Bae, Kim & Lee LLC
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025
About
Managing Partner: Joonki Yi
Number of lawyers: 646+
Number of International Offices: 8
Languages:Korean, English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Burmese, Hindi
Firm Overview:
Established in 1980, BKL is a leading full-service law firm in Korea. At the core of our practice is its commitment to client service, and BKL assembles experts of the highest caliber to provide each client with quality legal services. Being one of the largest law firms in Korea, BKL is comprised of approximately 800 professionals, including lawyers qualified in Korea and foreign jurisdictions, tax advisors, CPAs, industry analysts, former government officials and other qualified specialists in various industry sectors.
BKL has long been at the leading edge of cross-border legal work in Korea. Among its many practice areas, it has been one of the busiest firms in Korea in the areas of M&A, finance and securities. Likewise, BKL has built a reputation in the disputes arena not only as a litigation powerhouse but also as one of the top international arbitration and cross-border disputes teams in Asia.
BKL has been at the forefront of cross-border practice and was the first Korean law firm to establish office in China. BKL has continued to expand its global footprints to assist its clients in expanding their geographical reach. In addition to its headquarters in Seoul, BKL operates offices in eight cities across five countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Yangon, and Jakarta (Korea Desk).
BKL is the first Korean law firm to have formed an internal Pro Bono Committee in 2002, which is devoted to offering legal aid services as well as training pro bono lawyers. In 2009, BKL established a public interest foundation named “Dongcheon” the first time for Korean law firm to engage in pro bono work in a proactive and efficient manner.
Main Areas of Practice:
Antitrust & Competition
Banking & Finance
Capital Markets
Corporate/M&A
Construction & Real Estate
Energy & Infrastructure
ESG
Insurance
Intellectual Property
International Arbitration
International Trade
Labour & Employment
Litigation
Maritime, Aerospace & Transportation
Public Policy & Legislative Support
Restructuring & Insolvency
Tax
Technology, Media & Telecommunications
White Collar Defense & Internal Investigations
Offices:
- Seoul, South Korea (Centropolis B, 26 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03161, Korea/T.82-2-3404-0000/[email protected])
- Beijing, China (Room 1003, Building B, Ping’an International Financial Center, No.3, Xinyuan South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing/T.86-10-6461-3650/[email protected])
- Shanghai, China (Unit 2503, Tower B, Dawning Center No.500, Hongbaoshi Road, Changning District, Shanghai 201103, PRC/T.86-21-6085-2900/[email protected])
- Hong Kong (Room 205, 2F, Baskerville House, 13 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong/T.852-2567-0800/[email protected])
- Hanoi, Vietnam (West Tower 2601, Lotte Center Hanoi, 54 Lieu Giai street, Cong Vi ward, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi, Vietnam / T.84-24-3232-1233/[email protected])
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (Unit 3, 37F, Bitexco Financial Tower, 2 Hai Trieu Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam / T.84-28-38-212-303/[email protected])
- Yangon, Myanmar (No. 82, Shin Phyu Shin Avenue, Pyay Road, 6.5 Miles, Ward 11, Hlaing Township, Yangon, Myanmar (Lotte Residence Building)/T.95-1-935-1198/[email protected])
- Singapore (1 Temasek Avenue #24-05 Millenia Tower Singapore 039192 / T. 65-6322-4882/[email protected])
- Jakarta, Indonesia (Korea Desk) (F.16, Summitmas I, Senayan Kebayoran Baru RT.5,/RW.3, Senayan, South Jakarta, DKI Jakarta 12190, Indonesia/T.+62-21-5080-8300/[email protected])
Ranked Offices
Provided by Bae, Kim & Lee LLC
- SeoulCentropolis B, 26 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu , Seoul, Seoul, South Korea, 03161
- Web: www.bkl.co.kr
- Tel: +82 2 3404 0000
- Fax: +82 2 3404 0001
- View ranked office
Contributions
Latest contributions provided by Bae, Kim & Lee LLC
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Bae, Kim & Lee LLC rankings
Articles, highlights and press releases
58 items provided by Bae, Kim & Lee LLC
BKL Bolsters Real Estate Practice with Senior US Attorney Addition
David Pyun joined BKL, one of the leading law firms in South Korea, as a senior US attorney from Kim & Chang in June 11.
