Employment
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : South Korea
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+ 82 2 3703 1114About
Provided by Kim & Chang
Our Labor & Employment Practice provides a wide range of legal services, including labor and employment-related issues in mergers and acquisitions, business restructuring and reorganization, spin-offs, performance management and personnel management. In particular, we advise our clients on (i) employment regulations and policies, such as employment contracts and work rules, (ii) individual employment issues, such as wages, working hours, retirement pensions, recruitment and separation, disciplinary actions, prevention of workplace discrimination, harassment and sexual harassment, and industrial safety, (iii) collective labor relations issues, such as collective bargaining and labor-management councils, (iv) implementation and reform of HR or wage systems, and (v) organization assessment in order to provide not only legal stability, but also practical guidance to our clients to encourage their business growth and positive and productive labor-management relations.
Key Services:
- Advice on Employment Laws for Overall Personnel Management
- Labor Relations
- Employment Policies and Regulations
- Employment and Performance Reviews
- Working Hours, Compensation and Benefits
- Internal Investigations and Government Audits
- Administrative Proceedings and Litigation
- Education and Training
Chambers Review
Kim & Chang is a top-tier law firm in the Korean market, with a deep bench advising on a range of labour and employment disputes, including employee status, wrongful dismissal and wage claims. The team is also well versed in employment advice relating to post-M&A and restructuring integration as well as compensation and benefit package design. The firm has notable expertise in mandates related to the Serious Accident Punishment Act, and has additional experience in matters involving alleged illegal dispatch of workers and in employment compliance advice to clients. The team draws strength from the firm's integration of practice groups and acts for an impressive roster of clients from the automotive, shipping, insurance and pharmaceutical sectors.
Work Highlights
- Kim & Chang successfully represented Hyundai before the Supreme Court in a dispute over dispatched labour.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Kim & Chang has by far the largest employment law team out of the Korean law firms. Their in-depth experience in all matters is unparalleled."
"The team's competencies are excellent, and they accurately understand the needs of customers and provide solutions."
"Kim & Chang has by far the largest employment law team out of the Korean law firms. Their in-depth experience in all matters is unparalleled."
"The team's competencies are excellent, and they accurately understand the needs of customers and provide solutions."
Notable Practitioners
Hyun Chun Wook is an experienced employment lawyer in South Korea. He has experience in restructuring, collective bargaining and discrimination disputes.
Kim Weon Jung is a veteran employment lawyer in South Korea. He has significant experience advising on the HR issues relating to employment compliance and wage issues.
"His years of experience advising domestic and international clients on Korean labour law issues are truly exceptional."
Paul Cho is recognised for his broad offering in the employment law space. He ably advises on layoff projects, internal investigations and compliance matters. His client roster includes foreign entities and multinationals.
"Paul Cho is a true business partner. He takes the time to understand a company and truly supports their best interests."
Park Hyun Jae is considered a rising star in the market. He offers expertise in contentious and advisory employment law matters, and is particularly active on issues stemming from employee transfers and employee welfare policies. His clientele includes domestic and foreign entities.
"Park Hyun Jae truly understands clients' needs and provides tailored advice."
"Park Hyun Jae is an expert on labour law. His support is sharp and spot-on."
Ranked Lawyers at
Kim & Chang
South Korea