Dispute Resolution: Arbitration
Asia-Pacific Guide 2024 : South Korea
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+82 2 538 2900About
Provided by Peter & Kim
Peter & Kim is a specialist arbitration and disputes firm, based in Switzerland, South Korea, Singapore, and Australia. The firm was established in 2020 under the joint leadership of Wolfgang Peter and Kap-You (Kevin) Kim. The firm is staffed by some of the world’s leading arbitration advocates and arbitrators, working together with a diverse set of skilful lawyers qualified in 8 jurisdictions, and fluent in over 18 languages. Since its inception, the firm has leveraged its unique expertise and networks in Europe and Asia to develop a truly global practice.
The firm boasts a proven track record of successfully representing corporate, sovereign and private clients across the globe in complex cross-border cases before arbitral tribunals and state courts. The firm adopts a commercially minded, fact-driven approach and handles the full spectrum of international disputes, including both commercial and investor state matters, like M&A contracts, international construction and engineering projects, energy disputes, resources sector (mining and off-shore extraction), distribution and agency agreements, franchising and licensing contracts, joint venture agreements, commodities transactions, long-term supply contracts and foreign investment to name a few.
Chambers Review
Peter & Kim is a well-reputed boutique law firm that offers a highly regarded bench of arbitration specialists. The deeply experienced team has a strong market presence in the area of both domestic and international arbitration. The practice represents clients in disputes arising from M&A, investments, construction and development projects before various arbitration tribunals including the ICC, ICSID, SIAC and HKIAC. It is frequently sought after for its capability and experience in handling flagship cases in Korea and the Asia-Pacific region, with key clients including POSCO Engineering and Construction, Affinity Equity Partners and the Republic of Korea.
Work Highlights
- Peter & Kim represented Posco International in an ad-hoc arbitration brought by APJV, an international consortium formed by Acciona Infrastructure Canada and Pacer Construction, in relation to the Walterdale Bridge Replacement Project in Edmonton, Alberta. The case involved claims for extension of time and additional cost as well as alleged defects. The firm obtained a favourable outcome for the client.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Definitely one of the most capable teams in Korea for international arbitration. Peter & Kim has a strong understanding of the commercial aspects and considerations surrounding a dispute."
"The firm handled the cross-border aspects of the matter extremely well. Its international team combining lawyers from common law and civil law jurisdictions from multiple nationalities meant that the firm was able to handle any complex issues arising from both legal systems very well."
"What makes Peter & Kim truly stand out in the region is how the firm conducts its own advocacy, both during written submissions and at oral hearings."
"Unlike other firms in the region, the fact that they do their own advocacy in house, even in the biggest cases, truly marks them as market leaders. "
"The team works very efficiently and effectively. The lawyers are always mindful of the commercial aspects of the disputes."
"Definitely one of the most capable teams in Korea for international arbitration. Peter & Kim has a strong understanding of the commercial aspects and considerations surrounding a dispute."
"The firm handled the cross-border aspects of the matter extremely well. Its international team combining lawyers from common law and civil law jurisdictions from multiple nationalities meant that the firm was able to handle any complex issues arising from both legal systems very well."
"What makes Peter & Kim truly stand out in the region is how the firm conducts its own advocacy, both during written submissions and at oral hearings."
"Unlike other firms in the region, the fact that they do their own advocacy in house, even in the biggest cases, truly marks them as market leaders. "
"The team works very efficiently and effectively. The lawyers are always mindful of the commercial aspects of the disputes."
Notable Practitioners
Kevin Kim (Kim Kap-You) is a distinguished lawyer in the arbitration sphere. He brings to bear over three decades of experience handling investment treaty and commercial arbitrations before various arbitral institutions. His expertise is highly sought after by large domestic corporations and the Korean government.
"One of the pillars of the Korean international arbitration community."
"Kevin is a very good strategist and leader."
"Number 1 arbitration specialist in Korea."
John Bang is widely considered to be a market-leading lawyer and thought leader in the investment treaty and commercial arbitration spheres. His expertise is in high demand among both corporate clients and government agencies.
"John Bang is one of the top arbitration practitioners in Korea."
"John is really practical, commercially minded and pragmatic. He has strength in building the right team for each case."
"He does a lot of heavy lifting with the team. He knows all the tricks and all the ins and outs."
Han Mino has a growing reputation and comes highly recommended for his expertise on construction and infrastructure project-related disputes. His clientele includes both corporates and government, with additional experience in investment treaty arbitration.
"Mino is a rising star with strategic thinking."
"In particular, I thought Mino Han demonstrated strong skills as a lawyer and advocate."
Lee SeungMin is based in Singapore, and possesses expertise advising on disputes arising in the gaming and entertainment industry. She has notable experience handling commercial litigation on behalf of Korean and foreign clients.
"She is very personable."
Cho Ara is recognised as an up-and-coming lawyer who frequently advises major clients on both domestic and international arbitration mandates. She is well placed to advise on disputes arising from investment treaties and construction projects.
"I find Cho Ara to be extremely sensible. Every time we have high-level discussion and she gets it right away."
Arie Eernisse maintains a notable practice. He has extensive experience in the representation of domestic and international clients in construction, intellectual property and M&A-related arbitration proceedings.
Ranked Lawyers at
Peter & Kim
South Korea
Members
Provided by Peter & Kim
Mino Han
Seokchun Yun
Yunsoo Shin