Bae, Kim & Lee LLC‘s competition and antitrust practice is distinguished by its close collaboration with the firm’s civil litigation and criminal defence teams, ensuring a comprehensive approach to complex legal challenges. The team adeptly handles Korea Fair Trade Commission investigations, subsequent damage suits, and potential criminal referrals. Leading the practice, Hong Ki Kim brings extensive experience representing large-scale enterprises, particularly in matters involving cartels and unfair trade subcontracts. Seong Un Yun offers deep expertise in both international and domestic cartel issues, abuse of market dominance, and merger reporting. Junghun Kim specialises in Korea Fair Trade Commission investigations, administrative appeals, and litigating cases involving the cancellation of tender participation bans.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘First of all, I appreciate their expertise and excellent judgement on issues related to antitrust. They go straight to the key issues and set forth the legal analysis in a straightforward manner which makes it easier to communicate with business clients. They also provide practical recommendations to resolve the issues. Last but not least, they are always responsive and try their best to meet tight timelines.’
‘The team has been helping our cases regarding KFTC issues for over eight years with outstanding responses and advice, which has benefited our business. The most remarkable strength is their full understanding of our business, industry and customer dynamics, which could allow us to reserve time and effort. The teamwork was also impressive, efficient, and agile.’
‘Sanghoon Shin was outstanding, without a doubt. With knowledge and experience as the specialist for KFTC-related cases, I have had many positive and impressive experiences collaborating with the BKL team. To make the case successful, the client must know whether the legal team has the full capability to handle the case and help the client in terms of 'understanding of the business'. From this perspective, the Bae, Kim & Lee team is the best.’
‘The team delivers very well-organised material to us. They know exactly what we are looking for and come up with answers and solutions that fit what we are looking for.'
‘They understand the industry. They are receptive to the differences among various countries and companies. In combination with their depth of experience working on cross-border issues, clients can rely on their advice and let them take the lead.’
‘Professional, committed, prompt, and friendly.’
‘The team is extremely thorough and knowledgeable. What immediately impressed me was their ability to grasp complex issues and explain them in an understandable way to U.S.-based clients. I never lost sleep at night, worried whether the team was doing great work and protecting our interests. This team is our go-to for any antitrust and competition disputes in South Korea.’
‘Sanghoon Shin has a great understanding of merger filing in South Korea and other jurisdictions and is fluent in both English and Korean.’
Key clients
- BlackRock Financial Management Inc.
- CJ CheilJedang
- HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co Lt
- Hyundai Motor Company
- KT
- LG Electronics
- Marriott International Inc.
- Naver
- Siemens
- Tesla Korea
Work highlights
- Advised Blackrock, the world’s largest asset management firm, in its KRW 1.1 trillion acquisition of a 30% stake in AirFirst Co., Ltd., a Korean industrial gas company, from IMM Private Equity.
- Advised LG Electronics and its overseas subsidiaries in filing a damage claim against four Taiwanese LCD panel manufacturers, including AU optronics Corp and Hannstar Display Corporation.
- Represented Siemens in a lawsuit contesting the KFTC’s administrative disposition imposed on Siemens.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Hong Ki Kim