Lee & Ko: Warning
Regarding Impersonation
and Fraudulent Activity
Regarding Impersonation
and Fraudulent Activity
We have recently become aware of various
fraudulent activities involving the impersonation of
Lee & Ko. These scams utilize the unauthorized use
of our firm's name, logo, and the photos or profiles
of our attorneys to solicit investments, defraud
individuals, attempt phishing, and distribute
malicious emails via social media
and other online platforms.
These fraudulent communications may appear
under subject lines such as "Intellectual Property
Rights Infringement Notice" or "Copyright
Infringement Notice." They may also involve
requests for funds, investment proposals, or
brokerage services, among other
deceptive practices.
Please be advised that Lee & Ko and our
professionals do not, under any circumstances,
solicit investments, provide brokerage services, or
request personal information through
such channels.
If you receive any suspicious communications, do
not open the email or message (or any
attachments). Please report the incident
immediately to mail@leeko.com or the police (112
in Korea), and subsequently delete the message.
법무법인(유) 광장
사칭 범죄 유의 안내
사칭 범죄 유의 안내
최근 법무법인(유) 광장의 명의, 로고,
소속 변호사 사진, 프로필 등을 사칭하여
SNS 투자권유, 금원 편취, 피싱 시도, 이메일 유포 등을 하는
다양한 사칭 형태가 발생하고 있습니다.
사칭 이메일이나 메시지는 "지적 재산권 침해 통지서"
또는 "저작권 침해 통지" 등의 제목일 수도 있고,
여하한 명목의 금원 요청이나,
투자권유 또는 주선행위일 수 있으나,
그 외에도 다양한 사칭행위가 있을 수 있습니다.
법무법인(유) 광장이나 광장의 전문가들은 어떠한 경우에도
투자권유 또는 주선, 개인정보 요청을 하지 않습니다.
사칭하는 의심스러운 연락을 받으시는 경우,
절대 이메일이나 메시지를 열지 마시고 mail@leeko.com
또는 112로 신고 후 삭제하여 주시기 바랍니다
오늘 하루 닫기
Close Today's Window
1
RECENT
INSIGHT
3
NEW
HIRES
Yang Ho PARK
(朴良浩)
Yang Ho Park, a partner at Lee & Ko, brings nearly 18 years of dedication and experience from the Prosecution Service to his specialized practice in criminal defense.
During his tenure at the Prosecution Service, Mr. Park served as a prosecutor in multiple regional offices such as the Criminal Division I at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, the Special Crime Investigation Department at the Ulsan District Prosecutors’ Office as well as key roles at the Office of the Inspection General, Prosecution Service Division, and Legal Affairs Division at the Ministry of Justice. In addition, he held specialized prosecutorial positions handling special crimes at Uijeongbu and Jeonju District Prosecutors’ Offices and crimes committed by foreign residents in Korea at Incheon District Prosecutors’ Office. Leveraging his extensive prosecutorial background, Mr. Park now adeptly represents and advises clients in cases involving matters related to anti-corruption, violations of the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act, serious accidents, financial crimes, and customs disputes. He also provides support on issues relating to amendment and interpretation of corporate-related laws and regulations, and offers strategic advice on matters pertinent to legal-tech industries.
READ MORE
During his tenure at the Prosecution Service, Mr. Park served as a prosecutor in multiple regional offices such as the Criminal Division I at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, the Special Crime Investigation Department at the Ulsan District Prosecutors’ Office as well as key roles at the Office of the Inspection General, Prosecution Service Division, and Legal Affairs Division at the Ministry of Justice. In addition, he held specialized prosecutorial positions handling special crimes at Uijeongbu and Jeonju District Prosecutors’ Offices and crimes committed by foreign residents in Korea at Incheon District Prosecutors’ Office. Leveraging his extensive prosecutorial background, Mr. Park now adeptly represents and advises clients in cases involving matters related to anti-corruption, violations of the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act, serious accidents, financial crimes, and customs disputes. He also provides support on issues relating to amendment and interpretation of corporate-related laws and regulations, and offers strategic advice on matters pertinent to legal-tech industries.
Suh Hee HAN
(韓瑞姬)
Suh Hee Han is a leading practitioner with over ten years of experience advising on and representing clients in the digital assets and digital finance markets. Her practice spans both advisory and dispute matters across the full lifecycle of digital asset and digital finance businesses, with a particular focus on regulatory compliance, market entry, and risk management.
Ms. Han’s experience includes regulatory advice on new business initiatives of digital asset service providers; reporting filings for virtual asset service providers; anti-money laundering (AML) programs and internal control frameworks; ISMS-related compliance; financial institutions’ entry into the digital asset business; overseas stablecoin issuance projects; legal analyses on the nature and classification of digital assets; and matters relating to the issuance and distribution of tokenized securities and investment contract securities. She also advises on applications for regulatory sandbox programs (Innovative Financial Services) in the digital finance sector, as well as broader legislative and policy developments governing digital assets and digital finance.
Ms. Han currently serves as Co-Head of the Virtual Asset Team of Lee & Ko’s Digital Assets Center.
READ MORE
Ms. Han’s experience includes regulatory advice on new business initiatives of digital asset service providers; reporting filings for virtual asset service providers; anti-money laundering (AML) programs and internal control frameworks; ISMS-related compliance; financial institutions’ entry into the digital asset business; overseas stablecoin issuance projects; legal analyses on the nature and classification of digital assets; and matters relating to the issuance and distribution of tokenized securities and investment contract securities. She also advises on applications for regulatory sandbox programs (Innovative Financial Services) in the digital finance sector, as well as broader legislative and policy developments governing digital assets and digital finance.
Ms. Han currently serves as Co-Head of the Virtual Asset Team of Lee & Ko’s Digital Assets Center.
Ji Heon Koo
(具志憲)
Jiheon Koo is a Certified Public Accountant specializing in corporate and financial taxation, with deep expertise in the real estate and alternative investment sectors. He has extensive experience advising a broad spectrum of clients, including financial holding companies, asset management firms, and major domestic enterprises in the manufacturing and construction industries, on complex tax matters and audit defense strategies.
His practice covers tax diagnosis, rectification claims, and tax appeals involving both national and local taxes. Mr. Koo has also advised on complex corporate governance restructurings, including mergers and spin-offs, and provided specialized counsel on local tax incentives, heavy taxation issues, and valuation of unlisted shares under the Inheritance and Gift Tax Act. In addition, he offers strategic financial advisory and feasibility reviews for large-scale infrastructure and real estate projects, supporting financial institutions, REITs, and PFVs in achieving tax-efficient structures while ensuring full regulatory compliance.
