LIN NEWS
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LIN NewsLIN LLC Professionals’ External Appointments for Q4 2025The following are recent external appointments of LIN’s professionals. Jin Seok LIM, Managing Partner, Appointed as Legal Advisor to Gyeonggi Housing & Urban Development Corporation Jin Seok LIM, Managing Partner of LIN LLC, was appointed as a legal advisor to the Gyeonggi Housing & Urban Development Corporation on December 1, 2025 (Term: December 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026). The Corporation is a public institution that undertakes various projects to promote regional housing stability, urban development, and the expansion of infrastructure in Gyeonggi Province. During his term as a legal advisor, Lim will provide professional legal advice to ensure the legal soundness, public interest, and reliability of the Corporation’s projects. Attorney Byung Hwa LEE, Appointed as Chair of the In-House Counsel Special Committee of the Korean Bar Association Byung Hwa LEE, Attorney at LIN LLC, was appointed as Chair of the In-House Counsel Special Committee of the Korean Bar Association on September 1, 2025 (Term: September 2025 – September 2027). The Committee was established to strengthen the role and status of legal experts within corporations, while supporting both the development of the in-house counsel system and enhancement of professional excellence of in-house counsel. As Chair, Lee will work diligently to advance policies and systems related to in-house counsel and contribute to the Association’s efforts in supporting in-house counsel and enhancing their professional expertise through fair and efficient operations. Attorney Byung Hwa LEE, Appointed as Tax Law Advisor to the National Tax Service Byung Hwa LEE, Attorney at LIN LLC, was appointed as a tax law advisor to the National Tax Service on September 1, 2025 (Term: September 2025 – August 2027). Tax law advisors provide counsel on legal issues arising from the National Tax Service’s tax administration and support the legality and efficiency of tax policies and law enforcement process. During his term, Lee will contribute to the stable and fair execution of tax administration through reliable and professional legal counsel. Attorney Eung Jun JEON, Appointed as Advisory Member of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Committee Eung Jun JEON, Attorney at LIN LLC, was appointed as an advisory member of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Committee on November 10, 2025. The Committee consists of experts from various fields and is responsible for establishing AI-related policies and strategies while balancing technological advancement and social safety. As an advisory member, Jeon will provide expert opinions on legal and institutional issues related to AI and contribute to ensuring legal stability and public trust throughout the policy-making process. Attorney Jong Sik KIM, Appointed as Member of the Advisory Committee on Preliminary Feasibility Studies for Public Projects, Ministry of Economy and Finance Jong Sik KIM, Attorney at LIN LLC, was appointed as a member of Advisory Committee on Preliminary Feasibility Studies for Public Projects under the Ministry of Economy and Finance on November 4, 2025 (term: November 4, 2025 – November 3, 2027). Over the next two years, in his capacity as a member of this Committee, Kim will conduct thorough legal reviews regarding the feasibility and appropriateness of various projects pursued by public institutions. He will also provide expert advice to ensure that relevant systems and procedures are managed through rational operations. Furthermore, he will perform in-depth reviews and provide counsel on diverse legal issues that may arise during the implementation of public projects. By offering expert opinions on the interpretation of relevant laws and institutional improvements, he intends to contribute actively to ensuring the sound management of national finances and the transparency of public projects. Attorneys Seung Kwan CHOI, Ji Su CHOI, and Tae Hyun BAE, Appointed as Legal Advisors to Seoul Housing & Urban Development Corporation Seung Kwan CHOI, Ji Su CHOI, and Tae Hyun BAE, Attorneys at LIN LLC, were appointed as legal advisors to the Seoul Housing & Urban Development Corporation on December 5, 2025 (Term: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2028). During their two-year term, they will provide legal advice on overall major projects related to housing supply and urban development conducted by the Corporation. They intend to comprehensively review legal feasibility and appropriateness of these projects throughout their implementation. Furthermore, they will offer expert opinions on various legal issues, including contracts, permits and approvals, and statutory interpretation related to public projects. By preventing disputes and supporting rational decision-making, they are committed to actively contributing to the stable execution of the Corporation’s projects and the enhancement of its public nature and transparency. Attorney Do Hee KIM, Appointed as Member of the Task Force for Advancement of Accounting Inspection and Sanction Procedures Do Hee KIM, Attorney at LIN LLC, was appointed as a member of the Task Force (TF) for Advancement of Accounting Inspection and Sanction Procedures on November 3, 2025. This dedicated TF was established to modernize accounting inspection procedures—specifically to prevent excessively prolonged inspections and to ensure that the defense rights of those subject to administrative measures are