Shin & Kim’s M&A team is a leading force in cross-border transactions in Korea, bringing together a wealth of industry expertise. Co-headed by Jae Young Chang, who specialises in M&A transactions involving companies in the manufacturing, financial institutions and ESG sectors, and Tong-Gun Lee, who focuses on both outbound and inbound M&A and has experience in high-profile hostile takeover litigation and disputes. Joongil Cho, known for his significant in-house and industry experience both in Korea and internationally, advises some of Korea’s largest conglomerates. Joongil Cho has extensive experience representing both domestic and international clients on a wide range of commercial transactions and corporate matters and has also advised on squeeze-out transactions and shareholder disputes.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Very responsive and intelligent advice stemming from abundant track record and experience. We were happy with their heavy partner involvement and accessibility. They know what clients want, so I don't have to explain everything.’

  • ‘I am very happy to work with Soo Kyun Lee as he is very responsive, and as a partner, he also tries his best to be upfront and provide the best-in-class legal service.’

  • ‘Due to the sensitive nature of the industry, we value promptness and responsiveness the most. Shin & Kim is by far the best law firm to fulfil these requirements.’

  • ‘Soo Kyun Lee is outstanding in various aspects, including his ability to organise bespoke teams for each deal, especially cross-border deals.’

Key clients

  • SK Group
  • Kakao Corporation
  • SD Biosensor
  • KKR Korea Limited Liability Corporation
  • Kumho Industrial Co., Ltd. and Asiana Airlines, Inc.
  • Lutronic
  • MBK Partners
  • Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
  • IMM Private Equity
  • Sequoia Capital
  • Palantir Technologies Inc.
  • BREA EQT
  • GIC
  • Baring Private Equity
  • Dominus Investment
  • Mirae Asset Securities
  • Well to Sea Investment
  • KT Corporation
  • Meritz Securities Co., Ltd.
  • LG Group

Work highlights

  • Advised on the acquisition of Hanon System.
  • Advised on the sale of Lutronic Corporation.
  • Advised on the acquisition of the polarizer materials business of LG CHEM.

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.

Jae Young Chang, Tong-Gun Lee

Other key lawyers

Chung-In Anthony Choi, Myong-Hyon (Brandon) Ryu, Byung Tae Kim, Jiwon Kang, Joongil Cho, Chaewon Kang