READ MORE
His practice covers tax diagnosis, rectification claims, and tax appeals involving both national and local taxes. Mr. Koo has also advised on complex corporate governance restructurings, including mergers and spin-offs, and provided specialized counsel on local tax incentives, heavy taxation issues, and valuation of unlisted shares under the Inheritance and Gift Tax Act. In addition, he offers strategic financial advisory and feasibility reviews for large-scale infrastructure and real estate projects, supporting financial institutions, REITs, and PFVs in achieving tax-efficient structures while ensuring full regulatory compliance.
Hoo Gon Kim
(金煦坤)
Hoo Gon Kim served as a prosecutor for 27 years until 2022, followed by three years in private practice before joining Lee & Ko, where he currently serves as the Managing Partner overseeing the White-Collar Crime Practice Group. During his tenure as a prosecutor, he worked in specialized divisions such as the Special Investigation Division and the High-Tech Crime Investigation Division, handling high-profile cases involving senior public officials and corporate corruption, overseas leakage of national core technologies, defense industry corruption, IT-related crimes, and personal information breaches. He was also seconded to the Korea Communications Commission, where he acted as a legal advisor on key industry issues, including mergers in the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors and sports broadcasting rights.
Throughout his prosecutorial career, Mr. Kim held key leadership roles such as Senior Research Officer at the Supreme Public Prosecutors Office’s Anti-Corruption Bureau, Chief Prosecutor of the First Special Investigation Division at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office, and Chief Prosecutor of the Special Investigation Division at the Suwon District Prosecutors Office, where he directed investigations into major corruption cases, demonstrating exceptional case resolution capabilities. As Spokesperson of the Supreme Public Prosecutors Office, he developed strong expertise in investigative public relations and communications. After being promoted to the Chief Prosecutor, he served as Director of the Appellate Litigation Bureau at the Supreme Public Prosecutors Office and as Director General of the Ministry of Justice’s Planning and Coordination Office. In these roles, he founded the "Trial Avengers" team to enhance trial expertise, led initiatives to improve the recovery and enforcement of criminal proceeds, and played a central role in formulating key policies for the Ministry of Justice and the prosecution service. He subsequently served as Chief Prosecutor of the Northern District of Seoul, Daegu, and the Seoul High Prosecutors Office, where he handled significant socially sensitive and corporate cases with fairness and sound judgment. Recognizing the rapid changes in technology, he founded and led the AI & Blockchain Community, a research group dedicated to addressing legal challenges arising from advancements in IT, including artificial intelligence and blockchain technology.
Drawing on this extensive experience, Mr. Kim now advises and represents clients in major criminal matters and corporate advisory work across industries, including corporate law, capital markets, virtual assets, technology theft, and real estate. He remains committed to delivering optimal solutions for his clients through deep expertise and strategic insight.
READ MORE
Throughout his prosecutorial career, Mr. Kim held key leadership roles such as Senior Research Officer at the Supreme Public Prosecutors Office’s Anti-Corruption Bureau, Chief Prosecutor of the First Special Investigation Division at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office, and Chief Prosecutor of the Special Investigation Division at the Suwon District Prosecutors Office, where he directed investigations into major corruption cases, demonstrating exceptional case resolution capabilities. As Spokesperson of the Supreme Public Prosecutors Office, he developed strong expertise in investigative public relations and communications. After being promoted to the Chief Prosecutor, he served as Director of the Appellate Litigation Bureau at the Supreme Public Prosecutors Office and as Director General of the Ministry of Justice’s Planning and Coordination Office. In these roles, he founded the "Trial Avengers" team to enhance trial expertise, led initiatives to improve the recovery and enforcement of criminal proceeds, and played a central role in formulating key policies for the Ministry of Justice and the prosecution service. He subsequently served as Chief Prosecutor of the Northern District of Seoul, Daegu, and the Seoul High Prosecutors Office, where he handled significant socially sensitive and corporate cases with fairness and sound judgment. Recognizing the rapid changes in technology, he founded and led the AI & Blockchain Community, a research group dedicated to addressing legal challenges arising from advancements in IT, including artificial intelligence and blockchain technology.
Drawing on this extensive experience, Mr. Kim now advises and represents clients in major criminal matters and corporate advisory work across industries, including corporate law, capital markets, virtual assets, technology theft, and real estate. He remains committed to delivering optimal solutions for his clients through deep expertise and strategic insight.
Eunho KANG
(姜恩湖)
Eunho Kang is one of Korea’s foremost authorities on defense acquisition and defense industry policy, with more than 30 years of distinguished public service. He served as the 11th Minister of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and was the first official to be internally promoted to lead the organization. Since the establishment of DAPA in 2006, Mr. Kang has played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing Korea’s defense acquisition system.
Over the course of his approximately 32-year career, including service in the force policy divisions of the Ministry of National Defense, Mr. Kang has accumulated comprehensive experience across the full spectrum of defense acquisition. His work has encompassed program management, operational oversight, and high-level policy formulation, as well as strategic decision-making at the national level.
Drawing on this dept of experience, Mr. Kang advises domestic and international defense companies on strategic matters related to defense industry development, international cooperation, and global market expansion. He has particular expertise in supporting Korean defense companies in their overseas market entry strategies and in facilitating collaboration between Korean and foreign defense industry partners. Having overseen a broad range of defense acquisition and international cooperation projects, he brings deep insight into the policy, regulatory, and technological dynamics shaping the global defense sector.
Mr. Kang currently serves as Professor and Head of the Department of Advanced Defense Industry at Jeonbuk National University, where he also directs the Defense Industry Research Institute.
READ MORE
Over the course of his approximately 32-year career, including service in the force policy divisions of the Ministry of National Defense, Mr. Kang has accumulated comprehensive experience across the full spectrum of defense acquisition. His work has encompassed program management, operational oversight, and high-level policy formulation, as well as strategic decision-making at the national level.
Drawing on this dept of experience, Mr. Kang advises domestic and international defense companies on strategic matters related to defense industry development, international cooperation, and global market expansion. He has particular expertise in supporting Korean defense companies in their overseas market entry strategies and in facilitating collaboration between Korean and foreign defense industry partners. Having overseen a broad range of defense acquisition and international cooperation projects, he brings deep insight into the policy, regulatory, and technological dynamics shaping the global defense sector.
Mr. Kang currently serves as Professor and Head of the Department of Advanced Defense Industry at Jeonbuk National University, where he also directs the Defense Industry Research Institute.
Youn Seob LEE
(李潤燮)
Mr. Youn Seob Lee is an expert on environmental issues with 27 years of experience at the Ministry of Environment, where he developed a deep understanding and expertise in analyzing and addressing various environmental issues. He has also acquired global expertise in environmental issues through his work at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in China. Additionally, he has extensive experience in dealing with environmental issues from a corporate perspective, having served as an environmental advisor for major domestic companies.