substantially protected during the inquiry stage of the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS). As a member of the TF, Kim will actively assist the organization in developing advancement strategies and establishing concrete measures throughout her term. Attorney Min Gu KANG, Appointed as Member of the 2nd Council for Dispute Mediation between Contractors and Subcontractors Min Gu KANG, Attorney at LIN LLC, was appointed as a member of the 2nd Council for Dispute Mediation between Contractors and Subcontractors on October 28, 2025. The Council was originally established in 2005 under the Korea Foundation for Cooperation of Large & Small Business (currently the Korea Foundation for Cooperation of Large & Small Business, Rural Affairs [KOFCA]) to support voluntary mediation of disputes between contracting and subcontracting companies. Following the amendment and enforcement of the Act on the Promotion of Mutually Beneficial Cooperation between Large Enterprises and Small and Medium Enterprises (“Mutually Beneficial Cooperation Act”), its legal basis has been solidified, and its authority and mediation effectiveness have been strengthened, leading to its reorganization into a specialized mediation body for disputes between contractors and subcontractors. As a member of the Council, Kang is committed to ensuring that the body faithfully performs its function of mediating disputes in a fair and reliable manner during his term. Attorney Min Gu KANG, Reappointed as Legal Advisor and Pro Bono Counseling Attorney for Wonju City Min Gu KANG, Attorney at LIN LLC, was reappointed as a legal advisor and pro bono counseling attorney for Wonju City on November 1, 2025 (Term: November 1, 2025 – October 31, 2027). For the next two years, in his dual capacity, Kang will provide professional and dedicated legal counseling to citizens on matters closely related to their daily lives, including administrative, civil, criminal, and family law issues. Furthermore, by performing comprehensive legal consultations on diverse matters concerning Wonju City, providing statutory interpretations, and faithfully serving as a legal representative when necessary, he will actively support the city’ rational and stable municipal administration. Attorney Sung Su SONG, Appointed as Member of the Safety Management Committee and Reviewer of the Regulatory Review Committee of the Korea Racing Authority Sung Su SONG, Attorney at LIN LLC, was appointed as a member of the Safety Management Committee and a reviewer of the Regulatory Review Committee of the Korea Racing Authority (KRA) on November 19, 2025 (Term: November 19, 2025 – November 18, 2027). The KRA was established to contribute to the development of the livestock industry through fair operation of horse racing and the promotion of the horse industry, while fostering public welfare and facilitating sound use of leisure. the KRA prioritizes “safety” as a core value of its operations and maintains the Safety Management Committee —a key decision-making body composed of internal and external experts—to oversee safety-related matters. During his term as a committee member and reviewer, Song will actively participate in meetings to ensure that various safety initiatives, such as the declaration of safety and health management policies and the enactment of KRA safety rules for preventing serious accidents, are implemented in a smooth manner. Furthermore, he intends to objectively examine the necessity and validity of various regulations and contribute to fair reviews so that regulatory operations can be conducted in a reasonable and accountable manner.2026.01.19.
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Recruitment PersonnelNew RecruitmentsWe are pleased to welcome Beom Jin Park (Partner), Chae Yun Kim (Partner), and Woohyuk Sky Ju (Foreign Legal Consultant (US)) as new members of our Firm. 1. Beom Jin Park, Partner - Korea University, B.A. in Economics - University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Ross School of Business, M.B.A. - Chungnam National University, School of Law, J.D. - Bar Examination (4th) - Seoul National University, Center for Financial Law Former) Samsung Corning Corporation Former) Citibank Korea, Card Division Former) Coca-Cola Business Solution Inc. Former) Shinhan Bank, Business Planning Team / Shinhan Financial Group, Future Strategy Research Center Former) Lim, Chung & Suh Former) Jehyun, Partner Former) E-UM Private Equity, Compliance Officer Current) Lin Mr. Park joined Samsung Group in 1999 and worked at Samsung Corning Co., Ltd., handling HR, strategic planning, and tasks related to Corning Incorporated in the United States. In 2004, he moved to the U.S. and obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, one of the top 10 business schools in the country. During his MBA program, he completed industry-academia cooperation projects and internships at Coca-Cola Business Solution Inc. and Citibank (Card Business) in the United States, transitioning his career into the financial sector. In 2006, he worked in the Business Planning Team at Shinhan Bank and the Future Strategy Research Center of Shinhan Financial Group. During his tenure at Shinhan Bank, he was involved in consulting projects aimed at developing strategies for banks and financial holding companies in response to the global financial crisis in 2008 and the implementation of the Capital Market Consolidation Act in 2009. He handled important tasks such as formulating strategies for long-term growth of the bank and initiatives for green banking. He also co-authored