Department profile
Bae, Kim & Lee LLC

Corporate/M&A

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : South Korea


Bae, Kim & Lee LLC

Rankings

About

Provided by Bae, Kim & Lee LLC

BKL has one of the largest corporate practices in Korea, with over 200 attorneys devoted to corporate transactions, and many additional professionals ready to advise on adjacent regulatory, tax and other issues. With extensive experience in all areas of investments, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and corporate governance, BKL offers an unsurpassed level of expertise hewing to international standards, combined with an agile, pragmatic approach to the many tasks and issues that accompany commercial transactions in Korea.

We advise a wide variety of clients in our corporate practice. They include many firms based in the U.S., Europe and across Asia, and range from Fortune 100 multinationals to high-growth companies and venture capital enterprises, and manufacturers and technology companies as well as financial institutions and private equity groups. Every client can expect a sensible, yet seamless and comprehensive, approach to covering the full legal agenda for each matter.

Our core M&A group of 100 partners and senior associates, many of whom have over a decade of intensive deal experience, is consistently ranked among the top Korean practices in the M&A field, by Chambers and other peer- and client-assessed law firm rankings. The practice group offers sophisticated advice covering all stages of a stock or asset acquisition, including deal structuring, due diligence review, negotiation, documentation and closing.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/M&A - South Korea

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Bae, Kim & Lee houses a distinguished corporate team that is noted for representing major financial institutions and multinational companies in landmark M&A transactions, and is frequently involved in large joint venture projects. It offers particular sector expertise in the technology and telecommunications industries. The team is proficient in handling private equity matters, regularly advising both domestic and foreign funds on various investments as well as regulatory issues. It also advises on deals involving China and acts on both inbound and outbound acquisitions in East and South-East Asia.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Bae, Kim & Lee advised Rebellion on its KRW1.3 trillion merger with Sapeon Korea.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • BKL's advice is tailored to the client and the team has the ability to grasp the nitty gritty.

    Corporate/M&A respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Bae, Kim & Lee offer accurate reviews and quick communication. Even in the case of complex problems, a solution was systematically organised and presented.

    Corporate/M&A respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Senior StatespeopleDong Woo Seo
    Senior StatespeopleDong Woo Seo

    Dong Woo Seo

    Seo Dong Woo retains a long-standing position in the corporate market. His experience covers private equity transactions and acquisitions including hostile takeovers.
  • Senior StatespeopleRi Bong Han
    Senior StatespeopleRi Bong Han

    Ri Bong Han

    Han Ri Bong has been active in the Korean M&A market for over two decades and has expertise advising private equity clients and major corporations. He is well known for his deft handling of high-profile transactions.
  • Band 1Mok Hong Kim
    Band 1Mok Hong Kim

    Mok Hong Kim

    Mok Hong Kim is well recognised for his expertise in representing international corporations in acquisitions and joint ventures. He has particular experience acting on multi-billion-dollar transactions.

    • Mok Hong thoroughly analyses complex transactions and puts the interests of his clients first. His negotiation document review skills have been the driving force behind many successful deals.

      Corporate/M&A respondentAsia-Pacific
    • Mok Hong is very detailed and good at scenario and red flag analysis. He's the best on regulatory compliance.

      Corporate/M&A respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Band 1Sungjo Yun
    Band 1Sungjo Yun

    Sungjo Yun

    Sungjo Yun is well known for his advisory work on private equity matters. He regularly works for Korean and international clients. He is also adept at handling investment regulation mandates.

    • He is a well-known, seasoned corporate lawyer. He excels in both his expertise and protecting and managing interests. He handles very complex issues efficiently and effectively.

      Corporate/M&A respondentAsia-Pacific
    • Sungjo is one of the best M&A lawyers in Korea.

      Corporate/M&A respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Band 3Ho Kyung Chang
    Band 3Ho Kyung Chang

    Ho Kyung Chang

    Ho Kyung Chang offers private equity firms and venture capital funds seasoned advice in handling private investments and other corporate matters.

    • Ho Kyung offers immediate help in decision making. He has a quick and in-depth understanding of the issues we face.

      Corporate/M&A respondentAsia-Pacific
    • Ho Kyung is very commercial in negotiations and documentation. He knows what is commercial and not only for legal matters.

      Corporate/M&A respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Band 4Albert J. Suh
    Band 4Albert J. Suh

    Albert J. Suh

    Albert J. Suh is a senior foreign attorney based in Seoul who is adept at advising major private equity firms, multinational corporates and banks on cross-border investments and M&A deals.

    • He is good at drafting English contracts and is very creative. He ensures that the needs of bespoke firms and our own requirements are well reflected, facilitating smooth and effective agreements.

      Corporate/M&A respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Band 4Hyunchul An
    Band 4Hyunchul An

    Hyunchul An

    Hyunchul An ably advises on acquisition, joint venture and investment deals. His clientele includes Korean conglomerates and private equity firms.

    • He's very rational and clients like him.

      Corporate/M&A respondentAsia-Pacific

Ranked Individuals at Bae, Kim & Lee LLC (7)

South Korea

Members

Provided by Bae, Kim & Lee LLC

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