Dispute Resolution: Arbitration
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : South Korea
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+ 82 2 3703 1114About
Provided by Kim & Chang
Kim & Chang is one of the leading international arbitration firms in the world. Our arbitration practice and individual lawyers are consistently ranked as top tier by numerous leading publications, including Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500.
Kim & Chang’s International Arbitration & Cross-Border Litigation Practice brings to each representation extensive expertise and experience. Our leading standing in the market is reflected in our numerous successful representations and our involvement in the majority of high-profile, high-value, complex international arbitrations relating to Korea. Our 100+ international disputes professionals have expertise in numerous industries - including financial services, energy, power, off-shore construction, pharmaceutics, technology, retail and manufacturing - and have successfully handled high-stake disputes fields, most notably high value cross-border mergers and acquisitions, international investment, trade and commerce, construction, shipbuilding, business management, intellectual property, product liability, and joint venture/shareholder disputes. We advise our clients in all stages of the dispute resolution process to achieve successful results in any legal environment and under any procedural rules.
Key Services:
- Pre-Disputes Counseling and Preemptive Measures
- International Arbitration
- Settlement Assistance and Post-Award Actions
- Cross-border Litigation
Chambers Review
Kim & Chang is renowned for its arbitration team, which acts as a trusted adviser to a number of major multinationals. It receives consistent praise from Korean and international commentators for the depth of its bench and its long-established knowledge of a range of institutional rules. The team draws on support from the firm's Hong Kong office to advise on Hong Kong-seated arbitrations and China-related matters, with additional experience assisting clients in the construction, energy and maritime sectors. The firm also represents global corporations in post-M&A disputes and acts for both Korean and international clients, drawing on the skills of team members with extensive regional, European and US experience. Kim & Chang also fields on-the-ground teams in Singapore and Vietnam.
Work Highlights
- Kim & Chang continued to represent Schindler in an investment treaty arbitration against the Republic of Korea. Schindler claimed that the Korean government breached its obligations under the treaty to provide fair and equitable treatment and full protection and security with respect to Schindler's equity investment in Hyundai Elevator.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They are very technically competent lawyers with a broad international background in arbitration."
"They provided excellent proactive advice to strategically plan for timely success in arbitration. Additionally, they provided crucial guidance during the arbitration hearing."
"They are very technically competent lawyers with a broad international background in arbitration."
"They provided excellent proactive advice to strategically plan for timely success in arbitration. Additionally, they provided crucial guidance during the arbitration hearing."
Notable Practitioners
Yoon Byung Chol leads the Kim & Chang international arbitration practice and retains his reputation as an esteemed and highly experienced practitioner in the market. His experience spans cases in relation to M&A transactions, energy and construction projects, and cross-border investments.
Matthew Christensen maintains a market-leading practice in international arbitration and offers significant experience acting before a number of arbitral institutions. He manages an impressive portfolio of public and private sector clients and offers particular expertise in construction disputes.
"He has a very high level of knowledge and experience, and is remarkably brilliant, insightful, sharp and reliable."
"What struck me is he comes across as selfless and collegiate and seeks to elevate those working around him instead of trying to promote himself."
Kim Sae Youn is a highly regarded lawyer who draws on her experience serving as a judge in several district courts to act for a range of public and private sector entities in cross-border arbitration cases. Noted for her representation in ICC and SIAC arbitrations, she is highly sought after for her expertise in handling commercial disputes, frequently acting on behalf of parties from the biotechnology, financial services and manufacturing sectors.
Im Byung-Woo focuses closely on disputes arising in the construction and infrastructure sectors. He is well versed in handling matters for clients with projects and businesses based across a range of Middle Eastern and Asian jurisdictions.
"He is always full of confidence and his attitude was truly professional."
"I regard him as one of the leaders in the dispute resolution practice specialising in the construction field."
Joel Richardson maintains an active practice representing clients in arbitration cases brought under ICC, KCAB and SIAC rules. His experience covers acting in both commercial and investor-state arbitrations.
"He has long experience in arbitration."
Lee Chul-Won has particular expertise in undertaking ICC and SIAC arbitrations. He regularly advises on disputes arising from shareholder agreements, M&A transactions and insurance contracts. His clientele includes international corporates and private equity firms.
"He has become a dominant player in the Asia-Pacific region."
Cho Una offers substantial experience in representing both domestic and international clients in commercial disputes including SIAC, HKIAC and ICC arbitrations.
"I am very satisfied with her service and experience. She led and guided our company very professionally."
Lee Hyungkeun ably handles international arbitrations, representing both Korean and global financial institutions.
"He is detail-oriented and a good communicator."
"Hyungkeun provides rapid feedback and personalised advice on requests."
Kim Hye Sung is a rising star at Kim & Chang who regularly acts on clients' cross-border arbitration mandates. Her recent work includes representing Korean corporates and banks in ICC and HKIAC arbitrations.
"She works very hard and always shows her kindness towards the client."
Hwang Woochul maintains a good reputation in the market for his international investor-state and commercial arbitration practice.
Ranked Lawyers at
Kim & Chang
South Korea