At Lee & Ko Environment and ESG teams, Mr. Lee offers high-level integrated solutions in areas such as obtaining environmental permits and licenses, developing ESG management strategies, managing product safety, responding to environmental accidents, and regulatory reforms.
READ MORE
At Lee & Ko Environment and ESG teams, Mr. Lee offers high-level integrated solutions in areas such as obtaining environmental permits and licenses, developing ESG management strategies, managing product safety, responding to environmental accidents, and regulatory reforms.
Zac SHARPE
Zac Sharpe has extensive experience in complex international disputes, including international arbitration and enforcement proceedings in multiple jurisdictions. He has lived and worked in Asia for nearly two decades and his practice covers energy, engineering and construction, investor-state, health care/life sciences, technology, joint venture and M&A disputes.
Zac has acted as counsel in multibillion dollar disputes and in arbitration proceedings at major arbitration centers across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. He has extensive experience with high stakes and complex disputes involving multiple jurisdictions.
He has represented clients in arbitration proceedings under the rules of the International Chamber of Commerce, the London Court of International Arbitration, the Singapore International Arbitration Centre, the International Center for Dispute Resolution, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Korean Commercial Arbitration Board, the Hong Kong International Arbitration Center and the London Maritime Arbitrators Association.
Zac is a solicitor advocate with higher rights of audience in the Senior (Civil) Courts of England & Wales. Zac is also admitted as an attorney in New York and admitted as a foreign lawyer in the Singapore International Commercial Court.
“…one of the most impressive practitioners in the Singapore arbitration space; he is recognized for “considerable experience in construction having worked in-house.”
“Zachary is a highly experienced practitioner, particularly in Korean matters”. “He has the ability to digest the details and to present them all when needed”.
“Zachary is an excellent lawyer and I thoroughly recommend him”; “He is a really good guy who builds very strong client relationships”.
- Who's Who Legal: Arbitration — Future Leaders (2018, 2020-2024) -
“A standout partner who exemplifies leadership and deep legal acumen is Zachary Sharpe. His strategic insights and mastery in navigating complex cross-border disputes have consistently resulted in favorable outcomes for clients. His reputation for integrity and dedication makes him a trusted adviser and a formidable advocate in the arbitration community”.
- The Legal 500 Asia Pacific — "Next Generation Partner" (2021-2023) -
READ MORE
Zac has acted as counsel in multibillion dollar disputes and in arbitration proceedings at major arbitration centers across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. He has extensive experience with high stakes and complex disputes involving multiple jurisdictions.
He has represented clients in arbitration proceedings under the rules of the International Chamber of Commerce, the London Court of International Arbitration, the Singapore International Arbitration Centre, the International Center for Dispute Resolution, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Korean Commercial Arbitration Board, the Hong Kong International Arbitration Center and the London Maritime Arbitrators Association.
Zac is a solicitor advocate with higher rights of audience in the Senior (Civil) Courts of England & Wales. Zac is also admitted as an attorney in New York and admitted as a foreign lawyer in the Singapore International Commercial Court.
“…one of the most impressive practitioners in the Singapore arbitration space; he is recognized for “considerable experience in construction having worked in-house.”
“Zachary is a highly experienced practitioner, particularly in Korean matters”. “He has the ability to digest the details and to present them all when needed”.
“Zachary is an excellent lawyer and I thoroughly recommend him”; “He is a really good guy who builds very strong client relationships”.
- Who's Who Legal: Arbitration — Future Leaders (2018, 2020-2024) -
“A standout partner who exemplifies leadership and deep legal acumen is Zachary Sharpe. His strategic insights and mastery in navigating complex cross-border disputes have consistently resulted in favorable outcomes for clients. His reputation for integrity and dedication makes him a trusted adviser and a formidable advocate in the arbitration community”.
- The Legal 500 Asia Pacific — "Next Generation Partner" (2021-2023) -
Jeong Hwa KIM
(金正和)
Jeong Hwa Kim is a partner in the Criminal Defense Group at Lee & Ko. Before joining the firm in 2026, she served for ten years as a prosecutor, most recently leading labor and serious industrial accident cases at the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office.
Over the course of her prosecutorial career, Ms. Kim established a strong track record in labor and occupational safety matters. She handled significant unfair labor practice cases involving listed companies and investigated alleged violations of the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act by major platform operators and educational foundations. She also led prosecutions involving serious accidents at large-scale construction sites and industrial facilities. Reflecting her recognized expertise in this area, she served in 2025 as General Supervisor of the Prosecution Service’s Manual on Serious Industrial Accident Cases.
In addition, Ms. Kim played a leading role in research on artificial intelligence and advanced technologies within the prosecution service. She headed both the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office AI and Blockchain Community and the AI Criminal Law Research Group, and authored multiple papers in these fields. She also actively participated in international discussions on these emerging issues, demonstrating strong cross-border communication capabilities by serving as both moderator and simultaneous interpreter at international conferences on digital assets attended by prosecutors from various jurisdictions.
Based on this experience, Ms. Kim advises clients across a wide range of matters, including crimes involving artificial intelligence and virtual assets, labor and serious industrial accident cases, cross-border criminal disputes, and compliance issues.
READ MORE
Over the course of her prosecutorial career, Ms. Kim established a strong track record in labor and occupational safety matters. She handled significant unfair labor practice cases involving listed companies and investigated alleged violations of the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act by major platform operators and educational foundations. She also led prosecutions involving serious accidents at large-scale construction sites and industrial facilities. Reflecting her recognized expertise in this area, she served in 2025 as General Supervisor of the Prosecution Service’s Manual on Serious Industrial Accident Cases.
In addition, Ms. Kim played a leading role in research on artificial intelligence and advanced technologies within the prosecution service. She headed both the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office AI and Blockchain Community and the AI Criminal Law Research Group, and authored multiple papers in these fields. She also actively participated in international discussions on these emerging issues, demonstrating strong cross-border communication capabilities by serving as both moderator and simultaneous interpreter at international conferences on digital assets attended by prosecutors from various jurisdictions.
Based on this experience, Ms. Kim advises clients across a wide range of matters, including crimes involving artificial intelligence and virtual assets, labor and serious industrial accident cases, cross-border criminal disputes, and compliance issues.
Geun Hyuk YOO
(柳根赫)
Geun Hyuk Yoo, Senior Advisor at Lee & Ko, is a nationally recognized expert in health policy and public administration, with over 30 years of distinguished service in the Korean government, including high-level roles at the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Office of the President. Most notably, he served as the Second Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, where he spearheaded major reforms in the healthcare system and led strategic initiatives to advance the healthcare industry.
