업무분야

Telecommunications

The telecommunications sector is one of the most highly regulated areas in Korea. This requires strategic formulation, coordination and experience in obtaining various regulatory approvals. We understand the unique qualities of different service providers (e.g., cable/wireless service providers, facilities-based/special-value/value-added telecommunications service providers, incumbent/new service providers) and providing tailored solutions for each.

We have represented major international and domestic telecommunications companies based on our years of experience and accumulated knowledge in regulatory clearance, interpretation of applicable law, deal structuring and dispute resolution.

Recently, we have represented SKT in the SKT v. KT interconnection fee lawsuit, advised SKT on its participation in the auction for the highly-covered spectrum of 1.8GHz, represented NOs and SOs in an overhead cabling lawsuit, and took action against the proposed amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Road Act which would have subjected overhead cables to occupation fees.


Broadcasting and media

Lee & Ko's TMT Practice Group advises a wide range of global and domestic media companies including terrestrial TV broadcasters, cable TV broadcasters, program providers, and other paid TV broadcasters (i.e., satellite TV, IPTV) on various regulatory issues relating to licensing, and represent clients in lawsuits and administrative proceedings.

In this transforming industry, Lee & Ko has been providing optimal legal assistance to clients not only on traditional issues, but also on emerging issues regarding IPTV and OTT.

Some of our most recent representative cases are advising an SO on the lawfulness of DSC services, representing a service operator (“SO”) on the dispute involving the retransmission of terrestrial TV, and assisting the government on the implementation of comprehensive programming channels.


IT (Information Technology)

Korea is one of the most favored test beds for various IT gadgets and products. Lee & Ko's unparalleled up-to-date and well-balanced professional service is enabled by capitalizing on the in-depth knowledge and extensive experience we have accumulated in each of the following areas and fields: e-marketplace, portal/search engine, content regulation, online/mobile-advertising, online/mobile games, IT outsourcing, system development, provision of system solutions, registration of domain names, e-signature certification, e-commerce and so on.

Our representative work includes advising eBay Korea (Korea's largest open market operator) on its online platform, online advertising business, VoIP, and open market operations, advising Korea's largest web portal on its portal operations, and advising Korean Air on its IT outsourcing contract with IBM.


M&A Convergence and New Trends

We advise major multinational and domestic telecommunications, media and technology companies on all aspects of M&A transactions, including joint ventures, spin-offs, restructuring and private acquisitions and divestitures.

Some of our most recent representative cases include advising on the establishment of Korea's all-integrated media content company through the merger of 6 companies, acquisition of Korea's second-largest program provider (On Media) by Korea's top program provider, share acquisitions between broadcasting companies, and share acquisitions between telecommunications service providers.

We also provide our clients with insightful up-to-date guidance on new trends in TMT areas, such as convergence, cloud computing, smart TV, mobile ads, location- based services, app store, U-health and new upcoming trend and regulatory updates inside and outside Korea. Through the foregoing, we further expand our practice and expertise, keeping our clients abreast with recent developments in all TMT sectors.