reports with the Financial Supervisory Service for publication. After pursuing graduate studies in law to deepen his understanding and expertise in financial regulation and legal matters, Mr. Park was admitted to the Korean Bar in 2015. Starting his career at Lim, Chung & Suh, he gained experience in various civil litigation cases, including claims for damages against investment management companies. In the same year, he moved to Jehyun, a law firm, specializing in finance and transactions, where he worked until 2023. During this period, he served clients such as banks, financial investment companies, asset management companies, specialized credit finance companies, savings banks, and public power companies, providing legal advice on domestic and international real estate project financing, renewable energy project financing, asset securitization, syndication, distressed debt acquisition financing, as well as legal advice on fundraising and various development projects, corporate governance, and related litigation. At Lin, Mr. Park plans to leverage his diverse experience and unique strengths to primarily engage in transaction advisory services such as project finance and structured finance in real estate and development projects. 2. Chae Yun Kim, Partner - Seoul National University, Graduate School of Anthropology - Bar Examination (41st) - Judicial Training Institute (31st) - Northwestern University, School of Law, LL.M. Former) Head of Legal Department, KB Kookmin Bank Current) Lin Ms. Kim started her legal career as an in-house counsel at KB Kookmin Bank and served as team head of legal team, general manager of legal department, and head of legal division for 21 years. There, she worked on various legal advisory and litigation matters for the bank and its affiliates, including regulatory law issues, financial transactions, internal control, consumer protection, and domestic and international litigations. Ms. Kim also assisted in reviewing issues related to virtual asset transactions and establishing internal control procedures. Additionally, for several years, Ms. Kim supported the board of directors and management in decision-making by advising on various cases and issues arising from internal corporate governance, HR, labor, and corporate law. Ms. Kim also handled disputes between companies and various stakeholders, including shareholders, creditors, and customers, and provided creative solutions to minimize losses. At Lin, based on her broad knowledge and integrated practical experience, Ms. Kim will demonstrate a high level of expertise in corporate legal advisory, financial, and wealth management fields. 3. Woohyuk Sky Ju, Foreign Legal Consultant (US) - Chief Financial Officer Academy (CFO Strategy Course) at Seoul National University, 23rd Class - Korea Military Academy, Batch 61 - Military History - Bachelor of Business Administration, Korea Educational Development Institute - Texas Southern University, J.D. (Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Juris Doctor) Former) U.S. Attorney / Head of International Business Team at Law Firm Hanjoong Current) Mentoring and networking expert advisor for Startup Leapfrog Package, Gyeonggi Center for Creative Economy & Innovation Current) Expert advisor on international contracts/claims at the Korea International Trade Association Current) Advisor in the field of technology/management at the Gyeonggi Center for Creative Economy & Innovation (Advisory Committee Member) Current) Export consulting expert, Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation Current) Lin Mr. Ju was the head of the International Business Team of Law Firm Hanjoong and has been practicing in the cross-border sector for about 14 years, primarily in the areas of international trade and immigration (immigration/visa for individuals and companies). He is currently an advisor in charge of international contracts/claims at the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), where he advises on trade disputes, and an expert in charge of corporate export consulting at Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation. In particular, as part of a legal support project for startups, he has recently been providing preventive legal support for the establishment and operation of overseas subsidiaries, joint ventures, crowdfunding, foreign exchange transactions, international contracts, and import/export trade for a number of promising companies as an expert in the field of technology/management and as an advisor to the Gyeonggi Center for Creative Economy & Innovation in Pangyo Techno Valley. He is also an immigration (immigration/visa) expert who is familiar with entry & exit and waiver (non-immigration & immigration) application procedures in the field of immigration & international law for a client who has a record such as criminal violation, illegal immigration, smuggling, and false reporting/perjury, etc. At Lin, Mr. Ju plans to leverage his practical skills and experience to effectively utilize the rich international network of Lin’s international legal team, creating synergies. 4. New Associates We are pleased to announce the addition of Ho Jun Shin (7th Bar Examination), Yuna Kim (9th Bar Examination), Jin Hwan Seong (9th Bar Examination), Sang Hoon Lee (9th Bar Examination), Hyeonjun Choi (9th Bar Examination), Sun-A Yoon (U.S. Attorney, Washington, D.C.), and Han A Ryu (Australian Attorney) to meet the growing demand of our clients. Going forward, Lin promises to continuously recruit verified talents in various fields to ensure customer satisfaction.2024.01.31.
