LIN NEWS
-
LIN NewsLIN LLC and Cuatrecasas to Hold Joint Seminar at Casa Asia, MadridOn October 28, 2025, David H. Yang of LIN LLC will deliver a presentation titled “Business Entry Strategies in Korea” at Casa Asia in Madrid, Spain, in collaboration with the Spanish law firm Cuatrecasas. Casa Asia is a public diplomatic institution jointly established by the Spanish government and local authorities. It is widely recognized as Spain’s most prestigious and influential organization dedicated to promoting cultural, economic, and diplomatic exchange with the Asia-Pacific region. This seminar follows the joint event previously co-hosted by LIN and Cuatrecasas in Seoul on May 11, 2024. ▶ Related article: https://www.mk.co.kr/news/business/11012821 ▶ Madrid event link: https://www.casaasia.es/actividad/conferencia-como-hacer-negocios-en-corea-del-sur/?wcs_timestamp=17616438002025.10.14.
-
News LetterMobility Legal Updates_[Issue]The automobile tariff, which seemed to have been settled, is once again emerging as an issue because a formal agreement has not been concluded. Additionally, the mobility industry is moving beyond its traditional manufacturing identity, with new concepts and participants appearing. This newsletter introduces the latest issues in the mobility industry. IAA 2025 Held Main themes are electric vehicles, Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs), and AI integration The "IAA (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung) 2025," a global mobility show that provides a glimpse into the worldwide mobility industry, was held in Munich, Germany, for six days starting on September 9, 2025. This event, with a history of over 100 years, has transformed from a simple new car exhibition into a comprehensive trade show that presents a blueprint for mobility under the slogan, "It's All About Mobility." This year, the IAA highlighted the rapidly changing industrial ecosystem. The event featured not only traditional automakers like BMW and Volkswagen, but also major players from across the tech world, including Tesla, who is leading electric vehicle innovation, as well as semiconductor company NVIDIA, cloud service provider Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google. At this IAA, companies showcased specific technologies and products for the era of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs). Hyundai Motor Company unveiled the "Concept THREE," a small electric vehicle concept applying the "Art of Steel" design language, making its worldwide debut and revealing the company's intent to enter the European small EV market. Other global companies were also active. Porsche showcased the new 911 and was the first to unveil its commercialized 11kW wireless charging system. Audi introduced the "Concept C" electric sports car concept, while Volkswagen presented a new EV lineup naming strategy along with the ID. Polo and ID. Polo GTI concepts. In the SDV and AI era, software vulnerabilities and data breaches can threaten a company's existence. It is essential to establish a legal risk management system to prepare for these issues. Companies must also set up data collection, storage, use, and disposal processes that comply with the strict personal information protection regulations of various countries. US-Korea Tariff Agreement Delay Puts Korea at a Tariff Disadvantage Against Japan Tariff on Japanese-made cars to be 15% starting on the 16th According to a trade agreement with Japan, the US Donald Trump administration has decided to lower the tariff on Japanese-made cars from 27.5% to 15%. In contrast, Korea is still subject to a 25% tariff as a final agreement on detailed matters in its trade agreement with the US has been delayed. Automobiles, which are Korea's number one export to the US, are subject to high tariffs under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which is expected to be a major blow to domestic auto companies like the Hyundai Motor Group that are competing in the US market. Prior to the tariff reduction, Japan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding its $550 billion investment in the U.S. It appears Korea will also need to follow this precedent and make a commitment regarding how it will pay the agreed-upon $350 billion investment in the U.S. in order for the 15% tariff to be applied. Without such a commitment, the 25% tariff rate will likely remain. *** LIN LLC has extensive experience in providing advisory and litigation services in the mobility industry, particularly in areas such as administrative regulations and patent and trade secret disputes related to motor vehicles. Our Mobility Team consists of attorneys and experts with a distinctive interest and passion for automobiles. Should you wish to learn more about this newsletter or have any other inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact our firm’s Mobility Team: Attorney Tae-Joon Bae (tjbae@law-lin.com, +82 10 8237 8123) Attorney Min-Gu Kang (mgkang@law-lin.com, +82 10 3907 9217) Attorney Ho-Yeon Kim (hykim@law-lin.com, +82 2 3477 6300) Attorney Jung-Pil Oh (jpoh@law-lin.com, +82 2 3477 8695)2025.09.29.
