Lee & Ko Recruits Hoo Gon Kim, Former Seoul High Prosecutors’ Office Chief and Anti-Corruption Specialist

Lee & Ko has recruited Hoo Gon Kim (JRTI 25TH), former Prosecutor General of the Seoul High Prosecutors’ Office. Mr. Kim built a distinguished career in the Anti-Corruption Departments, where he directed major corruption investigations throughout his service. He served as Prosecutor General of the Seoul High Prosecutors’ Office, Chief Prosecutor of the Daegu District Prosecutors’ Office, and Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors’ Office. He also held posts including Head of the Anti-Corruption Division 1 at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, Head of the Anti-Corruption Division at the Suwon District Prosecutors’ Office, and Senior Researcher at the Anti-Corruption Division of the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office, where he was responsible for major corruption cases. In addition, at the Advanced Criminal Investigations Division of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, he handled IT-related and personal data infringement cases, establishing himself as a distinguished criminal law expert with broad capabilities across diverse areas of practice.

In addition to his prosecutorial achievements, Attorney Kim served on secondment to the Korea Communications Commission in 2008, advising on major industry issues including mergers in the telecommunications and broadcasting industry and sports broadcasting rights. He also demonstrated strong leadership within the prosecution, notably leading the “AI Blockchain Community,” involving dozens of prosecutors, and contributing to key policy initiatives as Director General of the Planning and Coordination Office at the Ministry of Justice. Additionally, he played an active role in trial management as Director of the Trial Division at the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office and served as a member of the Supreme Court’s Sentencing Commission. His experience extended further to overseeing IT affairs with the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office as Head of the Information and Communications Division.

At Lee & Ko, Attorney Kim will lead the Criminal Practice Group, enhancing the firm’s expertise in corporate, finance, serious accident, antitrust, and customs-related matters, while supporting legislative initiatives and statutory interpretation.

Managing Partner Sang Gon Kim (JRTI 23RD) commented, “Welcoming an elite attorney who has commanded great respect both within the prosecution and among industry peers further enhances the capabilities of our Criminal Practice Group. We remain dedicated to maintaining our status as Korea’s premier law firm.”