About

Provided by Lee & Ko

Continuously top-ranked by global survey institutions, Lee & Ko International Trade Practice Group is the largest team in Korea dedicated for trade and customs matters. Its members include former ministers, WTO ambassador, former commissioners of Korea Trade Commission (KTC) and Korea Customs Service.

Lee & Ko’s renowned practices include litigation before international tribunals. In Korea, the Group has the largest case experiences before the WTO and has recently represented a client in its first FTA dispute. It also advises various trade policy issues.

The Group boasts the largest trade remedy team among Korean law firms, assisting clients on the investigation for ADP, CVD, and safeguard measures. Over 20 years, it has advised Korean exporters before foreign investigating authorities. The team has also advised Korean petitioners and foreign exporters before KTC.

The customs team, comprised of the most renowned experts in customs law, provides a comprehensive set of services in all areas of customs law, e.g., customs valuation, tariff classification, FTAs, etc.

Clients praise the Group for its strategic response to the unprecedented changes in global business environment. Recently, a sovereign client chose Lee & Ko for its important international campaign to get the Group’s hands-on experiences that others do not have. As the market leader in Korea, the Group competes with global firms.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

International Trade - South Korea

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Lee & Ko has a leading team in the Korean market, and advises clients on the gamut of international trade legal matters. The firm possesses notable expertise across customs, free trade agreements, trade remedies, anti-dumping and export control. It is retained by local and international companies on trade-related compliance issues and investment disputes. The team also regularly represents government bodies in relation to WTO dispute proceedings and Dispute Settlement Understanding review negotiations.

Work Highlights

  • Lee & Ko advised the Ministry of Trade on the tariffs and trade policies of the Trump administration, economic security matters, and potential changes to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and the CHIPS and Science Act.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Kichang Chung
1
Kichang Chung
1
Band 1

Chung Kichang co-heads Lee & Ko's international trade group in South Korea and is predominantly known for his advice on WTO disputes and trade policy. He ably advises corporate clients on sanctions and also often represents government entities.

Kichang's exceptional communication skills, foreign language proficiency, broad perspective and affability facilitate smooth collaboration. He possesses unparalleled expertise.

He possesses the most extensive practical experience and outstanding expertise in international trade in Korea. He excels at analysing international trends and US and EU trade policies.

Hyunsoo Joo
2
Hyunsoo Joo
2
Band 2

Joo Hyunsoo is recognised for her experience in advising public and private entities on WTO disputes, FTA negotiations and trade remedy mandates in the Korean market. She is particularly well versed in matters relating to the manufacturing and energy industries.

Hyunsoo Joo is highly dedicated. She consistently provides high-quality legal advice and handles matters with great diligence.

She has demonstrated exceptional expertise in accurately understanding the issues at stake and finding solutions the company desires, developing effective strategies.

Young Gee Park
3
Young Gee Park
3
Band 3

Park Young Gee has a noted background of representing clients in customs work, including origin verification and transfer pricing matters. He is active in investigations initiated by the Korea Customs Service.

Young Jae Cho
3
Young Jae Cho
3
Band 3

Cho Young Jae co-heads Lee & Ko's international trade practice in South Korea and counts financial institutions, government ministries and international companies among his clientele. He advises clients across a range of subjects in this space, including trade cooperation, foreign investment, anti-dumping, export control, and WTO disputes and agreements.

Hyesoo Kim
U
Hyesoo Kim
U
Up and Coming

Kim Hyesoo is deemed a rising star in the international trade sphere. She has experience in assisting the Korean government and domestic corporations with WTO disputes and cases concerning violation of sanctions and export controls. She is also equipped to advise on trade-related policy matters.

She is a rising star in international trade and is extremely knowledgeable.

She always provides outstanding service and understands our requirements accurately. It is a pleasure to work with her.

Ranked Lawyers at
Lee & Ko

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

South Korea

International Trade

Kichang Chung
1
Kichang Chung
1
Band 1
Hyunsoo Joo
2
Hyunsoo Joo
2
Band 2
Young Gee Park
3
Young Gee Park
3
Band 3
Young Jae Cho
3
Young Jae Cho
3
Band 3
Hyesoo Kim
U
Hyesoo Kim
U
Up and Coming

Members

Provided by Lee & Ko