Recently, the rapid surge in cyber incidents underscores the growing severity of security threats. Cyber incidents are striking a wide range of companies, including telecommunications providers such as SK Telecom and e-commerce platforms like Coupang. Furthermore, with ransomware attacks targeting financial institutions becoming increasingly frequent, security risks are escalating regardless of industry, company size, or nationality. As cyberattacks become increasingly sophisticated, government bodies, the National Assembly, and civil society are demanding stricter corporate accountability for data protection and cybersecurity. Consequently, the regulatory landscape governing incident prevention and response is evolving rapidly and becoming ever more complex.

Lee & Ko’s Cyber Incident Response Team is comprised of legal experts with extensive experience in data privacy, IT/security, finance, criminal defense, industrial technology, and litigation. Our team also includes former officials from key regulatory and investigative bodies, including the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), the (former) Korea Communications Commission (KCC), the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), the National Intelligence Service (NIS), the Prosecutors’ Office, and the National Police Agency. Leveraging this unrivaled practical expertise, we collaborate closely with top universities and technical specialists to deliver the industry’s highest standard of service.

Effective response to cyber incidents requires critical decision-making within the "golden hour"—not only from technical and security standpoints but also from a legal perspective. Lee & Ko’s Cyber Incident Response Team operates a 24/7 rapid response hotline, providing immediate legal counsel regarding crisis management and initial response measures tailored to the specific nature of the incident. We offer real-time support, including accompanying clients during on-site investigations by regulators and law enforcement agencies.

Furthermore, cyber incidents carry significant social repercussions and demand meticulous information management. Data breaches involving personal information, trade secrets, or industrial technology can lead to direct financial losses, regulatory sanctions, civil and criminal liability, and severe reputational damage. Therefore, a strategic approach is essential. Lee & Ko anticipates every aspect of the crisis from the outset—considering the tone and nuance of communications, potential regulatory concerns, litigation risks and legal vulnerabilities, and technical security implications—to provide comprehensive, strategic support.

Drawing on our unique expertise and extensive track record in handling high-profile cyber cases, Lee & Ko provides premier legal services at every stage of the process. From legal advisory and regulatory investigation defense to legislative strategy, statutory interpretation, and representation in related civil, criminal, and administrative litigation, we ensure a coordinated and effective defense.

Expertise

[Advisory on Cyber Incidents & Regulatory Investigation Response]
Lee & Ko’s Cyber Incident Response Team provides immediate, specialized legal advice from the earliest stages of an incident. We offer not only precise legal guidance regarding investigations and sanctions by regulatory authorities but also practical, swift consultancy based on the extensive experience of our experts—including former regulators and IT security specialists from government agencies and private enterprises. This integrated approach ensures optimal outcomes for our clients.

Initial response to cyber incidents and security issue analysis
Digital forensic analysis to identify the root cause of incidents
Representation in investigations and sanctions by key regulators (PIPC, MSIT, FSS, etc.)
Information protection compliance reviews and security guidelines

[Litigation & Dispute Resolution]
Beyond regulatory defense, Lee & Ko has successfully represented clients in civil, criminal, and administrative proceedings arising from cyber incidents. Our team includes litigators and advisors who have handled major domestic and cross-border data breaches and trade secret infringements, possessing deep insight into the perspectives of courts, investigative bodies, and regulators.

Defense in civil actions, including class actions related to personal information breaches
Representation in criminal investigations and trials regarding cyber incidents/li>
Litigation concerning trade secret and industrial technology infringement/li>
Administrative litigation, including appeals against fines and sanctions imposed by regulators/li>

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Major Cases

[Response to Cyber Incidents across Industries]

Represented a major telecommunications company in regulatory investigations regarding Korea’s largest personal information breach caused by a hacking attack.
Advised a home shopping broadcaster on regulatory investigations concerning a data breach.
Represented three major credit card companies in responding to financial regulatory sanctions and civil litigation following a large-scale data leak.
Assisted a large corporate group in a regulatory investigation regarding a data breach on its recruitment website.
Advised a securities firm on the leakage of personal credit information.
Provided strategic counsel for a multinational corporation regarding a massive data breach and related litigation.
Oversaw strategic response for a hacking incident affecting Korea’s largest online open market.
Supported financial institutions during inspections by supervisory authorities.

[Litigation & Dispute Resolution]

Provided strategic advice to a leading multinational e-commerce company regarding civil litigation arising from a hacking incident.
Represented a major Korean oil refinery in a criminal case involving data breach.
Defended major telecommunications providers in criminal investigations regarding the alleged misuse/leakage of personal information.
Represented a major mobile telecommunications carrier in civil litigation involving data breach.
Represented a leading electronics manufacturer in a civil lawsuit stemming from a hacking incident on its recruitment website.
Represented major internet service providers in civil litigation related to a nationwide internet service disruption.