At Lee & Ko, Mr. Yoo leverages his deep institutional knowledge and regulatory expertise to advise clients across a wide spectrum of matters related to healthcare policy, hospital and medical service delivery systems, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, tobacco control policy, and food safety. He also plays a pivotal role in guiding clients through rapidly evolving sectors such as new drug development, cutting-edge medical technologies, and innovative medical devices. His advisory work focuses in particular on regulatory approvals, pricing strategies, and reimbursement under the national health insurance system, which are essential for achieving market access and successful commercialization in Korea’s healthcare sector.
READ MORE
At Lee & Ko, Mr. Yoo leverages his deep institutional knowledge and regulatory expertise to advise clients across a wide spectrum of matters related to healthcare policy, hospital and medical service delivery systems, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, tobacco control policy, and food safety. He also plays a pivotal role in guiding clients through rapidly evolving sectors such as new drug development, cutting-edge medical technologies, and innovative medical devices. His advisory work focuses in particular on regulatory approvals, pricing strategies, and reimbursement under the national health insurance system, which are essential for achieving market access and successful commercialization in Korea’s healthcare sector.
Ju Eun SHIM
(沈周恩)
Ju Eun Shim is a partner at our Anti-Trust & Competition Practice Group. Ms. Shim joined Lee & Ko after working for over twenty years at the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC). At KFTC, she worked at numerous posts, including Competition Bureau, Consumer Protection Bureau, Litigation Team, Deliberation Management Division and Subcontract Investigation Division and was in charge of investigating various unfair practices, revising regulations, managing deliberation of commissioners and overseeing legal proceedings against KFTC.
She is a highly regarded fair competition expert with a wealth of hands-on experience. Ms. Shim has experience in all stages Competition Law cases and provides expert precautionary advice to avoid violations of Competition Law and effective and practical countermeasures during the KFTC’s investigation, deliberation and litigation proceedings.
READ MORE
She is a highly regarded fair competition expert with a wealth of hands-on experience. Ms. Shim has experience in all stages Competition Law cases and provides expert precautionary advice to avoid violations of Competition Law and effective and practical countermeasures during the KFTC’s investigation, deliberation and litigation proceedings.
Kwonkyu RHEE
(李權圭)
Kwonkyu Rhee joined Lee & Ko in 2026 after serving for 12 years with the Korean National Police Agency, most recently as Chief of the Criminal Division at a district police station in Seoul. During his police service, he worked in the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Intelligent Crime Investigation Unit (now the Metropolitan Investigation Unit) and at district police stations in Seoul, building extensive experience in investigations and criminal matters. He draws on this experience to advise and represent clients in a wide range of criminal matters and to provide practical and effective legal solutions.
READ MORE
Kyung Duk AN
(安庚德)
Kyung Duk An is a highly respected authority in labor policy, human resources, and workplace safety, with over 30 years of distinguished service at the Ministry of Employment and Labor of the Republic of Korea. Over the course of his career, he held numerous senior leadership roles, including Director General of the Occupational Safety and Health Office, Director General of the Regional Employment and Labor Office, Deputy Minister of the Planning and Management Office, Director General of the Labor Policy Office, and Standing Committee Member of the Economic, Social & Labor Council, where he played a central role in shaping and implementing national labor and employment strategies. He culminated his public service as the 8th Minister of Employment and Labor.
Drawing on extensive experience in both policy development and field operations, Mr. An offers tailored, results-driven advisory services across the areas of human resources, labor relations, and industrial safety. He helps companies effectively manage personnel issues, ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations, and design workplace safety systems that support business continuity and legal integrity. His strategic guidance enables clients to mitigate regulatory risks, prevent labor disputes, and build resilient, forward-looking HR and safety frameworks.
READ MORE
Drawing on extensive experience in both policy development and field operations, Mr. An offers tailored, results-driven advisory services across the areas of human resources, labor relations, and industrial safety. He helps companies effectively manage personnel issues, ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations, and design workplace safety systems that support business continuity and legal integrity. His strategic guidance enables clients to mitigate regulatory risks, prevent labor disputes, and build resilient, forward-looking HR and safety frameworks.
Seung Gyu LEE
(李承揆)
Seung Gyu Lee is a partner in the Litigation & Arbitration Group. Mr. Lee focuses his practice on civil litigation, criminal defense, administrative disputes, and construction and real estate matters.
Mr. Lee joined Lee & Ko in 2020 after a distinguished 16-year career in the judiciary, which commenced at the Seoul Central District Court in 2004. During his judicial tenure, he served in key positions across the court system, including as Director of Judicial Policy at the National Court Administration, Presiding Judge at the Suncheon Branch of the Gwangju District Court, and Professor at the Judicial Research & Training Institute. He presided over a broad spectrum of civil and criminal cases involving both individual and corporate parties. In recognition of his judicial excellence, he was selected as an “Outstanding Judge” by the Gwangju Bar Association in 2016.
Drawing on his expertise and experience in corporate litigation developed as a judge, in-house legal counsel, and litigation attorney at Lee & Ko, Mr. Lee advises and represents clients in complex corporate disputes across civil and criminal proceedings, delivering strategic and practical legal solutions.
READ MORE
Mr. Lee joined Lee & Ko in 2020 after a distinguished 16-year career in the judiciary, which commenced at the Seoul Central District Court in 2004. During his judicial tenure, he served in key positions across the court system, including as Director of Judicial Policy at the National Court Administration, Presiding Judge at the Suncheon Branch of the Gwangju District Court, and Professor at the Judicial Research & Training Institute. He presided over a broad spectrum of civil and criminal cases involving both individual and corporate parties. In recognition of his judicial excellence, he was selected as an “Outstanding Judge” by the Gwangju Bar Association in 2016.
Drawing on his expertise and experience in corporate litigation developed as a judge, in-house legal counsel, and litigation attorney at Lee & Ko, Mr. Lee advises and represents clients in complex corporate disputes across civil and criminal proceedings, delivering strategic and practical legal solutions.
Sang Hyun LEE
(李相賢)
Sang Hyun Lee is a Partner specializing in criminal defense at Lee & Ko since 2024. Prior to this role, he dedicated nearly 20 years to the Prosecution Service, with his last career highlight as the Chief Prosecutor of the Gyeongju Branch of the Daegu District Prosecutors’ Office.
During his tenure at the Prosecution Service, Mr. Lee held various positions across different regional offices, starting as a Deputy Senior Prosecutor of the Public Security Department at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office and advancing to a Senior Prosecutor of the Public Security Department at the Ulsan and Daejeon District Prosecutors’ Offices, as well as the Public Security Division II at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office. As a Certified Class 2 “Blue Belt” Prosecutor in Labor accredited by the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office since 2021, he has been hailed as one of few professionals with excellence specializing in serious accident, labor, election, and political finance matters.
