专业领域

■ Business Crimes

In today’s business environment, companies encounter a wide range of criminal law issues, such as a breach of fiduciary duty in connection with mergers and acquisitions, embezzlement, fraud arising from commercial transactions, interference with business operations, and violations of various regulatory statutes. The Criminal Defense Practice Group provides effective representation for corporate clients facing such criminal risks, offering seamless support from the advisory stage through investigation and trial proceedings.


■ Finance·Securities, Cryptocurrency

Financial and securities crimes require a high level of expertise and prompt, strategic response. Violations of the Capital Markets Act such as insider trading and market manipulation as well as related offenses including embezzlement and breach of fiduciary duty, can have an immediate and severe impact on a company’s reputation, assets, and even its continued existence. As a result, an effective response at the earliest stage is often decisive.
Moreover, emerging financial products such as cryptocurrencies remain subject to evolving and incomplete regulatory regimes, making them a high-risk area where crimes such as hacking and money laundering frequently arise. Through close collaboration with its finance and securities specialists, the Criminal Defense Practice Group of Lee & Ko works to effectively safeguard clients’ rights and interests in this complex and rapidly changing landscape.


■ Serious Industrial Accident

Following the enactment of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, corporate representatives face significantly heightened criminal liability in the event of an industrial accident. Lee & Ko’s Criminal Defense Practice Group collaborates closely with its Serious Industrial Accident team, deploying specialized attorneys to the site immediately after an incident to review relevant materials and handle initial investigations by the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL), the police, and other authorities. From the prosecutorial investigation stage through trial proceedings, the Group provides a systematic and comprehensive defense strategy, consistently achieving successful outcomes such as non-indictments and acquittals.


■ Antitrust and Competition

The Korea Fair Trade Commission has recently taken a very strict stance against unfair joint activities such as collusion, imposing not only substantial administrative fines but also pursuing criminal prosecution. In particular, there is a growing tendency to hold executives and employees personally liable, in addition to the corporation, making criminal risk management for company personnel increasingly critical. The Criminal Defense Practice Group works in concert with Antitrust and Competition Practice Group, effectively and successfully managing cases from the initial response and on-site investigations to prosecutorial decisions and court proceedings.


■ Anti-corruption & Compliance

With growing societal emphasis on integrity and fairness, anti-corruption laws, treaties, and related regulations are being revised and strengthened at an unprecedented pace, with investigative authorities granted expanded powers. At the same time, as companies grow in size and scope, the need for ongoing monitoring of internal issues that could undermine compliance management has become increasingly critical.
Lee & Ko’s Criminal Defense Practice Group provides comprehensive advisory services on anti-corruption laws and regulations. Leveraging close collaboration with our specialized practice groups and the internal forensic capabilities, the Group proactively identifies and prevents potential compliance risks at an early stage. In addition, it supports corporate clients through internal investigations and audits involving employees and executives, offering strategic and practical guidance to help companies navigate complex regulatory challenges.


■ Trade Secrets & Intellectual Property

In today’s business environment, trade secrets and intellectual property represent critical assets that companies must protect. Safeguarding highly specialized and valuable information requires the expertise of attorneys with in-depth knowledge in the relevant fields. The Criminal Defense Practice Group collaborates closely with specialized practice groups to provide preventive guidance aimed at avoiding corporate losses, while also offering proactive support in recovering damages through criminal complaints and related actions. We are also diligently committed to defending our clients’ interests against malicious claims.


■ Personal Information

The significance of personal information continues to grow in modern digital era. With the recent rise in large-scale hacking incidents and data breaches, the management of personal information has become a critical issue affecting both corporate security and reputation. Lee & Ko’s Criminal Defense Practice Group, working closely with its Data Protection/Cybersecurity Group and Hacking Response Team, has successfully handled numerous personal data–related incidents for various companies.


■ Election Crimes

Election crimes involve specialized criminal procedures that differ significantly from ordinary criminal matters, including short statutes of limitations and restrictions on eligibility to hold public office, making the assistance of highly experienced professionals essential. Lee& Ko’s Criminal Defense Practice Group is staffed by former prosecutors, senior police officials, and judges who have handled a wide range of election law matters. With professionals’ in-depth understanding and expertise in election law, the Group provides optimal legal services to clients at every stage of the process from legal advice and investigative response to trial proceedings, delivering outstanding professionalism and tailored solution for each client.


■ Tax & Customs

Lee & Ko’s Criminal Defense Practice Group partners closely with our Tax and Customs Group, combining extensive professional networks and practical expertise, to respond swiftly and efficiently to tax and customs matters from the initial audit stage. We also maintain dedicated personnel capable of providing systematic defense throughout all phases, from prosecutorial investigations through court trials.


■ General Criminal Issues

Our Group of attorneys, many of whom have served in the police, prosecution, and judiciary, bring practical experience to a broad range of general criminal matters, including sex crimes, defamation, education, food, healthcare, environmental, and drug-related offenses. We handle each case in a structured manner, offering stage-by-stage defense or representation in filing complaints.