Kim & Chang excels in a comprehensive spectrum of banking and finance matters, notably in cross-border transactions, with recent experience in aviation finance, and project financing in the energy sector. Its distinctive team with ‘extensive experience in various matters’ combines seasoned Korean lawyers, foreign-licensed professionals, former regulators, and industry specialists, ensuring a versatile approach to client needs. Led by Kye Sung Chung, the team offers extensive expertise in advising both foreign and domestic financial institutions on commercial and investment banking, alongside regulatory matters. Key individuals include Ick Ryol Huh, known for his work in project and acquisition financing, and Young Kyun Cho, who advises major banks and non-bank financial investors. Young Min Kim focuses on multinational transactions, while Ie Hwan Yoo provides insights on securities regulations. Sang Jin Ahn specialises in project finance, representing top international corporations in complex regulatory landscapes.  

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Kim & Chang's banking and finance team consistently delivers the best outcomes for clients based on extensive experience in various matters, and their level of knowledge and expertise is overwhelmingly superior compared to other law firms. In terms of lawyer accessibility, they seem to be making efforts to become closer to their clients, unlike in the past.’

  • ‘Hi Sun Yoon provides clients with the best advice based on extensive experience and a broad network of contacts. He also has exceptional client service skills.’

  • ‘The team consistently demonstrates their readiness to provide solutions, even when requested at very short notice due to the nature of M&A deals. They have never failed to meet our expectations.'

  • 'We have complete confidence in the solutions and advice provided by the K&C team, as they are always final and trustworthy, enabling us to proceed with our deals swiftly and efficiently.'
  • 'Kim & Chang has set a high standard compared to other law firms we have worked with previously. We do not consider engaging any other law firm, especially for deals that are complex and challenging.’
  • 'The Kim & Chang team and its members consistently provided timely and comprehensive responses to our inquiries. They proactively suggested alternative solutions, often anticipating our needs without requiring us to ask twice. We would like to highlight Da Eun Jung's exceptional performance throughout our complex and challenging deal. Her innovative leadership enabled us to achieve our goals effectively.’

Key clients

  • Hahn & Company
  • MBK Partners
  • Samsung C&T Corporation
  • GS Energy Co., Ltd.
  • Woori Bank
  • Korea Trade Insurance Corporation (“K-sure”)
  • The Export-Import Bank of Korea (“KEXIM”)
  • H-Line Shipping Co., Ltd.
  • The Korea Development Bank (“KDB”)
  • MIRAE ASSET SECURITIES CO.,LTD.

Work highlights

  • Advised Samsung Asset Management Co. on providing financing to Oak Consortium GMBH for its acquisition of Vantage Tower AG.
  • Advised a private equity sponsor on financing of a take-private transaction of a publicly trading medical aesthetic equipment manufacturer, Lutronic Corporation.
  • Advised consortium of banks on senior term loan facilities for HMM, Co., Ltd., a Korean shipping company, to acquire twelve (12) container ships to be built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean Co, Ltd.

Lawyers

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.

Kye Sung Chung

Other key lawyers

Young Min Kim, Hi Sun Yoon, Ie Hwan Yoo, Young Kyun Cho, Ick Ryol Huh, Sang Jin Ahn, Da Eun Jung