Department head Ri Bong Han is respected by peers as an experienced and active hand in the M&A market. He recently advised Samsung on its USD950 million acquisition of all shares of S-LCD from Sony, its partner in the joint venture enterprise.

Sky Yang (Sih Kyoung Yang) plays an active role in the firm's top deals. He recently advised Vogo Fund on the KRW87 billion sale of its stake in Novita to the Kohler Group.

Dong Woo Seo specialises in financial regulation and securities matters. In highlights, he advised Hynix Semiconductor and Korea Exchange Bank on the USD3 billion sale of a stake in Hynix to SK Telecom.

Senior foreign counsel Tongeun Kim is praised for his work ethic and communication skills. His expertise covers both M&A and corporate finance matters.

With offices in Beijing and Shanghai, and a dedicated team of China experts in the Seoul head office, Bae, Kim & Lee is active on a variety of transactions and regulatory issues in China, representing the interests of a diverse host of Korean and international clients in this rapidly developing market.

Hee-Gang Shin is active in IPO and block sale transactions, and earns praise from clients for his technical knowledge and his commercial approach. He specialises in capital markets work related to China.

Head of the North Korea practice group, Wook Yoo has substantial experience in the region. He has researched extensively the legal issues regarding the opening and development of North Korea's economy, acting as an adviser to bodies including the Ministry of Unification and the Kaesong Industrial District Management Committee. He is well published on North Korean law, and is one of the foremost researchers and lecturers on this legal frontier.

Gi Hyoung Oh was formerly posted at the Shanghai office of Bae, Kim & Lee, and applies his international trade expertise to the opening economy of North Korea. He works primarily as an adviser to the Kaesong Industrial District Management Committee.

Chan Ho Lee is noted for his work in the diplomatic service and the Ministry of Unification. He remains a key player in work involving North Korea.

Kyung Taek Jung chairs the M&A practice group and has extensive experience in advising clients in the pharmaceutical, IT, energy and automobile industries.

Jong Koo Park is a highly respected figure in this field, with long-standing experience in a range of matters. In highlights, he advised Morgan Stanley Private Equity on its KRW115 billion acquisition of Korean restaurant franchiser Nolboo.

Kim & Chang's international outlook is reflected in its sizeable China practice, which has a long record of representing not only Korean clients investing in the burgeoning Chinese market, but also an increasing number of Chinese clients looking to invest in Korea. The practice's attorneys handle a range of China-related matters, including M&A, capital markets and intellectual property. Ik Soo Park is a key contact.

Young Hoon Byun in Seoul is head of the firm's Japanese practice group, and is a member of the Korea Japan Lawyers Association. He advises both Korean firms investing in Japan and Japanese firms investing in Korea. 

Luke Shin is well-placed to advise multinational corporations on a range of cross-border transactions. He has particular knowledge of Japanese transactions. He is admitted to practice in both New York and New Jersey, and also works with a number of clients from the USA. 

Swedish-born Stefan Moller is a key figure in the firm's Scandinavian practice group, frequently advising clients from that region on taxation issues relating to M&A and corporate reorganisation.

Jung Taek Park has notable experience of working in Germany and frequently advises clients from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Employment and health law are amongst his areas of expertise.

Matthias Schleicher  has considerable experience advising German-speaking clients on their operations in Korea. His broad practice encompasses topics including joint ventures, share purchase agreements and general commercial law.

Kyu Wha Lee is highly respected by clients as a diligent and pragmatic case manager. Peers also recognise his long-standing market experience. In cross-border highlights, he acted for Samsung Heavy Industries on its acquisition of the shares of Ansaldo Sistemi Industriali in Italy from Patriarch Partners.

Hyeong Gun Lee is praised for his practical and professional approach. One client noted: "He got a sense of our personalities very well, and fit in very well with our time." Notable work includes advising Samsung Electronics on the USD1.38 billion sale of its global subsidiaries' HDD business to Seagate Technologies.

