Bio
Profile
Experience
Legal Counsel, Ministry of Science and ICT (2017.6.-2017.10.)
Legal Counsel, Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning (2013.7.-2017.5.)
Legal Counsel, Korea Communications Commission (2008.2.-2018.4.)
Legal Counsel, Ministry of Information and Communications (2000-2008.2.)
Special Advisor, Korea Communications Commission (1999-2008.2.)
Participant in Foreign Lawyers’ Program, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, New York (1991)
Kim & Chang (1985-Present)
Judge Advocate, Republic of Korea Army (1982-1985)
Representative Mattersshow
Technology, Media & Telecommunications
- Successfully represented and advised a major Korean mobile carrier in its appeal of the Korea Communication Commission’s sanctions for data breach.
- Represented and advised a major foreign broadcasting company on a broad range of legal and regulatory compliance matters in connection with its acquisition of cable channels, including securing all regulatory approvals.
- Successfully represented and defended a major Korean carrier in a criminal investigation by securing a not-guilty verdict.
- Successfully advised a major Korean carrier in obtaining preliminary approval from the Financial Services Commission to establish an internet-only bank in Korea.
- Successfully represented and defended one of the major Korean mobile carriers in an investigation by the Korea Fair Trade Commission.
- Advised and represented a major online e-commerce platform before the Korean Supreme Court in a substantial tax dispute relating to deductibles.
- Successfully represented and advised a major carrier in its appeal of an administrative decision that would have precluded the company from participating in public sector construction projects for 12 months.
- Advised and represented a leading multiple cable system operator in successfully securing renewals of its license.
- Obtained a payment gateway license in the first instance for a subsidiary of a multinational company.
- Resolved a customs audit in favor of a multinational smart phone manufacturer by reversing the long-established existing customs office practice.
- Advised on the registration of carrier billing service and permit of location-based service by a Korean subsidiary of a major multinational internet and computer software company.
- Represented civil/criminal suits regarding hacking incident involving a multinational ecommerce company, a major portal firm, a big local ecommerce company, a big game company, etc.
- Represented two major global and local internet and computer software companies in relation to a criminal investigation on collection of personal location information.
- Represented a major Korean telecommunication company in relation to an administrative investigation by the Korea Communications Commission regarding interconnection charges and a related civil suit.
- Represented the Korea Communications Commission in relation to an administrative litigation regarding termination of 2G service by a major Korean telecommunication company.
- Advised on the acquisition and divesture of local broadcasting companies.
- Advised on the establishment of a joint-venture company between a Korean broadcasting company and a major global entertainment company.
- Represented a Korean telecommunication company in a dispute related to interconnection charges.
- Advised on the acquisition of a major Korean e-commerce company by a major global e-commerce company.
- Advised on the merger of subsidiaries of a Korean telecommunication company.
- Advised on the merger of subsidiaries of two major Korean telecommunication companies.
- Advised on the establishment of a joint venture company between a major North American broadcasting company and a Korean broadcasting company.
- Advised on the acquisition of equity in one of the largest satellite broadcasting companies in Korea by one of the largest Asian private equity firms.
- Represented a major Korean telecommunication company to seek an administrative injunction by a telecommunication-related government agency in Korea against resale of PCS.
- Represented a Korean telecommunication company against cable television companies' criminal allegations relating to Korea's first launch of IPTV services.
- Advised on the acquisition of equity in one of the Korean wireless telecommunication companies by a Japanese mobile-communication company.
- Represented a major Korean telecommunication company in relation to the Korea Fair Trade Commission’s investigation on potential cartel activities.
- Advised on the acquisition of a Korean telecom company by a European conglomerate.
- Advised on the acquisition of a Korean telecommunication company by a foreign consortium.
- Advised the IPTV legislation.
Representative Activitiesshow
Awards
- Korea Super 30 Lawyers, Asian Legal Business (Thomson Reuters, 2021)
- Asia Super 50 TMT Lawyers, Asian Legal Business (Thomson Reuters, 2021-2023)
- The A-List: Korea’s Top Lawyers, Asia Business Law Journal (Vantage Asia, 2024)
- The A-List: Korea’s Top 100 Lawyers, Asia Business Law Journal (Vantage Asia, 2021-2023)
- Leading Lawyer, Asialaw Leading Lawyers: Technology and Telecommunications (Delinian, 2021-2024)
- Elite Practitioner, Asialaw Leading Lawyers: Technology and Telecommunications (Euromoney, 2020)
- Notable Practitioner, Asialaw Leading Lawyers: Regulatory (Euromoney, 2020)
- Leading Lawyer, Who’s Who Legal: Korea, Data (Who’s Who Legal, 2019-2024)
- Leading Individual, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific: TMT (Legalease, 2018-2024)
- Market-Leading Lawyer, Asialaw Leading Lawyers: IT, Telco & Media (Euromoney, 2014-2018)
- Leading Lawyer, Leading Lawyers 2017: IT (Legal Times, 2017)
- Leading Individual, Chambers Asia-Pacific, Technology, Media, Telecoms (TMT) (Chambers and Partners, 2010-2025)
Publications/Activities
- Practical Law – Digital Business Global Guide 2015/16: Korea Chapter (Co-author, Thomson Reuters, 2015)
- South Korea’s Highly Regulated E-Commerce Market Thrives, E-Commerce Law & Policy Magazine (Co-author, 2014.1.)
Education
University of Michigan Law School (LL.M., 1991)
Graduate School of Law, Seoul National University (1982; LL.M., 1985)
Judicial Research and Training Institute of the Supreme Court of Korea (1982)
Seoul National University (LL.B., 1980)
Qualifications
Admitted to bar, Korea, 1982; New York, 1991
Languages
Korean and English
Insights
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Recognitions
Ranked “Band 1” in 18 Areas, 90 “Leading Individuals” - Chambers Asia-Pacific 2025
2024.12.12 -
Recognitions
“Outstanding” in All 24 Categories and 65 “Leading Lawyers” – asialaw 2024
2024.09.12 -
Recognitions
151 Professionals Selected as “National Leaders” – WWL: Korea 2024
2024.07.17 -
Recognitions
“Tier 1” in All 17 Practice Areas – The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2024
2024.01.18 -
Recognitions
Ranked “Band 1” in 18 Areas, 86 “Leading Individuals” - Chambers Asia-Pacific 2024
2023.12.15 -
Recognitions
“Outstanding” in All 24 Categories and 62 “Leading Lawyers” – asialaw 2023/24
2023.09.15