Korean Perspective on Crypto:Regulatory Developments and Outlook on Arbitration and Dispute
Recent Korean legal update on Korean Perspective on Crypto: Regulatory Developments and Outlook on Arbitration and Dispute Resolution
Korean Perspective on Crypto:Regulatory Developments and Outlook on Arbitration and Dispute
Recent Korean legal update on Korean Perspective on Crypto: Regulatory Developments and Outlook on Arbitration and Dispute Resolution
Korean Perspective on Crypto:Regulatory Developments and Outlook on Arbitration and Dispute
Recent Korean legal update on Korean Perspective on Crypto: Regulatory Developments and Outlook on Arbitration and Dispute Resolution
Korean Perspective on Crypto:Regulatory Developments and Outlook on Arbitration and Dispute
Recent Korean legal update on Korean Perspective on Crypto: Regulatory Developments and Outlook on Arbitration and Dispute Resolution
Bae, Kim & Lee LLC Singapore Held its 2nd Anniversary Event
Bae, Kim & Lee LLC Singapore Held its 2nd Anniversary Event
Bae, Kim & Lee LLC Announces Appointment of New Managing Partner
Seoul, South Korea - Bae, Kim & Lee LLC (BKL), a prominent law firm in Korea, is pleased to announce the election of Joonki Yi as its new managing partner for a three-year term, effective from January 1st, 2024. The decision was made following a unanimous vote by the firm's partners.
KOREAN REGULATOR ANNOUNCES NEW GUIDELINES ON USER PROTECTION RELATING TO APP MARKETS AND MOBILE
The Korea Communications Commission has announced new guidelines to explain and further expand on app market operators’ obligations prescribed under the Telecommunications Business Act.
KOREAN REGULATOR ANNOUNCES NEW GUIDELINES ON USER PROTECTION RELATING TO APP MARKETS AND MOBILE
The Korea Communications Commission has announced new guidelines to explain and further expand on app market operators’ obligations prescribed under the Telecommunications Business Act.
Korea’s data privacy regulator issues draft rules to flesh out impending changes to data protection
Draft of amended Enforcement Decree of the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) will supplement statutory amendments set to take effect on September 15, 2023.
Korea’s data privacy regulator issues draft rules to flesh out impending changes to data protection
Draft of amended Enforcement Decree of the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) will supplement statutory amendments set to take effect on September 15, 2023.
REVISIONS TO THE ELECTRONIC FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS ACT APPROVED BY THE NATIONAL POLICY COMMITTEE
REVISIONS TO THE ELECTRONIC FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS ACT APPROVED BY THE NATIONAL POLICY COMMITTEE
REVISIONS TO THE ELECTRONIC FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS ACT APPROVED BY THE NATIONAL POLICY COMMITTEE
REVISIONS TO THE ELECTRONIC FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS ACT APPROVED BY THE NATIONAL POLICY COMMITTEE
PROTECTION OF VIRTUAL ASSET INVESTORS IN KOREA AND OBLIGATIONS IMPOSED SERVICE PROVIDERS
PROTECTION OF VIRTUAL ASSET INVESTORS IN KOREA AND OBLIGATIONS IMPOSED ON VIRTUAL ASSET SERVICE PROVIDERS
PROTECTION OF VIRTUAL ASSET INVESTORS IN KOREA AND OBLIGATIONS IMPOSED SERVICE PROVIDERS
PROTECTION OF VIRTUAL ASSET INVESTORS IN KOREA AND OBLIGATIONS IMPOSED ON VIRTUAL ASSET SERVICE PROVIDERS
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS ON SERIOUS ACCIDENTS PUNISHMENT ACT (“SAPA”)
REPRESENTATIVE DIRECTOR SENTENCED TO IMPRISONMENT
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS ON ENFORCEMENT OF SERIOUS ACCIDENTS PUNISHMENT ACT (SAPA)
FIRST TRIAL COURT DECISION AND INDICTMENT OF FIRST SAPA VIOLATION CASE
SUPREME COURT RULING ON KOREAN CUSTOMS DUTY ACT OVER “FREE GOODS”
SUPREME COURT RULING ON KOREAN CUSTOMS DUTY ACT: FREE GOODS SUPPLIED AS VOLUME DISCOUNTS ARE NOT “FREE OF CHARGE GOODS”
Korean court ruling over a network usage fee dispute between Netflix and SK Broadband.
In dispute over network usage charges to high-traffic content providers, court rejects Netflix challenge to usage fee demands by network provider SK Broadband, finds Netflix obligated to pay consideration for network usage
Fast-track Review of COVID-19 Vaccines in Korea
COVID-19 Newsletter: Fast-track Review of COVID-19 Vaccines in Korea
Korea data regulator fines Facebook over $6 million for data privacy violations starting in 2012...
Korea data regulator fines Facebook KRW 6.8 billion (over USD 6 million) for data privacy violations starting in 2012, including data sharing surrounding 2016 US Presidential election; refers case for criminal investigation.