Sang Gon Kim tackles a range of M&A matters, with a specialisation in hostile takeovers. He recently advised CJ GLS and CJ Cheiljedang on their USD1.8 billion acquisition of a controlling stake in Korea Express.

Yong-Seok Ahn brings expertise in competition law to the team. Sources praise his "good knowledge and good judgement."

The firm boasts an impressive bench of attorneys with specialisations and first-hand experience in Japan, who are active on a diverse range of legal matters including M&A, antitrust, disputes and intellectual property. The group's expertise earns the patronage of top clients such as Sony Computer Entertainment, Sumitomo Heavy Industries and Mizuho Securities.

Seoung Hee Park is head of the firm's Japan group. She has extensive experience of international M&A, joint ventures, capital market transactions and international arbitration, and is a fluent English and Japanese speaker.

Keum Sub Park is a fluent Japanese speaker, and previously worked at Nishimura & Partners as a foreign associate. He represents Japanese clients such as Sumitomo Chemical Analysis, Yamato Steel, Mizuho Securities and Panasonic.

Hyun Chan Pyun focuses on projects, energy and infrastructure in Korea and across Central Asia. He has extensive experience in real estate and construction in Kazakhstan, where his numerous achievements have included advising on a real estate development project in Almaty and an apartment complex in Astana.

Samuel Kwon is a highly experienced practitioner. He is well regarded for his expertise with US legal issues, having worked at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison in Washington, DC for nearly 13 years.

German-qualified Michael Won-Min Suh focuses on corporate and IP-related matters, and regularly advises German companies on their Korean operations. He also lectures on German law at the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies.

Seung Ryong Oh recently returned to Seoul following a stint in the firm's Beijing office as head of the China practice. He continues to assist Korean enterprises and their Chinese subsidiaries with incorporations and the establishment of joint ventures.  

Senior foreign attorney Brandon Ryu (Myong Hyon Ryu) specialises in outbound transactions. He played a leading role in advising Mirae Asset Private Equity and Fila Korea on their USD1.23 billion acquisition of Acushnet from Fortune Brands.

Seong Hoon Yi is a well-regarded player in the M&A field, with seasoned experience in cross-border matters and a firm grasp of financial law. He played a key role in advising Asiana and Daewoo Engineering & Construction on their KRW2 trillion sale of a controlling stake in Korea Express to a consortium led by CJ Group.

Senior foreign attorney Michael Chang is highly valued by clients for being "knowledgeable in a lot of legal areas." He recently advised Wisconsin-based Kohler on its acquisition of Novita from Vogo Fund and Korea Global Fund.

Up-and-comer John Kim is "an excellent negotiator who bridges the US-Korea cultural gap very well." He advised the Samsung Group on the disposal of its shareholdings in iMarketKorea to Interpark.

The firm has offices in Beijing and Shanghai, as well as a team of China experts in Seoul, which includes PRC nationals qualified in China. Together, this group provides an integrated service in matters of cross-border M&A and capital markets, as well as competition law.

Tianshu Zheng specialises in Chinese corporate law, foreign investment, real estate and M&A. She handles a range of cross-border corporate transactions between Korea and China, including the establishment of Chinese holding companies and subsidiaries, stock exchange listings and related litigation.

Byoung Seon Choe was based in the firm's Shanghai office from 2010 to 2011, and continues to be deeply involved in working with PRC clients. He handles a broad ranking of matters, including M&A, financing and restructuring, as well as commercial litigation.

Shin & Kim's Japan desk handles a range of Japan-related matters, including mergers, acquisitions and disposals, regulatory compliance and disputes. Yoon-Hee Kim is a contact for the Japan desk.

French-trained Philippe Shin has experience of working on M&A transactions and joint ventures between Korean and French companies.

Senior foreign attorney David Yang heads the firm's Latin America practice group. Previously based in Argentina, his practice covers asset-backed securities, international trade, international arbitration and cross-border M&A.  

Senior foreign counsel John Kim is praised by sources as "very smart and excellent," and "very understanding of clients." He serves as head of the firm's outbound practice group, focusing on cross-border M&A and global projects.