In addition, Mr. Lee has extensive experience and expertise in the fields of anti-corruption, public corruption, and violent crime investigations, including corporate-related fraud, embezzlement, breach of trust, violent crimes involving drugs, and public corruption matters, accumulated through his decade-long career working as a Prosecutor of the Special Crime Investigation Department at the Ulsan District Prosecutors’ Office, the Violent Crime Investigation Department at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, and as a Senior Prosecutor of the Criminal DivisionⅤ at the Daejeon District Prosecutors’ Office dedicated to special and violent crimes and public security investigations, as well as the Criminal Division III at the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office dedicated to violent crime investigations.
READ MORE
During his tenure at the Prosecution Service, Mr. Lee held various positions across different regional offices, starting as a Deputy Senior Prosecutor of the Public Security Department at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office and advancing to a Senior Prosecutor of the Public Security Department at the Ulsan and Daejeon District Prosecutors’ Offices, as well as the Public Security Division II at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office. As a Certified Class 2 “Blue Belt” Prosecutor in Labor accredited by the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office since 2021, he has been hailed as one of few professionals with excellence specializing in serious accident, labor, election, and political finance matters.
In addition, Mr. Lee has extensive experience and expertise in the fields of anti-corruption, public corruption, and violent crime investigations, including corporate-related fraud, embezzlement, breach of trust, violent crimes involving drugs, and public corruption matters, accumulated through his decade-long career working as a Prosecutor of the Special Crime Investigation Department at the Ulsan District Prosecutors’ Office, the Violent Crime Investigation Department at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, and as a Senior Prosecutor of the Criminal DivisionⅤ at the Daejeon District Prosecutors’ Office dedicated to special and violent crimes and public security investigations, as well as the Criminal Division III at the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office dedicated to violent crime investigations.
Wonjun CHUNG
(丁元俊)
Wonjun Chung is a Senior Research Specialist with extensive experience in legislative research and policy advisory work in the fields of IT and digital regulation. Since joining Lee & Ko, he has been engaged in legislative research, legislative consulting, and regulatory and policy advisory services relating to artificial intelligence law, data law, personal information protection law, intellectual property law, and science and technology law, drawing upon his prior experience in government advisory and policy research.
Mr. Chung received his Ph.D. in Intellectual Property Law from Korea University. Prior to joining Lee & Ko, he worked for approximately 14 years at government-funded research institutes, including the Korea Information Society Development Institute and the Korea Legislation Research Institute, where he served as Head of the AI Legislation Team. He has been widely recognized as a principal investigator with distinguished expertise in bridging legal theory and practice.
He has actively contributed to the development of national policies through advisory roles and committee activities for numerous government bodies, including the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Presidential Council on National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, the Office for Government Policy Coordination, the Personal Information Protection Commission, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Ministry of Intellectual Property, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. In recognition of his contributions to national policy development, he has received multiple honors, including the Prime Minister’s Commendation for Contributions to Information and Communications and three Ministerial Commendations.
In addition, Mr. Chung has authored numerous books and academic articles addressing a wide range of legal issues arising in the digital era. He also actively participates in scholarly activities and serves as an executive member of major academic societies, including the Korean Association for Artificial Intelligence and Law, the Korea Data Artificial Intelligence Law and Policy Society, the Korea Personal Information Protection Law Association, the Korean Academic Society of Business Administration and Law, the Korean Copyright Law Association, and the Korean Society of Property Law.
READ MORE
Mr. Chung received his Ph.D. in Intellectual Property Law from Korea University. Prior to joining Lee & Ko, he worked for approximately 14 years at government-funded research institutes, including the Korea Information Society Development Institute and the Korea Legislation Research Institute, where he served as Head of the AI Legislation Team. He has been widely recognized as a principal investigator with distinguished expertise in bridging legal theory and practice.
He has actively contributed to the development of national policies through advisory roles and committee activities for numerous government bodies, including the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Presidential Council on National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, the Office for Government Policy Coordination, the Personal Information Protection Commission, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Ministry of Intellectual Property, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. In recognition of his contributions to national policy development, he has received multiple honors, including the Prime Minister’s Commendation for Contributions to Information and Communications and three Ministerial Commendations.
In addition, Mr. Chung has authored numerous books and academic articles addressing a wide range of legal issues arising in the digital era. He also actively participates in scholarly activities and serves as an executive member of major academic societies, including the Korean Association for Artificial Intelligence and Law, the Korea Data Artificial Intelligence Law and Policy Society, the Korea Personal Information Protection Law Association, the Korean Academic Society of Business Administration and Law, the Korean Copyright Law Association, and the Korean Society of Property Law.
Hun Heo
(許勳)
Hun Heo joined Lee & Ko in 2025 following a distinguished 17-year career as a public prosecutor, most recently serving as Chief of the Public Investigation Department at the Suwon District Prosecutors’ Office. He brings extensive expertise in serious industrial accident cases, labor-related criminal matters, public security and election law, and corporate crime investigations.
Throughout his prosecutorial career, Mr. Heo held a number of key leadership and investigative roles, including in the Public Security Divisions of the Seoul Central and Busan District Prosecutors’ Offices, Deputy Chief Prosecutor responsible for serious industrial accident cases at the Anyang Branch, Chief Prosecutor of the Public Investigation Division at the Seongnam Branch, and Head of the Miryang Branch.
He led and supervised multiple high-profile cases, including a fatal fire at a battery manufacturing facility, a major wage arrears case involving the chairman of a major corporation, and an obstruction of union activities case involving an affiliate of a large conglomerate. In 2022, he was certified as a Specialized Prosecutor in Labor Affairs by the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office and earned his master’s degree in labor law from Korea University.
With a strong academic foundation and extensive experience across all stages of criminal investigation and prosecution, Mr. Heo is highly regarded for his expertise in industrial safety and serious accident cases, labor and employment criminal matters, election and political fund violations, corporate misconduct, and anti-corruption investigations.
READ MORE
Throughout his prosecutorial career, Mr. Heo held a number of key leadership and investigative roles, including in the Public Security Divisions of the Seoul Central and Busan District Prosecutors’ Offices, Deputy Chief Prosecutor responsible for serious industrial accident cases at the Anyang Branch, Chief Prosecutor of the Public Investigation Division at the Seongnam Branch, and Head of the Miryang Branch.
He led and supervised multiple high-profile cases, including a fatal fire at a battery manufacturing facility, a major wage arrears case involving the chairman of a major corporation, and an obstruction of union activities case involving an affiliate of a large conglomerate. In 2022, he was certified as a Specialized Prosecutor in Labor Affairs by the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office and earned his master’s degree in labor law from Korea University.
With a strong academic foundation and extensive experience across all stages of criminal investigation and prosecution, Mr. Heo is highly regarded for his expertise in industrial safety and serious accident cases, labor and employment criminal matters, election and political fund violations, corporate misconduct, and anti-corruption investigations.