Corporate Governance Reform: Pre-Announcement of Partial Amendment to the Korean Commercial Code
On June 11, 2020, the Ministry of Justice pre-announced a proposed partial amendment to the Korean Commercial Code that aims to improve corporate governance by introducing a multi-level derivative lawsuit system and enhanced rights for minority shareholders, among other changes.
KFTC Proposes Enactment of Fair Transactions in Online Intermediary Services Act
On September 28, 2020, the Korea Fair Trade Commission (“KFTC”) published a bill to introduce the Act on Fair Transactions in Online Intermediary Services (the “Act”), which will be open for public comments for a period of 40 days. BKL provides a summary of the bill as follows.
Korea Technology Sector Legal Developments
Here are some important issues and notes with regard to the legal developments in Korean technology sector.
National Assembly passes amendments to the Act on Contracts to which the State is a Party
On March 31, 2020, the National Assembly passed a number of amendments to the Act on Contracts to which the State is a Party (the “State Contract Act”), which will take effect on October 1, 2020.
Korea opens way for development and commercialization of self-driving cars
Korea opens way for development and commercialization of self-driving cars, with framework for designating road sections and test zones for “Level 3” and up
Data privacy in Korea, for “Big Data” and financial sector
Draft regulations follow up on amendments of Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and Credit Information Use and Protection Act (CIPA), which will widen the path for “Big Data” type data processing and services.
Korean financial regulator announces six-month ban on short sale trades
Useful Takeaways in regards to the recent announcement from the Financial Services Commission (“FSC”) banning on covered short selling.
The Financial Consumer Protection Act Passed by the National Assembly
The bill on the Financial Consumer Protection Act (the “FCPA”) was passed by the National Assembly on March 5, 2020 and by the Cabinet Council on March 17, 2020. Here is our briefing of legal update related to this matter.
Korean transportation law amended to open way for taxi hailing platform businesses
Amendments to Passenger Transport Service Act passed on March 7, 2020 erect regulatory framework for app-based taxi hailing businesses. Here is our briefing of legal update related to this matter.
BKL Bolsters Real Estate Practice with Senior US Attorney Addition
David Pyun joined BKL, one of the leading law firms in South Korea, as a senior US attorney from Kim & Chang in June 11.
Korean Perspective on Crypto:Regulatory Developments and Outlook on Arbitration and Dispute
Recent Korean legal update on Korean Perspective on Crypto: Regulatory Developments and Outlook on Arbitration and Dispute Resolution
Korean Perspective on Crypto:Regulatory Developments and Outlook on Arbitration and Dispute
Recent Korean legal update on Korean Perspective on Crypto: Regulatory Developments and Outlook on Arbitration and Dispute Resolution
Korean Perspective on Crypto:Regulatory Developments and Outlook on Arbitration and Dispute
Recent Korean legal update on Korean Perspective on Crypto: Regulatory Developments and Outlook on Arbitration and Dispute Resolution
Korean Perspective on Crypto:Regulatory Developments and Outlook on Arbitration and Dispute
Recent Korean legal update on Korean Perspective on Crypto: Regulatory Developments and Outlook on Arbitration and Dispute Resolution
Bae, Kim & Lee LLC Singapore Held its 2nd Anniversary Event
Bae, Kim & Lee LLC Singapore Held its 2nd Anniversary Event
Bae, Kim & Lee LLC Announces Appointment of New Managing Partner
Seoul, South Korea - Bae, Kim & Lee LLC (BKL), a prominent law firm in Korea, is pleased to announce the election of Joonki Yi as its new managing partner for a three-year term, effective from January 1st, 2024. The decision was made following a unanimous vote by the firm's partners.
KOREAN REGULATOR ANNOUNCES NEW GUIDELINES ON USER PROTECTION RELATING TO APP MARKETS AND MOBILE
The Korea Communications Commission has announced new guidelines to explain and further expand on app market operators’ obligations prescribed under the Telecommunications Business Act.
KOREAN REGULATOR ANNOUNCES NEW GUIDELINES ON USER PROTECTION RELATING TO APP MARKETS AND MOBILE
The Korea Communications Commission has announced new guidelines to explain and further expand on app market operators’ obligations prescribed under the Telecommunications Business Act.
Korea’s data privacy regulator issues draft rules to flesh out impending changes to data protection
Draft of amended Enforcement Decree of the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) will supplement statutory amendments set to take effect on September 15, 2023.
Korea’s data privacy regulator issues draft rules to flesh out impending changes to data protection
Draft of amended Enforcement Decree of the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) will supplement statutory amendments set to take effect on September 15, 2023.