Hee Woong Yoon is a recognised name in the market, with peers remarking on his active practice. His expertise covers equity-related matters, and in the past year he advised Hyundai Motor Group on its acquisition of an equity interest in Green Cross Life Insurance.

Hee-Chul Kang is a founding partner of the firm, and is well regarded for his long-standing practice. In the past year he led the team in advising the Export-Import Bank of Korea on its KRW480 billion sale of shares in Korea Exchange Bank to Hana Financial Group.  

Managing partner Sai Ree Yun is respected for his seasoned market experience and expertise in competition law.  

The seven-strong Japan practice group at Yulchon makes use of the firm's considerable expertise in international tax and customs, M&A, capital markets and finance matters, to provide a highly specialised service for a range of Japanese clients. Hee Woong Yoon is a key contact for the Japan desk.

Cecil Chung is head of the international antitrust team at the firm. He comes recommended for his knowledge of US antitrust and IP matters, having previously worked in Washington, DC for over two decades, including a seven year stint at the FTC.

Moritz Winkler is admitted to practice in Germany and speaks German, Korean and English. He focuses on international investment advice, cross-border dispute resolution and general corporate law.

This full-service firm advises on a wide range of cross-border transactions, with a strong focus on inbound investment into Korea. Its cross-border practice benefits from a team of attorneys proficient in French, German and Mandarin, in addition to English and Korean. Senior foreign attorney Thomas Pinansky is a key contact.

Founding and managing partner Seong Kang is described by clients as a "commercially minded, hands-on, problem-solving lawyer." Clients also praised his enthusiastic and responsive approach.

Edward Han has a background in corporate, M&A and energy and resources matters. He manages the foreign branches of the firm, and has developed an expertise in the Philippines legal market.

Sang-Goo Han heads the department, and is praised by sources as "very specialised in M&A advice." One source added: "He has fulfilled all the legal issues we have faced."

With an office on the ground in Tokyo, and a group of lawyers with specific Japanese expertise, Yoon & Yang offers a full service related to investment between Japan and Korea. The firm benefits from several lawyers with professional and personal experience in Japan and fluency in the Japanese language and business culture. In-Dong Park of the Tokyo office is a key contact.

Managing partner Hoil Yoon is recognised by peers as a senior and experienced figure in competition law in South Korea. He has notable experience of the US market, having previously spent ten years practising there as a partner at Baker & McKenzie. He is admitted in New York, Washington, DC, and Illinois.

Bernhard Vogel is German qualified and a German speaker. He advises the firm's European clients on M&A, litigation and investment in Korea.

Managing partner Kyung-Joon Choi specialises in cross-border transactions. He is acknowledged by peers as a senior yet hands-on figure.

This compact, general practice has maintained a steady M&A service, and is forging a place for itself in high-level mandates. The firm recently advised KCC on its acquisition of a majority stake in Samsung Everland. US-licensed attorney James Kim is a key contact for cross-border transactions. 

Won Lee of the Hong Kong office is a "capable corporate lawyer," according to peers. He regularly acts for Korean clients on their investments across Asia, and acted for POSCO on its USD411 million acquisition of all outstanding shares of Thainox Stainless. At the time of going to press, it has been reported that Baker & McKenzie has applied to the Korean authorities to open an office in Seoul.

Daniel Lee recently relocated to Seoul where he heads the practice, and leads on a range of cross-border acquisitions.

Hong Kong-based Jae Chul Lee brings to the team an established reputation and expertise in corporate finance, as well as familiarity in working with financial institution clients. 

Jong Han Kim is now based in Seoul, where he is chair of the Korea office. He is highlighted by peers for his corporate and real estate expertise.

Daniel Kim is vice-chair of the firm's new Seoul office. He has a broad corporate practice, with a specialisation in equity and LBOs. He played a key role on Samsung Electronics' USD1.4 billion sale of its HDD business to Seagate Technology.

Matthew Berger splits his time between the Tokyo and Silicon Valley offices, and is noted for his keen expertise in TMT-related IP matters.   