Sung Kyu LEE
(李崇圭)
Sung Kyu Lee is a leading specialist in the Antitrust & Competition Practice Group at Lee & Ko. He has over two decades of distinguished experience at the Korea Fair Trade Commission (“KFTC”), where he held senior positions across key divisions, including the Abuse of Market Dominance, Merger Review and Cartel Investigation. During his tenure at the KFTC, Mr. Lee played a pivotal role in handling a wide range of high-profile merger reviews, cartel investigations, and abuse of dominance cases.
In addition to his extensive public sector career, Mr. Lee also served as Senior Director for Fair Trade Policy at Coupang Inc., one of Korea’s leading platform companies, where he managed and advised on complex regulatory compliance and platform-related competition issues.
Mr. Lee holds a Ph.D. in Law from Hanyang University, where his doctoral research focused on the anti-competitive implications of big data. His academic expertise, combined with his deep practical experience in competition law enforcement and policy development, enables him to provide strategic and well-rounded advice to clients navigating complex antitrust challenges in both traditional and digital markets.
READ MORE
In addition to his extensive public sector career, Mr. Lee also served as Senior Director for Fair Trade Policy at Coupang Inc., one of Korea’s leading platform companies, where he managed and advised on complex regulatory compliance and platform-related competition issues.
Mr. Lee holds a Ph.D. in Law from Hanyang University, where his doctoral research focused on the anti-competitive implications of big data. His academic expertise, combined with his deep practical experience in competition law enforcement and policy development, enables him to provide strategic and well-rounded advice to clients navigating complex antitrust challenges in both traditional and digital markets.
In Mo SEONG
(成仁模)
In Mo Seong is a financial investment industry expert with nearly 35 years of experience at the Korea Financial Investment Association (KOFIA). He advises on various issues based on his extensive experience in securities, asset management, real estate trusts, investment advisory, pensions, taxes, and self-regulation.
During his long career at KOFIA, Mr. Seong undertook the administration and management of the stock market stabilization fund, which was established in May 1990 to restore the stock market after the market crash. In 2001, when the KOSDAQ market was gaining momentum, he played a key role in developing a system for inspecting unfair trading practices. Additionally, he led the introduction of the current book-building system and the bond trading system (“K-Bond”), which enhanced transparency in the primary and secondary bond markets. His experience in revising the QIB system and Standard Bond Management Agreement enabled him to advice on the relevant business regulations. He has also been involved in legislative and regulatory reform tasks.
He has also actively participated in the regulatory efforts to facilitate corporate financing by financial investment companies. He has contributed to the revisions of the Capital Market Act and its regulations, focusing on areas relating to comprehensive financial investment companies, specialized securities companies for SMEs, expansion of corporate credit offerings, ethical wall regulations, and credit offerings to overseas corporations. He is knowledgeable on issues related to the Act and regulations.
Mr. Seong has a deep understanding of policies related to personal wealth management. He has been involved in the adoption of the Individual Savings Account (ISA), the default option for retirement pensions, fund supermarkets, door-to-door sales of financial investment products, and transfer of pension saving accounts between distributors, and the expansion of tax benefits for private equity fund of funds and high-yield funds.
He has also actively contributed to regulatory improvement initiatives, specifically in response to feedbacks and requests from foreign securities firms and asset management companies doing business in Korea. His contribution included advocating for the abolishment of the foreign investor registration system, addressing concerns regarding unpredictable short selling restriction periods, introducing a principle-based firewall regulations, proposing exceptions to network separation rules, streamlining the registration process for offshore funds, and enhancing tax schemes for funds.
READ MORE
During his long career at KOFIA, Mr. Seong undertook the administration and management of the stock market stabilization fund, which was established in May 1990 to restore the stock market after the market crash. In 2001, when the KOSDAQ market was gaining momentum, he played a key role in developing a system for inspecting unfair trading practices. Additionally, he led the introduction of the current book-building system and the bond trading system (“K-Bond”), which enhanced transparency in the primary and secondary bond markets. His experience in revising the QIB system and Standard Bond Management Agreement enabled him to advice on the relevant business regulations. He has also been involved in legislative and regulatory reform tasks.
He has also actively participated in the regulatory efforts to facilitate corporate financing by financial investment companies. He has contributed to the revisions of the Capital Market Act and its regulations, focusing on areas relating to comprehensive financial investment companies, specialized securities companies for SMEs, expansion of corporate credit offerings, ethical wall regulations, and credit offerings to overseas corporations. He is knowledgeable on issues related to the Act and regulations.
Mr. Seong has a deep understanding of policies related to personal wealth management. He has been involved in the adoption of the Individual Savings Account (ISA), the default option for retirement pensions, fund supermarkets, door-to-door sales of financial investment products, and transfer of pension saving accounts between distributors, and the expansion of tax benefits for private equity fund of funds and high-yield funds.
He has also actively contributed to regulatory improvement initiatives, specifically in response to feedbacks and requests from foreign securities firms and asset management companies doing business in Korea. His contribution included advocating for the abolishment of the foreign investor registration system, addressing concerns regarding unpredictable short selling restriction periods, introducing a principle-based firewall regulations, proposing exceptions to network separation rules, streamlining the registration process for offshore funds, and enhancing tax schemes for funds.
Taeho LEE
(李泰鎬)
Taeho Lee has been working as Senior Advisor in the International Trade Group of Lee & Ko since 2023. He has expertise in the international trade law and negotiations, both in bilateral and multilateral contexts, based on his 40-year long public service devoted mostly to the area of international economic diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During his illustrious career, he has participated, and later on, led Korean delegations, in a number of trade negotiations that were critically important to Korea’s national interest, including the negotiations under U.S. Super-301 exercise in the 1980s, conclusion of the Uruguay Round and launch of the World Trade Organization in the 1990s and Korea’s simultaneous pursuit of various FTAs, the Korea-US FTA and the Korea-European Union FTA in particular, in the 2000s and the 2010s. Equipped with his extensive experiences and expertise in international economic and trade norms and negotiations, he is actively engaged in the provision of critical legal assistance and advice to clients in their efforts to avoid overseas political risks and improve their competitive advantages.
READ MORE
Eun Young PARK
(朴恩瑛)
Eun Young Park is a partner and the firm’s Chair of the Global Disputes Group as well as Co-Head of International Arbitration.
Dr. Eun Young Park is a highly esteemed arbitration practitioner in Korea, widely regarded as one of the founding figures of the country’s arbitration practice. With more than 30 years of experience in international disputes, including commercial and investment treaty arbitration, he has established himself as one of the foremost authorities in international arbitration in Korea and around the world.