[Edaily] Attorney Young-hoon Kim of LIN LLC – Creating Meaningful Precedents for Those Standing Alone Against Public Power
▲ Young-hoon Kim, Attorney at LIN LLC
Attorney Young-hoon Kim, a partner at LIN LLC, joined the firm this past February after taking voluntary retirement from the judiciary. Kim began his legal career in 2001 as an army judge advocate, and was appointed as a judge in 2004. He is a distinguished former member of the elite judiciary, having served in key positions such as Research Commissioner at the Supreme Court, Director of General Personnel Affairs at the National Court Administration, and Judge at the Seoul High Court.
Regarding his decision to join LIN rather than a conventional big law firm, Kim explained:
“I discerned infinite potential in its rapid growth and its young, dynamic organization.”
He added,
“Fueled by its rapid growth, LIN is a unique firm where dynamic partners in their 40s and 50s lead the way, seamlessly integrating both advisory and litigation services. I want to take on a broader role that encompasses advisory services, leveraging my judicial experience to proactively design strategies for pre-emptive risk management..”
Throughout his judicial tenure, Kim strived to establish meaningful new precedents rather than opting for conventional or "safe" rulings. While serving at the Gwangju High Court, he rendered a courageous ruling in a lawsuit regarding the law school interview of a Seventh-day Adventist student, respecting choices made according to religious faith.He emphasized:
“The measure of the rule of law begins with consideration for minorities.”
In criminal cases, Attorney Kim has consistently prioritized the right to defense and the principle of due process.
He stated:
“Confessions or indictments derived from mobile phones voluntarily submitted without a warrant are frequent occurrences. In particular, suspects with little social experience can easily fall victim to such situations, which is why more meticulous institutional safeguards are necessary.”
Recently, Attorney Young-hoon Kim identified Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a pivotal issue in the legal market. He stated that AI technology has evolved beyond being a mere subject of interest and is now directly linked to the survival of legal professionals, emphasizing the urgent need for legal services that are backed by in-depth analytical and interpretative capabilities. In response, LIN has launched task forces and specialized teams to proacticely address the demands of emerging sectors, such as Commercial Act amendment, energy, and the healthcare industry.
"Drawing on his broad experience in criminal, civil, family, administrative, and warrant cases, Kim expressed his ambition to move beyond the inertia of simply applying existing precedents and instead focus on establishing new legal interpretations and precedents.”
He noted,
“I have the experience of having my interpretation, which differed from existing precedents, upheld by the Supreme Court in a case involving the recovery of premiums (Gwonrigeum) under the Commercial Building Lease Protection Act.” He added, “Rather than conservatively following past rulings, I will present new standards through creative legal reasoning.”
For further details, please refer to the original article below.
Original article:
Edaily
https://www.edaily.co.kr/News/Read?newsId=01699046642235504&mediaCodeNo=257
Attorney Byung-hwa Lee of LIN LLC:Divorce Cooling-Off Period – Why a Separation without Haste Is More Beautiful [Attorney Byung-hwa Lee’s Law on Farewells and Those Left Behind]
▲ Attorney Byung-hwa Lee, LIN LLC
■ The First Step in an Uncontested Divorce
An uncontested divorce (divorce by mutual agreement under the Civil Act), as the name implies, is a relatively straightforward procedure that proceeds if the couple agrees on the intent and conditions of the divorce. It allows the couple to formalize the end of their marital relationship in a short time at a lower cost without the need for a legal battle in court as in the case of litigation.
The process begins with the couple submitting an application for confirmation of mutual consent to divorce to the court. The court then provides guidance on the divorce process, and recommends counseling with a professional counselor if needed. Subsequently, the court grants a cooling-off period to determine whether the couple truly desires a divorce.
■ The Meaning and Duration of the Cooling-Off Period
The cooling-off period prevents couples from deciding on divorce based on temporary emotions or impulses, allowing them sufficient time to contemplate practical matters. Introduced through the 2007 amendment to the Civil Act, the system allows the couple to calm their emotions and pre-plan the practicalities of their post-divorce lives, including property division, child custody, and housing issues.
The duration of the cooling-off period varies depending on whether the couple has children. If there are minor children (including an unborn child), the period is three months. If there are no children or only adult children, the period is one month. However, in cases involving domestic violence or urgent circumstances, couples may apply to the court to waive or shorten the period by submitting a written statement of reasons.
