Seminar on 'Exploring Legal and Policy Support Measures for Space Security and the Development of the Space Industry'

On November 12, KASS (Korean Academy of Space Security) and Lee & Ko successfully co-hosted the seminar titled ‘Exploring Legal and Policy Support Measures for Space Security and the Development of the Space Industry.’ KASS is a specialized research institution designated by the NIS (National Intelligence Service) for space security studies.

Lee & Ko established its Aerospace Team in February 2024, in preparation for the establishment of KASA (Korea AeroSpace Administration) on May 27, 2024. This seminar was the first event organized by the newly formed Aerospace Team at Lee & Ko and featured a diverse array of participants from the government, including KASA, political circles, embassies, academia, industries, and policy research institutes, marking it as a notable gathering within the aerospace industry.

The seminar commenced with an opening address by Managing Partner Sanggon Kim of Lee & Ko, followed by a welcoming address from Jae-woo Lee, President of KASS (delivered by Vice President Yong-ik Byun), and congratulatory remarks from National Assembly Member Chun-ho Seo and Vice Administrator Kyungwon Roh of KASA.

In Session 1, Seong-hwan Choi, Specialty Fellow at Hanwha Systems, presented on ‘Legal Issues in Space Security and the Space Industry.’ He addressed notable disputes in the space industry, cases urgently requiring the application of space law, the current status of space debris removal technologies, space minerals, and space insurance.

Session 2 featured a presentation by Attorney Yikang Kang of Lee & Ko, on ‘Securing Legal Stability in Aerospace Technology Development.’ She introduced specific criteria for recognizing technology independence, advising aerospace companies to consider these standards in their research and development efforts.

In Session 3, Attorney Kwangik Son of Lee & Ko discussed ‘Legal Issues and Countermeasures in Aerospace R&D Projects.’ He outlined the anticipated legal issues in agreements and contracts related to aerospace technology research and development.

Session 4 was led by Attorney Sunghee Chae of Lee & Ko with a presentation titled ‘The Structure and Issues of Space Norms in the New Space Era.’ She explained the framework of international space law, Korea’s space-related regulations, and legal issues in space law, including launch, registration, resource exploration, and space debris.

During the panel discussion, Vice President Il Seok Oh of KASS served as the moderator, with participation from Colonel Hyun-seok Jeon of the Korea Association for Space Technology Promotion, Professor Jung Sik Um of the Republic of Korea Air Force Academy, Vice President Jintae Derek Yoo of LIG Nex1’s Space Business Division, and CEO Jae-Pil Park of NARA SPACE. The panel engaged in lively discussions on policies and legislative efforts related to Korea’s space security and industry.

The Aerospace Team at Lee & Ko currently consists of 13 members, with plans for further expansion. The team provides comprehensive services on regulatory issues, public contracts, legislative consulting, intellectual property, and international trade within the aerospace sector.