Based in Sydney, Christine Oh is director of the firm's Korea practice. She is praised by clients as being "incredibly well connected with Korean companies and investors." 

Rupert Lewi in the Perth office is active on energy projects for Korean companies in Australia and overseas, including South America. According to clients, "he is a natural lawyer with an innate legal mind, and consequently is very good at reviewing legal documents. Of course, he knows the commercial points as well."

Sydney-based Ian Williams also handles high-profile energy projects in Australia. He is especially appreciated by Korea finance and energy clients, who say that "he is good at persuading the other side of the table, and achieves the goal his client seeks." One client remarked: "He has lots of M&A experience, so before I ask about an issue he already knows and prepares a reasonable solution proactively."

Tokyo managing partner John McClenahan specialises in project finance, and has advised the likes of KOGAS, Korea Midland Power and Daewoo. Clients describe him as "an excellent negotiator and a helpful attorney." One interviewee added: "He is one of the grand statesmen of Tokyo's foreign law practices."

Sang Jin Han is recognised by peers for his expertise in cross-border equity stakes matters. In this area he recently advised Korea Investment Corporation on its minority equity investments in Frac Tech International and Noble Group. Han is based in Hong Kong.

Key work highlights from the past year include advising Lone Star on the off-market sale of its 51% stake in Korea Exchange Bank to Hana Financial Group. At the time of going to press, it has been announced that Linklaters has filed an application to set up an office in Seoul. Hyung Ahn heads the Korea practice group.

This team has expertise in natural resources, TMT, pharmaceuticals, life sciences and, increasingly, green energy and clean technology. Recent highlights include advising Posco on investments to develop lithium projects in Central America. Eugene Chang in Tokyo and Dongho Lee in Hong Kong are key contacts.

Jin-Hyuk Park has extensive experience in M&A matters, and also draws on his corporate finance prowess to provide an effective service in outbound acquisitions. He continues to lead the firm's Korea team from Hong Kong.

This firm advises on a range of matters, particularly outbound energy acquisitions and development, as well as project financing. It was retained by KEPCO and KOGAS to advise on energy and mineral investment and acquisitions worldwide. Sydney-based David Wilkie is the key partner.

In-Young Lee recently moved from New York to head the firm's new Seoul office, and is recommended for his expertise in US-Korea transactions. In highlights, he advised Fila Korea and Mirae Asset Private Equity on the purchase of the Acushnet golf business from Fortune Brands.

This firm's Korea practice tackles outbound projects for Korean companies, particularly in the energy sector. Highlights include advising Abu Dhabi National Oil Corporation on a joint venture with Korea National Oil Corporation and GS Caltex for the exploration and development of onshore and offshore oil fields in Abu Dhabi. Philip Dundas in the Abu Dhabi office works on Korean projects in the Middle East, and is the key contact.

This Italian firm set up its Korea desk in 2012, with the aim of enhancing its capabilities in Korea-related transactions. The team is led by Rome-based Mauro Sambati, who is ably assisted by Soo Youn Kim, an associate who advises clients in Korean and English as well as Italian.

The South Korea desk in Paris is managed by Philippe Li, who has over 20 years' experience advising Korean companies active in France and international clients in Korea. The Paris-based team works closely with the firm's Asia offices, advising on M&A, restructuring, employment and infrastructure transactions.

Korean speaking partner Shin Jae Kim co-ordinates the firm's Korea and China desks from São Paolo, and is particularly skilled in helping foreign companies enter the market: "She fully understands the commercial needs of the client and takes a proactive approach."

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Mei Lin Goh is a partner in the asset finance group, operating on a range of complex cross-border syndicated loans with a focus on the shipping sector. In recent work, she advised 11 separate syndicates of international lenders on the rehabilitation proceedings of Korea Line. She also acted for the lenders, led by Nord/LB, on a USD247.2 million loan facility to the STX Pan Ocean Group for its acquisition of three very large ore carriers (VLOCs).