private Equity, Loca Mobility Corporation, STIC Investment
Work highlights
Advised underwriters on Doosan Robotics' domestic and international share offering, raising approximately $315 million. This IPO, one of Korea's largest in 2023, garnered significant market attention as it represented a major offering in the robotics industry, a key future technology sector. The successful completion of the IPO highlighted strong investor interest in emerging tech companies.
Advised LG Chem on its record-breaking issuance of exchangeable bonds. This transaction stands as the largest equity-linked bond issuance worldwide since 2021, the largest in Korean history, and the largest in the Asia-Pacific region since 2002. The deal's scale underscores LG Chem's strong market position and investor confidence in the company's growth prospects.
Advised SK On, a battery business spinoff from SK Innovation, on its notes issuance. As issuer and guarantor's Korean legal counsel, the firm played a crucial role in accurately describing the company's business and applicable regulations in the prospectus. The complex deal structure involved Kookmin Bank providing a guarantee and other financial institutions offering risk participation, showcasing the firm's expertise in intricate financial transactions within the evolving electric vehicle battery sector.
Key clients
Korea National Oil Corporation, POSCO, SK Innovation
Work highlights
Represented Novozymes in its $12.3 billion merger with Chr. Hansen, securing unconditional clearance from the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC). This high-profile transaction united two of Denmark's largest global biotechnology companies, attracting worldwide industry attention. With the merged entity's consolidated assets totalling approximately W40 trillion ($30 billion), the deal required merger filings in multiple key jurisdictions, including the EU, US and China. The successful KFTC clearance marked a significant milestone in this complex, cross-border merger.
Advised T-Way, a leading Korean low-cost carrier, during the European Commission's merger review of the $1.34 billion Korean Air-Asiana merger. T-Way sought to become the remedy taker for passenger flights in this crucial transaction. This strategic move presented T-Way with substantial growth opportunities, potentially granting access to valuable EU traffic rights and airport slots. The deal not only promises to elevate T-Way's market position but also aligns with Korea's national interests by facilitating the reestablishment of a financially stable national carrier.
Key clients
Korean Bar Association and Seoul Bar Association, Stratasys, Tapestry
Work highlights
Advised NH Investment & Securities and domestic financial institutions on financing MBK-UCK consortium's acquisition of Osstem Implant. The transaction involved tender offers and a purchase from the target company's largest shareholder. The unprecedented scale of the tender offers garnered significant market attention.
Advised Kookmin Bank, Korea Development Bank, and other domestic financial institutions on financing the Dongbu Underground Expressway project. As legal counsel to the mandated lead arrangers, the firm successfully concluded negotiations lasting over a year, navigating challenges posed by the 2023 global interest rate hike and balancing the interests of the construction company and financial institutions.
Advised Kookmin Bank and domestic financial institutions on financing the SK Multi Utility combined heat and power plant project. This groundbreaking project was the first power plant established through spinoff, the first to voluntarily switch from coal to LNG-based fuel on SK Chemical's ESG decision, and the first to directly import LNG, bypassing KOGAS. The firm provided comprehensive advice from the project's inception, including structuring the spinoff, securing necessary permits, and negotiating key transaction documents such as fuel supply agreements, EPC contracts, and long-term service agreements.
Key clients
Crédit Agricole Corporate Investment Bank, Kiwoom Securities, Woori Bank, Samsung Securities
