Competition/Antitrust
Asia-Pacific Guide 2024 : South Korea
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+82 2 6003 7000About
Provided by Yoon & Yang LLC
The firm’s Competition & Antitrust Group is one of the biggest antitrust and competition groups in Korea, which consists of 18 partners, over 30 associates, 1 senior expert, and 3 expert advisors. Many of the members of the Group have had more than 10 years of experience in the competition and antitrust field.
The firm has represented global industry leaders for matters involving regulations on abuse of market dominance, cartels, mergers, resale price maintenance, and unfair business practices, handled by the KFTC or the competition authorities of other jurisdictions.
The roster of the firm’s clients represents the international reputation that the firm has earned based on its expertise and diligence. The firm’s clients include Microsoft, Qualcomm, Apple, UTC, Bosch, sanofi-aventis, Samsung, LG, Hyundai Motors, SK, Hanwha, Korean Air.
The firm is generally recognised as a top Korean firm based on the following: ranked as one of the 100 Elite Law Firms and “Elite” law firm for competition/fair trade consecutively since 2008 by the Global Competition Review (GCR).
Chambers Review
Yoon & Yang fields a team of fair trade specialists well equipped to defend against claims of unfair business practices. The team is routinely instructed in relation to significant antitrust rulings and market dominance cases. It has experience in handling merger clearance matters in connection with both domestic and cross-border M&A transactions and joint ventures, and is well versed in representing clients in KFTC investigations. The practice regularly advises both domestic and international corporations from the TMT, steel, construction, engineering and aviation industries, such as Qualcomm, Taekwang Group and Hyundai Steel.
Work Highlights
- Yoon & Yang represented GS Retail in a KFTC investigation and review process. KFTC alleged GS Retail's request for economic benefits from its suppliers violated the Fair Transactions in Subcontracting Act.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"As a whole, the firm has impressed me with creative and practical advice on complex issues and a great relationship with the KFTC."
"The team has a deep bench of practitioners, from experienced partners to hard-working associates as well as former senior officials from the KFTC, who can give us important insight into the thinking and practice of the KFTC."
"Yoon & Yang provide realistic answers by accurately grasping factual relationships and organising them well in an easy-to-understand manner for practitioners."
"As a whole, the firm has impressed me with creative and practical advice on complex issues and a great relationship with the KFTC."
"The team has a deep bench of practitioners, from experienced partners to hard-working associates as well as former senior officials from the KFTC, who can give us important insight into the thinking and practice of the KFTC."
"Yoon & Yang provide realistic answers by accurately grasping factual relationships and organising them well in an easy-to-understand manner for practitioners."
Notable Practitioners
Yoon Hoil is co-head of the firm's competition and antitrust practice. Peers recognise his contribution to the development of the competition and antitrust practice in South Korea. He has extensive experience in handling high-profile investigations, often brought before the KFTC.
"Yoon Hoil is a veteran in antitrust law practice."
Kim Chul Ho co-leads Yoon & Yang's antitrust and competition team. He routinely represents high-profile multinationals and domestic corporations operating in the steel, electronics and life sciences industries in cartel investigations as well as cases concerning false advertising and unfair trade practices.
"He is one of the best competition lawyers in the industry. He does not oversell the risks but provides very grounded, solid advice. He is very strategic in his way of approaching the issues we have."
"Beyond simply providing legal knowledge, he provides opinions and solutions that company practitioners can understand well."
Paul Rhee maintains an active contentious and litigious antitrust practice. He advises clients on merger clearances and handles the competition law aspects of joint ventures, in addition to representing parties in damages lawsuits brought in relation to cartel activity. He typically acts for US-based corporations.
"Paul is practical and commercially oriented. He is dedicated to offering solutions."
"Paul is knowledgeable about Korean antitrust law and practice, and cares about bringing positive results for his clients. He is responsive to client needs and is diligent in carrying out work for his clients."
Jeon Sang Oh has a growing reputation in the competition and antitrust space. He advises on KFTC investigation and review cases, and is regularly instructed by Korean entities in the steel, shipping, retail and internet sectors.
"Jeon Sang Oh provides accurate and prompt advice based on his excellent industry understanding."
"He is a very practical lawyer. He not only approaches work from the theoretical perspective but also manages to include the practicality aspect."
Ranked Lawyers at
Yoon & Yang LLC
South Korea
Members
Provided by Yoon & Yang LLC
Chang Ho Kum
Chang-Mo An
Head of Department
Jae Young Kim
Jin Woo Hwang
Jung Seok Hong
Maewha Choi
Head of Department
Seong-Sig Kim
Suakbuam (SB) Hong
Young Min Kang
Clients
Provided by Yoon & Yang LLC
British America Tobacco Korea
Hanwha Corp.
Hyundai Steel
Korean Air
Microsoft
Qualcomm
Raytheon Technologies Corporation
SK Hynix
Samsung Electronics
Samsung SDI