-
NoticeLin Signs MOU with Korea New & Renewable Energy Association (KNREA)Mutual cooperation on new & renewable energy-related projects through legal services in the field of laws and regulations On October 26, Lin signed an MOU with KNREA to promote the development of the domestic new & renewable energy industry. The agreement was signed to provide various legal services to KNREA and its member companies, including information on new & renewable energy-related laws and regulations. Through the agreement, the two parties agreed to cooperate on ▶ improving new & renewable energy-related laws and systems ▶ providing legal advice on new & renewable energy ▶ and training on new & renewable energy. In line with the trend of carbon neutrality, Lin will exert its best to promote the sustainable development of the renewable energy industry, which can replace conventional energy using fossil fuels and nuclear power. For more information, please visit KNREA website below. http://www.knrea.or.kr/bbs/?act=bbs&subAct=view&bid=agreement&page=1&order_type=desc&seq=58282023.11.10.
-
Recruitment PersonnelNew RecruitmentsWe are pleased to welcome Jung Bong Lee (Partner), Lance B. Lee (Foreign Legal Consultant - Partner), and Ki Suk Seol (Of Counsel) as new members of our Firm. 1. Jeong Bong Lee, Partner - Incheon Songdo High School(68th) - Yonsei University, Department of Law - Chungnam National University, School of Law - Korean Bar Examination (40th, 1998) - Judicial Research and Training Institute (27th) - University of Vienna – Criminal Justice Institute Visiting Scholar (2008) Past) Incheon District Public Prosecutors’ Office – Prosecutor (2001) Past) Daejeon District Public Prosecutors’ Office, Hongseong Branch – Prosecutor (2003) Past) Incheon District Public Prosecutors’ Office, Bucheon Branch – Prosecutor (2005) Past) Seoul Central District Public Prosecutors’ Office – Prosecutor (2007) Past) Supreme Prosecutors’ Office - Prosecutor Researcher (2007) Past) Busan District Public Prosecutors’ Office – Prosecutor (2013) Past) Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) - Head of Strategic Analytics (2014) Past) Chuncheon District Public Prosecutors’ Office, Gangneung Branch – Chief Prosecutor (2016) Past) Daegu District Public Prosecutors’ Office, Seobu Branch – Chief Prosecutor, Criminal Division 3 (2017) Past) Seoul Eastern District Public Prosecutors’ Office - Chief Prosecutor, Criminal Division 5 (2018) Past) Seoul Southern District Public Prosecutors’ Office - Chief Prosecutor, Criminal Division 2 (2019) Past) Supreme Prosecutors’ Office – Human Rights Policy Officer (2020) Past) Gwangju District Public Prosecutors’ Office – Human Rights Protection Officer (2021) Past) Chuncheon District Public Prosecutors’ Office – Chief of Wonju Branch (2022) Past) Seoul High Prosecutors’ Office (Daegu District Public Prosecutors’ Office, Secondment(2023), Voluntary Resignation) Current) LIN Since his appointment as a prosecutor in 2001, Mr. Lee has served as a prosecutor at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, a researcher at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, a prosecutor at the Busan District Prosecutors' Office, a secondee at the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), a deputy prosecutor at the Seoul Eastern and Southern District Prosecutors' Offices, and a human rights policy officer at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, before finally retiring in 2023 as the Chief Prosecutor of the Wonju District Prosecutors' Office. During his 22 years and 8 months as a prosecutor, he discharged a wide range of cases, including intellectual property infringement, technology theft and unfair competition, medical malpractice, sexual assault, finance, taxation, homicide, special crime, public security, and human rights policy (due process compliance in investigations). Mr. Lee, who joined Lin as a partner in November 2023, plans to actively engage in various cases such as securities, finance, and corporate anti-corruption based on diverse investigative and theoretical experience accumulated from the prosecution. Lin boasts top domestic experts in responding to financial, corporate crimes, and other investigative matters, and we will strive to provide our clients with high-quality legal services. 