Recent Developments

On 27 October 2025, Lee & Ko successfully hosted a seminar titled ‘The First 100 Days After A Dispute Arises: Settlement, Evidence, Forums, and Strategy’ during the Seoul ADR Festival 2025. Recognizing that early moves during the first 100 days of a cross-border dispute can determine the trajectory of the entire case, the seminar brought together seasoned dispute resolution specialists to share tactical insights on how parties can put their case on the strongest footing and seize the initiative before momentum is lost.

The seminar commenced with Opening Remarks and an Introduction by Dr. Eun Young Park, Head of the Global Disputes Group at Lee & Ko. The program featured two insightful panel discussions that explored key issues arising in the early stages of cross-border disputes.

In the first session, a panel discussion was held under the theme “Early Leverage: Emergency Relief and Settlement Strategies.”  The discussion was moderated by Zac Sharpe (Lee & Ko) and featured a panel consisting of Julian Bailey (Jones Day), Nakul Dewan KC (Twenty Essex), Hyunyang Koo (Lee & Ko), and Young Shin Um (KCAB). The panel shared meaningful insights on the practical viability of seeking early emergency relief in arbitral proceedings through courts and emergency arbitrators, the use of various methods of dispute resolution including consultations and mediation, as well as early settlement tactics taking into consideration factors such as the possibility of adverse cost awards and differing positions on without-prejudice privilege between jurisdictions. 

The second session, titled “Laying the Groundwork: Evidence, Strategy, and Tribunal Formation,” was moderated by Dr. Eun Young Park (Lee & Ko), and featured a panel consisting of Elodie Dulac (King & Spalding), Peter Turner KC (39 Essex Chambers), Han-Earl Woo (Lee & Ko), and Bami Yoo (Lee & Ko). This session addressed the necessary qualities of an arbitrator and the relationship between an arbitrator’s legal background and legal reasoning from the perspective of both counsel and arbitrator. The panelists also discussed practical tips and protocols for document retention, evidence gathering and the application of privilege with particular emphasis on the Korean context. 

The seminar was well received by in-house counsel and foreign law firm practitioners, as it offered practical perspectives on various early-stage strategies that parties can effectively utilize when a dispute arises.

On August 21, 2025, Lee & Ko successfully hosted its first official seminar in Singapore at the Fairmont Hotel under the theme “Korea Law, Policy, and Compliance: Navigating Legal Change and Uncertainty in a New Political Landscape.” The seminar commenced with welcoming remarks by Mr. V.K. Rajah SC, former Attorney General and Judge of Appeal of Singapore and independent arbitrator at Duxton Hill Chambers, followed by an opening address by Mr. Ho Joon Moon, Managing Partner of Lee & Ko. 

The program was moderated by Ms. Saemee Kim, Partner in Lee & Ko’s International Arbitration Team, and featured five in-depth sessions led by senior attorneys from various practice groups.

The first session was presented by Mr. Allen Hyungi Ryu, Senior Foreign Attorney in Lee & Ko’s Corporate and M&A Practice Group. Mr. Ryu addressed the recent amendments to the Korean Commercial Act and their impact on corporate governance, highlighting the expansion of directors’ fiduciary duties, revisions to the 3% rule on audit committee appointments, and the strengthening of minority shareholder rights. 

The second session was delivered by Mr. Jung Min Pak of Lee & Ko’s Banking & Finance Practice Group, who explored the topic of energy regulations and sanctions. He analyzed the expansion of nuclear and renewable energy, the intersection of energy security and international sanctions, and global trends in related regulations, and suggested strategic approaches for companies to respond to the energy transition and international regulatory environment.

The third session featured Mr. William Woojong Kim, Senior Foreign Attorney in Lee & Ko’s Labor & Employment Group, who addressed timely issues in the labor and employment sector. In particular, he discussed the main provisions and impact of the so-called “Yellow Envelope Law,” corporate risk management in light of amendments to labor-related laws, and practical strategies to respond to changes in labor–management relations.

The fourth session was presented by Mr. Younghoon Mok, Senior Foreign Attorney in Lee & Ko’s Telecommunications, Media, and Technology Group. He outlined Korea’s amended Personal Information Protection Act, the newly enacted AI Framework Act, and the phased rollout of the Virtual Asset User Protection Act. The presentation focused on the compliance issues for companies managing cross-border data transfers and introduced integrated risk management approaches.

The final session was delivered by Mr. Sanghoon Han, Partner in Lee & Ko’s International Arbitration Team and a Chartered Arbitrator. He provided an overview of Korea’s judicial system and its distinctive features in comparison with other jurisdictions. He focused on the strategic use of interim measures, such as provisional attachments and injunctions, in both litigation and arbitration. 

After the main sessions, Mr. Zac Sharpe, Co-Head of Lee & Ko’s International Arbitration Team led a lively Q&A session. The seminar concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Eun Young Park, Chair of the Global Disputes Group and Co-Head of the International Arbitration Team.  Dr. Park highlighted the importance of understanding Korea’s rapidly evolving legal landscape amid political and economic shifts.

As Lee & Ko’s first official event in Singapore, the seminar marked a meaningful step in strengthening our international presence. The firm received positive feedback from attendees who appreciated the practical insights, comparative approaches, and strategic guidance offered throughout the program.