International Trade
Global Guide 2024 : South Korea
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+82 2 772 4000About
Provided by Lee & Ko
Continuously top-ranked by global survey institutions, Lee & Ko International Trade Practice Group is the largest team in Korea dedicated for trade and customs matters. Its members include former ministers, WTO ambassador, former commissioners of Korea Trade Commission (KTC) and Korea Customs Service.
Lee & Ko’s renowned practices include litigation before international tribunals. In Korea, the Group has the largest case experiences before the WTO and has recently represented a client in its first FTA dispute. It also advises various trade policy issues.
The Group boasts the largest trade remedy team among Korean law firms, assisting clients on the investigation for ADP, CVD, and safeguard measures. Over 20 years, it has advised Korean exporters before foreign investigating authorities. The team has also advised Korean petitioners and foreign exporters before KTC.
The customs team, comprised of the most renowned experts in customs law, provides a comprehensive set of services in all areas of customs law, e.g., customs valuation, tariff classification, FTAs, etc.
Clients praise the Group for its strategic response to the unprecedented changes in global business environment. Recently, a sovereign client chose Lee & Ko for its important international campaign to get the Group’s hands-on experiences that others do not have. As the market leader in Korea, the Group competes with global firms.
Chambers Review
Lee & Ko has a leading team in the Korean market, advising clients on the gamut of international trade legal matters. The firm possesses notable expertise across customs, free trade agreements, trade remedies, anti-dumping and export control. It is retained by local and international companies on trade-related compliance issues and investment disputes. The team also regularly represents government bodies in relation to WTO dispute proceedings and Dispute Settlement Understanding review negotiations. Its key clients include the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, POSCO Holdings and Arrow Electronics.
Work Highlights
- Lee & Ko assisted Vitesco Technologies with an investment to establish a motor parts manufacturing plant in Korea. The firm represented the client in negotiations with the central and local governments, including persuading them to provide a cash grant.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Lee & Ko have been consistently impressive in their overall performance and professionalism. The team exhibit a high level of expertise and demonstrate remarkable strengths in several key areas."
"Lee & Ko's international trade team leave a lasting impression and offer a cohesive approach combined with their deep expertise, which makes them a top choice."
"Lee & Ko have been consistently impressive in their overall performance and professionalism. The team exhibit a high level of expertise and demonstrate remarkable strengths in several key areas."
"Lee & Ko's international trade team leave a lasting impression and offer a cohesive approach combined with their deep expertise, which makes them a top choice."
Notable Practitioners
Chung Kichangco-heads Lee & Ko's international trade group in South Korea and is predominantly known for his advice on WTO disputes and trade policy. He ably advises corporate clients on sanctions and also often represents government entities.
"He demonstrates exceptional expertise in identifying potential trade issues and formulating effective strategies to mitigate risks. Furthermore, his strong communication skills enable him to explain complex legal concepts in a clear and concise manner, making it easier for the client to understand the intricacies of the case."
Park Young Gee has a strong background of representing clients in customs work, including origin verification and transfer pricing matters. He is active on investigations initiated by the Korea Customs Service.
"His knowledge of the regulation was outstanding."
Cho Young Jae co-heads Lee & Ko's international trade practice in South Korea and counts financial institutions, government ministries and international companies among his clientele. He advises clients across a range of subjects in the space, including trade cooperation, foreign investment, anti-dumping, export control, and WTO disputes and agreements.
"He has a wealth of experience handling complex administrative tasks and has a high level of know-how."
Joo Hyunsoo is recognised for her experience advising public and private entities on WTO disputes, FTA negotiations and trade remedy mandates in the Korean market. She is particularly well versed in matters relating to the manufacturing and energy industries.
"She provides good communication to exchange ideas and perspectives between the clients."
"She is responsive, understands customers' businesses and is knowledgeable on international situations such as in the United States. Also, she grasps the internal atmosphere of the legislature of the country and provides quick analysis of new bills and early advice relating to the client's business."
Ranked Lawyers at
Lee & Ko
South Korea
Members
Provided by Lee & Ko