REVISIONS TO THE ELECTRONIC FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS ACT APPROVED BY THE NATIONAL POLICY COMMITTEE
REVISIONS TO THE ELECTRONIC FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS ACT APPROVED BY THE NATIONAL POLICY COMMITTEE
REVISIONS TO THE ELECTRONIC FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS ACT APPROVED BY THE NATIONAL POLICY COMMITTEE
REVISIONS TO THE ELECTRONIC FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS ACT APPROVED BY THE NATIONAL POLICY COMMITTEE
PROTECTION OF VIRTUAL ASSET INVESTORS IN KOREA AND OBLIGATIONS IMPOSED SERVICE PROVIDERS
PROTECTION OF VIRTUAL ASSET INVESTORS IN KOREA AND OBLIGATIONS IMPOSED ON VIRTUAL ASSET SERVICE PROVIDERS
PROTECTION OF VIRTUAL ASSET INVESTORS IN KOREA AND OBLIGATIONS IMPOSED SERVICE PROVIDERS
PROTECTION OF VIRTUAL ASSET INVESTORS IN KOREA AND OBLIGATIONS IMPOSED ON VIRTUAL ASSET SERVICE PROVIDERS
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS ON SERIOUS ACCIDENTS PUNISHMENT ACT (“SAPA”)
REPRESENTATIVE DIRECTOR SENTENCED TO IMPRISONMENT
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS ON ENFORCEMENT OF SERIOUS ACCIDENTS PUNISHMENT ACT (SAPA)
FIRST TRIAL COURT DECISION AND INDICTMENT OF FIRST SAPA VIOLATION CASE
SUPREME COURT RULING ON KOREAN CUSTOMS DUTY ACT OVER “FREE GOODS”
SUPREME COURT RULING ON KOREAN CUSTOMS DUTY ACT: FREE GOODS SUPPLIED AS VOLUME DISCOUNTS ARE NOT “FREE OF CHARGE GOODS”
Korean court ruling over a network usage fee dispute between Netflix and SK Broadband.
In dispute over network usage charges to high-traffic content providers, court rejects Netflix challenge to usage fee demands by network provider SK Broadband, finds Netflix obligated to pay consideration for network usage
Fast-track Review of COVID-19 Vaccines in Korea
COVID-19 Newsletter: Fast-track Review of COVID-19 Vaccines in Korea
Korea data regulator fines Facebook over $6 million for data privacy violations starting in 2012...
Korea data regulator fines Facebook KRW 6.8 billion (over USD 6 million) for data privacy violations starting in 2012, including data sharing surrounding 2016 US Presidential election; refers case for criminal investigation.
Corporate Governance Reform: Pre-Announcement of Partial Amendment to the Korean Commercial Code
On June 11, 2020, the Ministry of Justice pre-announced a proposed partial amendment to the Korean Commercial Code that aims to improve corporate governance by introducing a multi-level derivative lawsuit system and enhanced rights for minority shareholders, among other changes.
KFTC Proposes Enactment of Fair Transactions in Online Intermediary Services Act
On September 28, 2020, the Korea Fair Trade Commission (“KFTC”) published a bill to introduce the Act on Fair Transactions in Online Intermediary Services (the “Act”), which will be open for public comments for a period of 40 days. BKL provides a summary of the bill as follows.
Korea Technology Sector Legal Developments
Here are some important issues and notes with regard to the legal developments in Korean technology sector.
National Assembly passes amendments to the Act on Contracts to which the State is a Party
On March 31, 2020, the National Assembly passed a number of amendments to the Act on Contracts to which the State is a Party (the “State Contract Act”), which will take effect on October 1, 2020.
Korea opens way for development and commercialization of self-driving cars
Korea opens way for development and commercialization of self-driving cars, with framework for designating road sections and test zones for “Level 3” and up
Data privacy in Korea, for “Big Data” and financial sector
Draft regulations follow up on amendments of Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and Credit Information Use and Protection Act (CIPA), which will widen the path for “Big Data” type data processing and services.
Korean financial regulator announces six-month ban on short sale trades
Useful Takeaways in regards to the recent announcement from the Financial Services Commission (“FSC”) banning on covered short selling.
The Financial Consumer Protection Act Passed by the National Assembly
The bill on the Financial Consumer Protection Act (the “FCPA”) was passed by the National Assembly on March 5, 2020 and by the Cabinet Council on March 17, 2020. Here is our briefing of legal update related to this matter.
Korean transportation law amended to open way for taxi hailing platform businesses
Amendments to Passenger Transport Service Act passed on March 7, 2020 erect regulatory framework for app-based taxi hailing businesses. Here is our briefing of legal update related to this matter.