Dr. Park’s track record stands out for both its breadth and significance. Most notably, he successfully represented one of the largest U.S. defense companies in a litigation against the Korean government regarding foreign military sales (FMS) contracts at the Korean courts, advocating on behalf of the client before the Korean Supreme Court and the U.S. federal courts, which led complete victory to his client. Both in his capacity as an arbitrator and counsel, Dr. Park has handled cases covering a broad range of industry sectors, including M&A, finance and insurance, infrastructure, energy, joint ventures, intellectual property, technology, pharmaceutical matters, and overseas investments, under the rules of various arbitral institutions such as ICC, SIAC, JCAA, AIAC, and KCAB. He regularly sits as a co-arbitrator and a presiding arbitrator in high stake arbitration cases including USD 2 billion disputes.
Dr. Park’s leadership has been well recognized by the international arbitration community. After being appointed as a Court Member of the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) in 2012, Dr. Park served as the President of the LCIA Asia Pacific Users’ Council and Vice-President of the LCIA Court. He also served as the Vice-Chair of the International Bar Association (IBA) Arbitration Committee and as the inaugural Co-Chair of the IBA Asia Pacific Arbitration Practice Group. In 2014, he served as a member of the Subcommittee for drafting the IBA Guidelines on Conflict of Interests in International Arbitration. Dr. Park was also a board member of the Korean Council of International Arbitration and an Executive Member of the Seoul International Dispute Resolution Center. He recently retired from the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) Court of Arbitration where he served as a Court Member for 10 years.
He currently serves as a member of the ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR.
Dr. Park has earned numerous top rankings in the arbitration community. Among others, he has repeatedly been recognized as one of the “Leading Lawyers” in Chambers Asia-Pacific for International Arbitration, “Litigation Stars” in Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific for International Arbitration, and “Thought Leaders” in Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration. Notably, according to Chambers Asia Pacific 2021, he was recognized as “a titan of the Korean arbitration Bar, with a fearsome reputation that precedes him.” In 2024, Dr. Park was also recognized in a GAR article by one commentator as “tactically astute and indefatigable in championing his clients’ interests.” He was also awarded “Eminent Practitioner” by Chambers Global for Dispute Resolution: Arbitration in 2022, and Legal 500 listed him as “Leading Individual” in International Arbitration from the years 2014 to 2023.
Dr. Park was also awarded the title “Best Lawyers” by Chosun Biz in April 2022. He was also awarded the Grand Prize Award in Arbitration Practice at the Annual Korea Legal Awards in June 2020, which was co-hosted by the Korean media platform Money Today and the Korea In-house Counsel Association, for his innovative approach to arbitration and for his public contributions in the field. In 2018, the Republic of Korea officially honored him in recognition of his contribution to the promotion of arbitration.
Dr. Park has also contributed to the field of international arbitration through his works as an author in multiple publications, including “Appellate Review in Investor-State Arbitration, Reshaping the Investor-State Dispute Settlement System: Journeys for the 21st Century,” in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of ICSID Convention; “Legal Defenses to Claims” in The Investment Treaty Arbitration Review; and “Tackling Diverse Issues in Arbitration Agreement: Focusing on M&A, Finance, Distributorship, Technology, and Construction” in the Korea Arbitration Review. He also co-authored the book “Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods around the Globe.”
He has also written numerous articles on various arbitration-related topics, including emergency arbitration, interim relief, and document disclosure.
READ MORE
Dr. Eun Young Park is a highly esteemed arbitration practitioner in Korea, widely regarded as one of the founding figures of the country’s arbitration practice. With more than 30 years of experience in international disputes, including commercial and investment treaty arbitration, he has established himself as one of the foremost authorities in international arbitration in Korea and around the world.
Dr. Park’s track record stands out for both its breadth and significance. Most notably, he successfully represented one of the largest U.S. defense companies in a litigation against the Korean government regarding foreign military sales (FMS) contracts at the Korean courts, advocating on behalf of the client before the Korean Supreme Court and the U.S. federal courts, which led complete victory to his client. Both in his capacity as an arbitrator and counsel, Dr. Park has handled cases covering a broad range of industry sectors, including M&A, finance and insurance, infrastructure, energy, joint ventures, intellectual property, technology, pharmaceutical matters, and overseas investments, under the rules of various arbitral institutions such as ICC, SIAC, JCAA, AIAC, and KCAB. He regularly sits as a co-arbitrator and a presiding arbitrator in high stake arbitration cases including USD 2 billion disputes.
Dr. Park’s leadership has been well recognized by the international arbitration community. After being appointed as a Court Member of the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) in 2012, Dr. Park served as the President of the LCIA Asia Pacific Users’ Council and Vice-President of the LCIA Court. He also served as the Vice-Chair of the International Bar Association (IBA) Arbitration Committee and as the inaugural Co-Chair of the IBA Asia Pacific Arbitration Practice Group. In 2014, he served as a member of the Subcommittee for drafting the IBA Guidelines on Conflict of Interests in International Arbitration. Dr. Park was also a board member of the Korean Council of International Arbitration and an Executive Member of the Seoul International Dispute Resolution Center. He recently retired from the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) Court of Arbitration where he served as a Court Member for 10 years.
He currently serves as a member of the ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR.
Dr. Park has earned numerous top rankings in the arbitration community. Among others, he has repeatedly been recognized as one of the “Leading Lawyers” in Chambers Asia-Pacific for International Arbitration, “Litigation Stars” in Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific for International Arbitration, and “Thought Leaders” in Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration. Notably, according to Chambers Asia Pacific 2021, he was recognized as “a titan of the Korean arbitration Bar, with a fearsome reputation that precedes him.” In 2024, Dr. Park was also recognized in a GAR article by one commentator as “tactically astute and indefatigable in championing his clients’ interests.” He was also awarded “Eminent Practitioner” by Chambers Global for Dispute Resolution: Arbitration in 2022, and Legal 500 listed him as “Leading Individual” in International Arbitration from the years 2014 to 2023.
Dr. Park was also awarded the title “Best Lawyers” by Chosun Biz in April 2022. He was also awarded the Grand Prize Award in Arbitration Practice at the Annual Korea Legal Awards in June 2020, which was co-hosted by the Korean media platform Money Today and the Korea In-house Counsel Association, for his innovative approach to arbitration and for his public contributions in the field. In 2018, the Republic of Korea officially honored him in recognition of his contribution to the promotion of arbitration.
Dr. Park has also contributed to the field of international arbitration through his works as an author in multiple publications, including “Appellate Review in Investor-State Arbitration, Reshaping the Investor-State Dispute Settlement System: Journeys for the 21st Century,” in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of ICSID Convention; “Legal Defenses to Claims” in The Investment Treaty Arbitration Review; and “Tackling Diverse Issues in Arbitration Agreement: Focusing on M&A, Finance, Distributorship, Technology, and Construction” in the Korea Arbitration Review. He also co-authored the book “Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods around the Globe.”