■ Confirmation of Intent, Agreement on Child Custody, and Registration
Once the cooling-off period ends, the couple must appear before the court again to receive a final confirmation of their intent to divorce. Especially when there are minor children, they must submit an agreement on child custody and the designation of parental rights holders, or a certified copy of a Family Court judgment. Such agreement must comprehensively address core matters affecting the child’s life, such as designating the custodial parent, determining child support obligations, and establishing visitation rights, which serve as a legal safeguard that the child's welfare. Based on this agreement, the court prepares a "Record of Child Support Obligations," which can be used as a basis for compulsory execution (enforcement) should child support payments not be made in the future.
Once the court grants confirmation of mutual consent, the divorce becomes legally effective only upon filingthe divorce registration with an attached certified copy thereof. This registration can be completed by either spouse independently and must be finalized within three months. Notably, the intent to divorce can be withdrawn at any time prior to this filing. In other words, until the very last moment of finalizing the divorce, the door to reconciliation remains open.
■ In Conclusion – Preparing for a New Beginning Beyond Goodbye
Divorce is not the end, but a new departure. To ensure that this departure is not followed by regret, the choices made must be well-prepared. An uncontested divorce is a system meant to help the parties involved organize their lives in a responsible manner. The cooling-off period is at the heart of this system.
The cooling-off period is not meant to bring the marital relationship to a halt, but to offer a short pause to reflect on whether reconciliation is possible. Even if the couple ultimately chooses separation, if they can settle their emotions, reshape their children’s lives, and thoughtfully design their own future through this period, the wait is never in vain. A separation that is not rushed can become the beginning of a more mature life.
For further details, please refer to the original article below.
Original article:
Today News
https://www.ntoday.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=117551
[Impact of the Commercial Act Amendment] Interview with Attorney Ji-ho Kim: Expanded Directors’ Duty of Loyalty – High Hopes for Shareholder Protection Amid Remaining Challenges
The amendment to the Commercial Act expanding the scope of directors’ duty of loyalty to include shareholders in addition to the company has recently passed the National Assembly. The legal community is responding with both welcome and concern. While expectations are high for the law to enhance legal protection of shareholder interests, there are concurrent concerns regarding a potential surge in litigation seeking to hold directirs liable for alleged breaches of duty. For this reason, experts emphasize the need for companies to strengthen their decision-making processes and ensure they are objective and well-documented.
One of the core elements of the Commercial Act amendment passed on the 3rd is the revision of Article 382-3 (Directors’ Duty of Loyalty). Previously, this article only required directors to “faithfully perform their duties for the company in accordance with laws and regulations, and the company’s articles of incorporation.” However, the revised article mandates that directors owe a duty of loyalty to shareholders as well. New provisions have been added requiring directors to i) protect the interests of the total shareholders’, and ii) treat the interests of all shareholders fairly in performing their duties.
Legal experts evaluate this change positively, noting that it will lead directors to be more cautious in their decision-making and enhance both shareholder and corporate value since the newly imposed duty also requires directors to fairly treat shareholder interests.
Observations have also been raised that this shift will exert a positive influence on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management. Attorney Ji-ho Kim of LIN LLC commented:
“Companies are highly likely to introduce institutional mechanisms to fulfill their duty of loyalty—such as director nomination committees and compensation committees—to enhance the board’s independence and transparency. This could improve corporate governance and foster a greater commitment to ESG management aimed at long-term protection of shareholder interests.”
She added that if a director’s decision conflicts with the interests of certain shareholders or is deemed to have violated the duty of loyalty, the risk of lawsuits seeking to hold directors legally liable may increase significantly. In particular, regarding criminal liability, the applicability of breach of trust (professional malfeasance) may expand.
Kim explained:
“Previously, precedents held that directors do not stand in the position of those who manage the affairs of individual shareholders. However, this amendment may categorize directors as fiduciaries , meaning that violations of this duty resulting in shareholders’ loss (such as dilution of share value) is more likely to be recognized as a criminal breach of trust.”
As a countermeasure, Attorney Kim suggested enrolling in Directors and Officers (D&O) liability insurance. She advised:
“While joining a DOA liability insurance policy that covers damage claims by minority shareholders may serve as a safety net for directors, it is essential to verify whether the exemption clauses are overly broad and whether there are special riders that specifically cover lawsuits filed by such shareholders.”
For further details, please refer to the original article below.
Original article:
Bloter
https://www.bloter.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=640217
