Department profile
Kim & Chang

Insurance

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : South Korea


Kim & Chang

Rankings

About

Provided by Kim & Chang

As Korea’s most trusted insurance law advisors, the dedicated professionals of Kim & Chang’s Insurance Practice offer first-class service to insurers, reinsurers and insurance brokers. Our practice is particularly well-known for its expertise and experience in securing licenses for new insurance businesses, providing advice on regulatory audits, providing insurance regulatory advice, assisting with mergers & acquisitions in the insurance industry, providing support regarding insurance claims and handling insurance disputes.

We offer a full range of services to our clients, many of whom require a “one-stop” service for advice or assistance on legal matters that insurance and reinsurance companies may encounter, such as issues regarding fin-tech, data privacy, asset management, competition law, labor and employment and tax matters. Moreover, we work closely with professionals from other Practices within our firm, including experts in banking, securities, and investment management, to provide effective solutions that address the diverse needs of our clients in Korea’s rapidly evolving financial market.

Key Services:

Regulatory 

  • Establishment of Business Presence
  • Compliance
  • Audit

 Transactional 

  • Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Reinsurance
  • Transactional Support
  • Corporate Group Restructuring
  • Litigation and Disputes
  • Tax and HR 

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Insurance - South Korea

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Kim & Chang is a leading Korean law firm, highly respected for its extensive experience in insurance-related transactions. The firm often advises clients on insurance sector M&A as well as joint ventures and restructurings. It is also noteworthy for handling administrative lawsuits and disputes over policy interpretation, including cases brought by the Financial Supervisory Service. The team maintains longstanding relationships with a number of top Korean insurers. It also advises companies on insurance product development.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Kim & Chang advised Reinsurance Group of America on a co-reinsurance transaction which involved a Korean insurer transferring asset risks overseas.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Kim & Chang understands the corporate governance of foreign companies well and guides them on the procedures for convening related shareholders' meetings.

    Insurance respondentAsia-Pacific
  • They always responded to the client's requests for a lot of work in a short period of time.

    Insurance respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Kim & Chang is the go-to firm for complex matters. Its ability to staff the team with various experts, not just lawyers, provides its clients a broad spectrum of knowledge leading to better results.

    Insurance respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Jay Ahn
    Band 1Jay Ahn

    Jay Ahn

    Jay Ahn heads Kim & Chang's insurance group in South Korea. His work remit spans advisory, regulatory and contentious insurance law matters. He remains a counsel of choice among domestic insurance and reinsurance companies.
    • Jay has both a great understanding of strategy, which is rare, and detailed understanding of the laws and regulations.

      Insurance respondentAsia-Pacific
    • He is the best lawyer in the industry.

      Insurance respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Band 3Jae Ho Baek
    Band 3Jae Ho Baek

    Jae Ho Baek

    Baek Jae Ho possesses expertise in a broad range of insurance mandates, with particular experience undertaking sale and acquisition transactions as well as market entry matters. He is also equipped to advise on regulatory and compliance issues.
    • He has an excellent ability to accurately grasp customer needs and to provide advice based on a wide range of expertise and work trends in related fields.

      Insurance respondentAsia-Pacific
    • He understands the needs of customers and tries to provide helpful results quickly.

      Insurance respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Band 4Hyun Wook Shin
    Band 4Hyun Wook Shin

    Hyun Wook Shin

    Shin Hyun Wook has extensive experience advising insurance companies on a wide variety of matters including the establishment of companies, licence applications and regulatory compliance.

    • He has a deep understanding of current issues from the customer's point of view and stands out for his willingness to solve problems.

      Insurance respondentAsia-Pacific
    • Hyun Wook is very responsive to clients' needs and provides expert advice in various areas of insurance.

      Insurance respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Band 4Sang Mi Baek
    Band 4Sang Mi Baek

    Sang Mi Baek

    Baek Sang Mi focuses her practice on regulatory mandates, and counts major Korean insurers and insurance associations and quasi-governmental entities among her clientele.

    • Sang Mi stands out for her willingness to solve complex problems and provides excellent service.

      Insurance respondentAsia-Pacific

Ranked Individuals at Kim & Chang (4)

South Korea

Members

Provided by Kim & Chang

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