Corporate/M&A
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : South Korea
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+82 2 3404 0000About
Provided by Bae, Kim & Lee LLC
BKL has one of the largest corporate practices in Korea, with over 200 attorneys devoted to corporate transactions, and many additional professionals ready to advise on adjacent regulatory, tax and other issues. With extensive experience in all areas of investments, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and corporate governance, BKL offers an unsurpassed level of expertise hewing to international standards, combined with an agile, pragmatic approach to the many tasks and issues that accompany commercial transactions in Korea.
We advise a wide variety of clients in our corporate practice. They include many firms based in the U.S., Europe and across Asia, and range from Fortune 100 multinationals to high-growth companies and venture capital enterprises, and manufacturers and technology companies as well as financial institutions and private equity groups. Every client can expect a sensible, yet seamless and comprehensive, approach to covering the full legal agenda for each matter.
Our core M&A group of 100 partners and senior associates, many of whom have over a decade of intensive deal experience, is consistently ranked among the top Korean practices in the M&A field, by Chambers and other peer- and client-assessed law firm rankings. The practice group offers sophisticated advice covering all stages of a stock or asset acquisition, including deal structuring, due diligence review, negotiation, documentation and closing.
Chambers Review
Bae, Kim & Lee houses a distinguished corporate team that is noted for representing major financial institutions and multinational companies inlandmarkM&A transactions, and frequently involved in large joint venture projects.It offers particular sector expertise in thetechnology and telecommunications industries. The team is proficient in handling private equity matters, regularly advising both domestic and foreign fundson various investments as well as regulatory issues.It regularlyadvises ondeals involvingChina and acts on both inbound and outbound acquisitions in East and South-East Asia.
Work Highlights
- Bae, Kim & Lee closed the transaction in which BlackRock Asset Management purchased a 30% stake in AirFirst from IMM Private Equity for KRW1.1 trillion.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The Bae, Kim & Lee team has an exceptional work ethic and a client-oriented mindset, which are crucial when working as a broader team in fierce and time-sensitive investment transactions."
"Both senior and junior associates have been competent and responsive to our requests."
"The Bae, Kim & Lee team has an exceptional work ethic and a client-oriented mindset, which are crucial when working as a broader team in fierce and time-sensitive investment transactions."
"Both senior and junior associates have been competent and responsive to our requests."
Notable Practitioners
Seo Dong Woo retains a long-standing position in the corporate market. His experience covers private equity transactions and acquisitions including hostile takeovers.
Han Ri Bong has been active in the Korean M&A market for over two decades and has expertise advising private equity clients and major corporations. He is well known for his deft handling of high-profile transactions.
Yun Sungjo is well known for his advisory work on private equity matters. He regularly works for Korean and international clients. He is also adept at handling investment regulation mandates.
"The Bae, Kim & Lee team including Sungjo are commercial and try to find realistic solutions."
Kim Mok Hong is well recognised for his expertise in representing international corporations in acquisitions and joint ventures. He has particular experience acting on multibillion-dollar transactions.
"Mok Hong represented our firm exceptionally and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our needs."
"He is very hands-on and can talk about the high-level as well as the detail."
Chang Ho Kyung offers private equity firms and venture capital funds seasoned advice in handling private investments and other corporate matters.
"Ho Kyung is a very trustworthy and competent lawyer."
"He is creative, understands deal structure and makes good recommendations."
An Hyunchul ably advises on acquisition, joint venture and investment deals. His clientele features Korean conglomerates and private equity firms.
Ranked Lawyers at
Bae, Kim & Lee LLC
South Korea
Members
Provided by Bae, Kim & Lee LLC
Byoung-Ki Lee
Dae Shik Kwon
Eric Eunyong Yang
Han Kang
Hyunchul An
Joonki Yi
Head of Department
Jung Min Jo
Minwoon Yang
Oh Ryung Lee
Seung Yo Lee
Yong Geun Bae