He has also written numerous articles on various arbitration-related topics, including emergency arbitration, interim relief, and document disclosure.
Jung Won KIM
(金正元)
Jung Won Kim is an internationally recognized expert in constitutional law. He served as a judge for approximately 20 years at various district courts and the Seoul High Court, and for 13 years as Rapporteur Judge and Secretary General of the Constitutional Court of Korea. His extensive career combines deep experience in both trial and constitutional adjudication, as well as active engagement in international constitutional cooperation as a substitute member of the Venice Commission and head of the Permanent Secretariat for Research and Development of the Association of the Asian Constitutional Courts (AACC SRD).
In his judicial career, Mr. Kim handled a wide range of civil, criminal, and family cases, while also conducting specialized research and authoring numerous papers, including “The Duty to Appear as a Witness and Criminal Liability under the Statute Concerning Witness and Expert Opinion” and “When Is Perjury Completed as a Crime?” He contributed to the development of judicial scholarship through his work with the Research Group for Criminal Cases, participation in Cases and Practice in the Incheon District Court, and revision of key reference materials such as the Tax Law Textbook published by the Judicial Research and Training Institute and the Manual for Court Practitioners on Family Law published by the National Court Administration.
As a Rapporteur Judge at the Constitutional Court, Mr. Kim dealt with a broad spectrum of constitutional issues across political, economic, social, and cultural domains. He also contributed to the advancement of constitutional adjudication as Chair of the Compilation Committee and member of the Supervisory Committee for the revision of the Manual for Constitutional Adjudication, a key practical guideline issued by the Constitutional Court. During his tenure as Deputy Secretary General, he represented the Republic of Korea in the Venice Commission, the Council of Europe’s advisory body on constitutional matters, and played a central role in establishing the AACC SRD in Seoul.
READ MORE
In his judicial career, Mr. Kim handled a wide range of civil, criminal, and family cases, while also conducting specialized research and authoring numerous papers, including “The Duty to Appear as a Witness and Criminal Liability under the Statute Concerning Witness and Expert Opinion” and “When Is Perjury Completed as a Crime?” He contributed to the development of judicial scholarship through his work with the Research Group for Criminal Cases, participation in Cases and Practice in the Incheon District Court, and revision of key reference materials such as the Tax Law Textbook published by the Judicial Research and Training Institute and the Manual for Court Practitioners on Family Law published by the National Court Administration.
As a Rapporteur Judge at the Constitutional Court, Mr. Kim dealt with a broad spectrum of constitutional issues across political, economic, social, and cultural domains. He also contributed to the advancement of constitutional adjudication as Chair of the Compilation Committee and member of the Supervisory Committee for the revision of the Manual for Constitutional Adjudication, a key practical guideline issued by the Constitutional Court. During his tenure as Deputy Secretary General, he represented the Republic of Korea in the Venice Commission, the Council of Europe’s advisory body on constitutional matters, and played a central role in establishing the AACC SRD in Seoul.
Allen Hyungi RYU
(柳現基)
Allen Ryu is a senior foreign attorney in the Corporate and M&A Practice Groups, with expertise in mergers and acquisitions, foreign direct investment, corporate governance and private equity issues. Allen advises a wide range of clients, including private companies and private equity and venture capital firms, in connection with all forms of transactions including buyouts, joint ventures, carve-outs, minority investments, pre-IPO financings, restructurings and spin-offs, as well as general corporate counseling. He also advises clients regularly on CFIUS and other foreign investment reviews. Allen focuses on technology companies across various sectors, including automotive and mobility, TMT, energy, fintech, software, aviation, online game and entertainment industries. Allen’s representative transactions include some of the most complex and largest transactions involving Korean buyers or sellers. Prior to joining Lee & Ko, Allen was a senior foreign counsel at a leading Korean law firm.
READ MORE
Hodong CHA
(車昊東)
Hodong Cha is a partner in the Criminal Defense Group at Lee & Ko. He joined the firm in 2026 following a distinguished 14-year career as a public prosecutor, mostly recently reserving as Chief Prosecutor at the Seosan Branch of the Daejeon District Prosecutors' Office.
Throughout his prosecutorial career, Mr. Cha held a series of key positions at the core of Korea’s criminal enforcement system, including roles at the Ministry of Justice’s Criminal Affairs Bureau and the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office (SPO). At the SPO, he worked in both the Planning and Coordination Department and the Trial, Litigation and Sentencing team, and he was also assigned to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, where he served in the Special Investigation Division and the Corporate Finance Division. In these capacities, he handled numerous complex and high-profile matters, including anti-corruption investigations involving senior public officials, Capital Markets Act cases such as market manipulation of listed companies, investigations involving executives of major conglomerates, trade secret and technology-related disputes, and serious workplace accident cases under the Serious Accidents Punishment Act.
In addition to his investigative and trial experience, Mr. Cha was responsible at the SPO for the comprehensive review and interpretation of statutes, conducting legislative and policy analysis across a broad range of fields, including criminal law and procedure, civil and commercial law, and fair-trade regulation.
Building on this deep institutional experience, Mr. Cha now advises and represents clients in white-collar criminal matters and related risk management issues, with a particular focus on corporate governance, finance, capital markets, and digital assets. He is known for delivering clear, strategic, and high-caliber solutions tailored to the legal and business realities faced by his clients.
READ MORE
Throughout his prosecutorial career, Mr. Cha held a series of key positions at the core of Korea’s criminal enforcement system, including roles at the Ministry of Justice’s Criminal Affairs Bureau and the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office (SPO). At the SPO, he worked in both the Planning and Coordination Department and the Trial, Litigation and Sentencing team, and he was also assigned to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, where he served in the Special Investigation Division and the Corporate Finance Division. In these capacities, he handled numerous complex and high-profile matters, including anti-corruption investigations involving senior public officials, Capital Markets Act cases such as market manipulation of listed companies, investigations involving executives of major conglomerates, trade secret and technology-related disputes, and serious workplace accident cases under the Serious Accidents Punishment Act.
In addition to his investigative and trial experience, Mr. Cha was responsible at the SPO for the comprehensive review and interpretation of statutes, conducting legislative and policy analysis across a broad range of fields, including criminal law and procedure, civil and commercial law, and fair-trade regulation.
Building on this deep institutional experience, Mr. Cha now advises and represents clients in white-collar criminal matters and related risk management issues, with a particular focus on corporate governance, finance, capital markets, and digital assets. He is known for delivering clear, strategic, and high-caliber solutions tailored to the legal and business realities faced by his clients.
Recent Accolades
