Lee & Ko has a proven track record of handling major cases concerning unfair trade practices, cartels, and merger control; antitrust compliance and antitrust litigation are further strengths, with the practice well placed to call upon the services of the firm’s in-house economists when preparing evidence to be heard before the KFTC and Korean courts. Hwan Jeong heads up the antitrust and competition group; he has longstanding experience of leading a wide array of competition law mandates extending to abuse of dominance matters. Jang Woo Park steers the antitrust criminal defense team, while In Seok Lee steers the administrative and civil antitrust litigation team. Yong Seok Ahn frequently assists multinational companies with cases related to Korean competition laws. Suruyn Kim has a notable focus on merger review cases; Jeong-Ho Sun is equipped to assist with M&A due diligence, while Jong Youn Han has specific know-how relating to the IT and semiconductor market. Byong Ki Chung is a first-choice expert for antitrust damages litigations cases. Jung Won Kwon is further recommended.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Jeong-Ho Sun of Lee & Ko was impressive.’

  • ‘Lee & Ko is very responsive with prompt and expert solutions, especially about antitrust and competition law, which is one area  in which they really excel.' 

  • ‘We have been requested many consultations to Lee & Ko team, especially with Jeong-Ho Sun. He has provided us with excellent analysis and opinions to us with prompt responsiveness and expert knowledge on antitrust and competition law issues.’

  • ‘I had a pleasure of working closely with Miji Lee, an outstanding lawyer specialising in antitrust and competition law. Her practice stands out due to its remarkable combination of expertise, dedication, and strong communication skills.’

  • ‘Lee & Ko’s antitrust team is the team that can provide the most comprehensive service in all matters of antitrust law. It provides prompt and timely advice in regards to the KFTC’s antitrust investigations, merger filings (including international merger filings) and compliance.'

  • 'The team advised on various issues including trades between affiliates, merger filing (including domestic and foreign), handling sensitive information; and the responses included up-to-date developments of the regulation and decisions.'
  • ‘Miji Lee has provided advice on a wide scope of matters, including affiliate trading, KFTC investigations, and handling competitive information, merger filing, etc. She is extremely knowledgeable.'

  • 'Jung Myong Park provides the most accurate and comprehensive advice on merger filing, both Korean and foreign issues. Due to his prompt response to the KFTC, he successfully had the KFTC give clearance to a challenging merger filing case.'

Key clients

  • Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
  • Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd. (GTT case)
  • Alvogen Lux Holdings S.à.r.l, Lotus Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Alvogen Korea Co., Ltd.
  • Cargill Agri Purina
  • NAVER Corporation
  • DL ENC Co., Ltd
  • Daewoo Engineering & Construction
  • Hyundai Engineering & Construction
  • Hanhwa Construction
  • Sinotrans Container Lines Company
  • Korea Marine Transport
  • Namsung Shipping
  • Dongyoung Shipping
  • Dongjin Shipping
  • Pan Continental Shipping
  • Sinokor Merchant Marine
  • CK Line
  • Heung-A Line
  • Korean Shipowner’s Association
  • Wan Hai Lines
  • Saudi Aramco
  • Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
  • Samsung Electronics, Huawei and MediaTek (Qualcomm case)

Work highlights

  • Representing Samsung Electronics in defending the company against allegations on unfair support after the company was indicted.
  • Represented three major Korean shipbuilders against Gaztransport et Technigaz S.A. (“GTT”) during GTT’s appeal against the KFTC decision to sanction the company for abuse of dominance in the Seoul High Court and Supreme Court.
  • Represented Alvogen after the KFTC commenced an investigation on the collusion between Alvogen and AstraZeneca Korea alleging that Alvogen delayed the development of the generic versions of AstraZeneca’s original drugs.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Hwan Jeong, Jang Woo Park, In Seok Lee

Other key lawyers

Yong Seok Ahn, Suruyn Kim, Jung Won Kwon, Jeong-Ho Sun, Jong Youn Han, Byong Ki Chung, Ji Hoon Kim, Miji Lee, Jung Myong Park