2. Lance B. Lee, Foreign Legal Consultant (Partner) - Boston College Law School – J.D. - University of Virginia – B.A. Past) Dentons Lee - Chief Operating Officer, Head of International Arbitration & Litigation and Partner, 2012-2023 Past) Kim & Chang - Partner Past) STX Shipbuilding Corporation – Group General Counsel Past) POSCO – Overseas Projects Team Leader Past) U.S. Army JAG Corps – Trial Counsel, Prosecutor and Captain Past) Gainer, Rient & Hotis - Attorney Current) LIN – Head of International Arbitration & Litigation, Partner (Present) Mr. Lee, a U.S. attorney, was responsible for various international arbitration and litigation cases for 11 years at Kim & Chang, representing numerous international corporations and diverse fields. Serving as General Counsel at STX Shipbuilding Corporation and Head of the International Legal Team at POSCO, he handled tasks such as international arbitration, international litigation, IP, corporate M&A, contract negotiations, and joint investments for global conglomerates. Subsequently, as a partner at the Seoul Office of Dentons, he worked for 11 years as the Head of the International Arbitration/Litigation Team, leading numerous international arbitration cases as lead counsel. In 2024, for the first time in history, more than half of the global population will be holding elections, signaling the end of America’s “unilateral hegemony” and prompting the world to prepare for more disputes. With major industrial powers intensifying their industrial policies and protectionist measures to secure leadership in advanced and eco-friendly industries post-election, there is an anticipated increase in international disputes, particularly in advanced technology sectors such as semiconductors and information technology (IT). Mr. Lee, a foreign attorney leading the International Arbitration/Litigation Team, will leverage his experience and expertise to actively discharge legal advice on the prevention and resolution of international disputes for various global corporations based on his accumulated knowledge and professionalism. 3. Ki Suk Seol, Of Counsel - Hongik University, Department of Architecture - Kyungpook National University, Graduate School of Law, - KAIST, Intellectual Property Graduate School - Bar Examination (3rd) Past) Eland Group, Legal Department Past) Hyundai Engineering, Legal Department Past) Ministry of Justice, Legal Affairs Officer Past) Ministry of Justice, Legal Affairs Secretary Current) LIN Mr. Seol, as an in-house counsel for a large corporation, has accumulated expertise in a wide range of legal affairs that can arise within the company, including civil and criminal litigation and consultation, fair trade practices, compliance, intellectual property, construction, and labor-related dispute management. Subsequently, serving as a Legal Affairs Secretary at the Ministry of Justice, he handled administrative adjudication and litigation, legislation drafting and revision, interpretation of laws and rights, review of government and legislative bills, formulation of legislative strategies, improvement of attorney and notary systems, and enhancement of legal technology systems. Through these roles, he has built expertise in planning, administration, and legislation. Amidst the ongoing challenges such as the increase in unsold and unoccupied properties, rising construction costs, high interest rates, and stagnation in real estate PF, it is anticipated that legal disputes and litigation among real estate market participants, including developers, contractors, financial institutions, trustees, and local housing associations, will continue to rise. Mr. Seol, who has served as an in-house counsel for a global integrated construction company, has handled a wide range of cases from civil and criminal matters to fair trade, construction, labor, and compliance issues, from the client's perspective, collaborating with various major law firms. Drawing upon his extensive practical experience accumulated in the field, he is committed to providing tailored solutions, not only advisory services but also litigation support, to corporate clients. 4. Recruitment of Foreign Lawyer With recent concerns over deflation in China, attitudes of Korean companies towards China have become notably cautious. Consequently, there is a growing need for professional advice regarding entry into the Chinese market. Recognizing this demand, Lin has recently recruited Ms. Wenpu Yang (Chinese attorney), aiming to provide high-quality legal service that aligns with our clients’ business strategies and management objectives on various issues related to Sino-Korean business relations. Going forward, Lin promises to continuously recruit verified talents in various fields to ensure customer satisfaction.2024.02.05.
