TMT: local firms

Kim & Chang

Client Satisfaction

Kim & Chang offers comprehensive legal services to IT, broadcasting and telecommunication companies conducting business in Korea. As a full-service firm, it advises both multinational and domestic companies, with expertise spanning regulatory, transactional and contentious matters. The large team includes former regulators, government officials, and individuals with technical backgrounds, such as engineers and patent attorneys, bolstering the practice’s deep industry knowledge. The practice is led by Dong Shik Choi, a seasoned professional known for his innovative and pragmatic approaches. Brian Oh, a senior foreign attorney, handles complex disputes and investigations, frequently advising on antitrust, data privacy, and regulatory matters. Min Chul Park leverages his regulatory background to guide clients through intricate investigations and service launches, while Seong-Hyeon Bang, who is cross-qualified in both Korea and the US for global transactions, has expertise in fair trade, M&A and data protection.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The pool of experts they have is very high, and they are well equipped with specialised knowledge in each industry field. They are also very well connected. Therefore, their advice extends beyond just the legal aspects to practical aspects and dealing with political matters.’
‘Each individual lawyer performs their work very diligently and provides a fairly quick response when urgent advice is needed. ’
‘Clearly, the top law firm in Korea. They have strengths in English communication skills, strategic approach and broad network experience savviness.’
‘Dong Shik Choi is reliable, has strategic thinking, knowledge and experience.'
‘They have a good understanding of the client's business structure and provide appropriate overall advice on relevant regulations. In addition to directly applicable regulations, they can broadly address various issues from a general corporate law perspective.’
‘Seong-Hyeon Bang always responds quickly to clients' requests. The deliverables provided are of high quality, and the time spent is reasonable. He also provides timely updates to clients on changes in the regulatory environment that we might miss.’
‘I believe Kim & Chang's TMT practice group is the best TMT practice group in South Korea, with full capacity to handle every aspect of legal matters that telecom, media, internet, IT and entertainment companies can be involved in (especially global companies).’
‘Min Chul Park has the best knowledge of the industry, regulations and recent trends in the TMT sector. He has the best relationship with various government authorities.'

Key clients

Meta Platforms, Inc.
Microsoft Corporation
Krafton Inc.
Coupang, Inc.
SK Telecom
LG Uplus
Yanolja Co., Ltd.
D’live
Booking.com
Sejong Telecom Inc.

Work highlights

Advised EQT on its approximately KRW 2tn acquisition of SK shieldus by way of a share purchase and a new share subscription, and also advised SK Square and Blue Security Investment in their sales to EQT.
Represented investors, including GIC Private Equity, in their approximately KRW 1.15tn acquisition of newly issued shares in Kakao Entertainment Corp.
Advised Krafton Inc on its investment in a joint venture with Naver Z Corp to engage in Metaverse or virtual currency businesses.