Kim & Chang offers a comprehensive suite of tax services, including tax planning, M&A, transfer pricing, litigation, and international tax dispute resolution, alongside general advice on all Korean tax issues from inception to exit. Boasting the largest tax team in Korea and the largest transfer pricing and customs practice, the firm is uniquely positioned to navigate complex tax matters. The team is supported by former high-ranking officials from government bodies such as the National Tax Service, Tax Tribunals, and the Ministry of Economy and Finance, offering clients deep insights into governmental processes. Co-heads Woo Hyun Baik and Jisoo Lee bring extensive expertise in corporate tax issues and tax disputes, respectively. Key figures such as Tae Yeon Nam, Sang Woo Lee, and Byung Moon Jung further enhance the firm’s capabilities in transfer pricing, international tax, and litigation.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Full-fledged law firm with a wide range of experts who, as a team, can cover all corners of tax matters clients face. No real competitors in Korea with a comparative breadth of services.'

  • 'Very good relationships with key stakeholders, including governmental agencies.'
  • 'Provides helpful strategical advice on complex matters.’
  • ‘Jisoo Lee is a very experienced tax lawyer with clear strategic advice given in both Korean and English depending on the client's needs. He is able to mobilise firm-wide resources to deliver the best result to the client.'

  • ‘Based on my experience, they presented a more structural and integrated approach with clear logic. And its reputation is very high even though there are many competitors.’

  • ‘During the tax audit on one of our entities in Korea, Kim & Chang successfully supported us. Kim & Chang showed specialities in tax knowledge and handling the whole tax audit procedure.'

  • ‘The team consists of professionals for various categories including tax, legal and others. Also, their analysis and solutions are very insightful, and communication with the global team is also very productive.’

  • ‘Very professional and proactive to provide solutions for our issue. We can trust that they will have all the solutions for any matter the business can have.’

Key clients

  • Goldman Sachs
  • LG Electronics Inc.
  • Citibank
  • CJ
  • Morgan Stanley
  • Hyundai Motor Company
  • Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
  • Oracle Korea
  • SK Hynix
  • National Oilwell Varco

Work highlights

  • Advised Hahn & Company on the tax of its acquisition of Lutronic Korea through the acquisition of controlling shares, tender offer and comprehensive share swap.
  • Advised BlueCove Investment in its acquisition of Seoul Miramar, which owns the Grand Hyatt Hotel Seoul.

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.

Woo Hyun Baik, Jisoo Lee

Other key lawyers

Tae Yeon Nam, Sang Woo Lee, Byung Moon Jung, Im Jung Choi, Sung Gweon Cho, Jeong Il Park, Yoon Sang Sim, Chanyeon Hwang, Heechul Kim