LIN LLC's Young Jae SHIN and Il Roh KIM Selected as Leading Lawyers in the Corporate and M&A Field for [Who's Who Legal Korea 2025]
Legal Times has spotlighted the key experts set to lead the corporate legal and M&A sectors in its special feature article, ‘Who's Who Legal Korea 2025,’ which examines the landscape of the Korean legal market in 2025. Published at a time when the M&A market is showing clear signs of recovery and recent revisions to the Commercial Act and other developments have made the role of lawyers more crucial than ever, the feature is drawing significant attention.
Based on law firm recommendations and rigorous evaluations by experts, the feature selected legal professionals who demonstrate both potential and proven capability. Among them, Partners Young Jae SHIN and Il Roh KIM of LIN LLC were recognized as Leading Lawyers in the Corporate and M&A field.
- Young Jae SHIN was selected in recognition of her extensive experience and proven track record in executing successful transactions across corporate advisory services, including M&A, private equity (PE), and both domestic and international investments. She has once again demonstrated her excellence as a trusted professional who guides clients in achieving their business objectives amid rapidly changing market conditions.
- Il Roh KIM is highly regarded for his deep expertise in M&A, corporate advisory, and financial transactions, complemented by his unique capabilities in corporate criminal law, honed through his experience as a prosecutor at the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission. Recognized for providing optimal solutions to complex corporate legal issues, he combines international acumen with investigative experience to deliver comprehensive and strategic counsel.
LIN LLC has once again solidified its competitiveness in the corporate and M&A sectors and remains committed to delivering legal services that ensure the highest level of client satisfaction.
For more details, please refer to the original article below.
Legal Times
View original article▼
https://www.legaltimes.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=89050
Partner Tae Eon KOO of LIN LLC, selected as a Leading Lawyer in the TMT sector for [Who's Who Legal Korea 2025]
Legal Times spotlighted the key experts set to lead the TMT sector in its special feature article, ‘Who's Who Legal Korea 2025,’ which examines the landscape of the Korean legal market for 2025.
Demand for legal advisory services in the TMT sector has surged dramatically as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and cloud technologies permeate industries across the board. In response, major domestic law firms are engaged in fierce competition, expanding their TMT specialist teams and actively recruiting experts in each field.
Against this backdrop, Tae Eon KOO of LIN LLC was named one of 50 attorneys recognized as Leading Lawyers in the TMT field.
Attorney Tae Eon KOO is recognized for his unparalleled expertise in rapidly evolving technology sectors such as fintech, blockchain, and crypto assets. He is also widely regarded as a leading advisor providing in-depth legal counsel across industries where technology and regulation are intricately intertwined, including digital healthcare, e-commerce, mobility, and esports.
LIN LLC will continue to deliver legal services tailored to the rapidly evolving TMT environment while further strengthening its leadership in this field.
For more details, please refer to the original article below.
Legal Times
View original article▼
https://www.legaltimes.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=89151
Partner Yong Gap KIM of LIN LLC Named as a Leading Lawyer in Intellectual Property in Who’s Who Legal Korea 2025
Legal Times published a special feature, “Who’s Who Legal Korea 2025,” showcasing the key experts expected to lead the intellectual property field in the Korean legal market in 2025.
The domestic IP legal market is evolving into a highly specialized sector, where the comprehensive capabilities of major law firms combine with the deep expertise of boutiques to create synergies, while a significant influx of lawyers with science and engineering backgrounds contributes strong technical insight.
Amid this intense competition, Mr. Yong Gap KIM of LIN LLC has been recognized as a Leading Lawyer in the field of intellectual property, among 82 distinguished lawyers selected.
- Mr. Kim, a graduate of Seoul National University School of Law, has dedicated more than 25 years to IP practice as a seasoned veteran. He is recognized not only for his expertise but also for his sincere, client-first approach. Notably, his fluency in Japanese provides a distinct competitive edge in IP disputes involving Japanese companies, for which he has earned high recognition.
With this recognition, LIN LLC will continue to strengthen its leadership in the IP field, reinforcing its position as the most trusted legal partner for clients in today’s rapidly changing technological environment.
For more details, please refer to the original article below.
Legal Times
View original article▼
https://www.legaltimes.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=89146
