Kim & Chang is widely regarded as one of South Korea’s top firms for corporate and M&A work, adept at handling the entire lifecycle of a transaction from the initial feasibility review and structuring to its closing and post-closing integration with clients seeking the firm for the most complex transactions. Kyung Taek Jung leads the team, bringing deep expertise to high-profile matters. Jong Koo Park plays a key role in major transactions, while Jong Hyun Park has recent experience assisting major domestic and multinational private equity funds in their acquisition of shares in Korean companies. Shin Kwon Lim has extensive experience handling intra-group corporate restructuring transactions.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Best one-stop solution for all legal advisory needs.’

  • ‘Wan Suk Kim is one of the best corporate finance/M&A lawyers in Korea.’

  • ‘Kim & Chang is our go-to law firm in Korea not only on M&A transactions but also on tax, compliance and disputes. Kim & Chang owns strong and deep resources on all major industry groups and practice groups. They have a deep pool of resources to tackle voluminous tasks in a limited time when required. They also have a vast network within Korea as well as a good relationship with all the major law firms in major countries such that they can be helpful in solving cross-border investments as well as cross-border legal issues. ’

  • ‘Wan Suk Kim is our main partner for M&A. He is an excellent analyser and one of the most knowledgeable M&A lawyers in the market. His team has good chemistry within and adds diversity, which is converted to good performance.’

Key clients

  • Hyundai Motor Group
  • MBK Partners
  • EQT Partners
  • SK Group
  • IMM Private Equity
  • GIC Private Equity
  • Arkema
  • Glenwood Private Equity
  • Hahn & Company
  • Kohlberg Kravis Roberts
  • Korea Zinc Company
  • Morgan Stanley Private Equity
  • Ingredion Korea
  • TPG Capital
  • BlueCove Investment

Work highlights

  • Represented Hyundai Motor Group in its formation of US joint venture company with SK On.
  • Represented EQT in its acquisition of a majority equity interest in SK shieldus for approximately KRW 2 trillion by way of a share purchase from SK Square and Blue Security Investment and a new share subscription from SK Shieldus.
  • Represented MBKP Consortium in its acquisition of equity interest in SK On.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Kyung Taek Jung

Other key lawyers

Jong Koo Park, Young Man Huh, Sang Hyuk Park, Sang Goo Lee, Joon B Kim, Jong Hyun Park, Shin Kwon Lim, Wan Suk Kim