LIN NEWS
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LIN NewsLIN LLC Professionals’ External Appointments for Q3 2025Recent external appointments of LIN’s professionals are as follows: Chul Soo Kim, Moon Joo Kim, and Jung Tae Kim Reappointed as External Legal Advisors to Korea Overseas Infrastructure and Urban Development Corporation (KIND) On September 1, 2025, Attorneys Chul Soo Kim, Moon Joo Kim, and Jung Tae Kim of LIN were reappointed as external legal advisors to the Korea Overseas Infrastructure and Urban Development Corporation (KIND). KIND was established under the Overseas Construction Promotion Act and officially launched in June 2018, and is a specialized institution dedicated to supporting overseas infrastructure and urban development projects. KIND identifies and promotes overseas infrastructure and urban development projects, and provids investment, funding, and financial advisory services in order to support the expansion of Korean companies into investment-based development projects in overseas infrastructure and urban development sectors. Since their appointment as KIND's external legal advisors on September 1, 2022, Attorneys Chul Soo Kim, Moon Joo Kim, and Jung Tae Kim have provided legal services on various issues related to KIND's overseas infrastructure and urban development projects and corporate management in general, and will continue to work diligently to help KIND grow as a specialized institution that revitalizes Korean companies’ overseas infrastructure and urban development projects. Attorney Dong Jae YI Appointed to the Investment Review Committee of the Construction Workers Mutual Aid Association Attorney Dong Jae YI of LIN LLC was appointed as a member of the Investment Review Committee of the Construction Workers Mutual Aid Association (CWMA) in August 2025. Founded in 1997, the CWMA promotes mutual aid, improve welfare, and ensures a stable post-retirement life for construction workers, who often face relatively poor working conditions, low income levels, and unstable employment. The Association conducts various support programs, including asset management to grow accumulated mutual aid contributions, and initiatives to ensure employment stability, develop and enhance vocational skills, and provide job placement services for construction workers. The Investment Review Committee is responsible for deliberating on matters related to fund management plans, fund management issues including high-value and long-term investments, and other matters deemed necessary by the Chairman. Attorney Dong Jae YI, as an Investment Review Committee member of the CWMA, will provide extensive legal support during his term to ensure the CWMA conducts its deliberations with greater integrity and fairness. Attorney Jong Sik Kim Appointed as a Member of the Listing and Disclosure Committee of the Korea Exchange Attorney Jong Sik Kim of LIN LLC was appointed as a member of the Listing and Disclosure Committee of the Korea Exchange (KRX) on July 1, 2025 (Term: July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027). The Listing and Disclosure Committee of the Korea Exchange deliberates on the results of preliminary listing review, and deliberates and makes decisions on important matters related to listing, such as substantive reviews for delisting. Composed of experts from various fields such as accounting and law, it primarily assesses companies' eligibility for listing and maintains market transparency and fairness. Attorney Jong Sik Kim, as a member of the Listing and Disclosure Committee of the KRX, will dedicate his utmost effort over the next two-year term to ensure the Committee conducts its reviews with greater fairness and objectivity. Attorney Mi Hyun SEOL Appointed as a Member of the Home & Shopping Viewer Committee Attorney Mi Hyun SEOL of LIN LLC was appointed as a member of the Home&Shopping Viewer Committee on September 19, 2025 (Term: September 19, 2025 to September 18, 2026). The Viewer Committee of Home & Shopping is established under Article 87 of the Broadcasting Act to protect viewers’ rights and interests by representing viewers from various fields. It may provide opinions and request corrections regarding broadcast scheduling and program content. It may also request the submission of necessary materials or the attendance and responses of relevant personnel to perform its duties related to protecting viewers’ rights and interests and remedying infringements. Attorney Mi Hyun SEOL, as a member of the Home&Shopping Viewer Committee, will dedicate her utmost effort over the upcoming one-year term to ensure the Committee conducts its reviews in a fairer and more objective manner. Chang Hwan SHIN, U.S. attorney Appointed to the Appeals Review Committee of the Korea Sports Ethics Center Attorney Chang Hwan SHIN of LIN LLC was appointed as a member of the Appeals Review Committee of the Korea Sports Ethics Center on September 18, 2025 (Term: September 18, 2025 to September 17, 2027). The Appeals Review Committee of the Korea Sports Ethics Center is a deliberative body responsible for reviewing appeals filed by a complainant, victim, or their legal representative against the investigation findings of the Korea Center for Sports Ethics, and notifying them of the review results. It deliberates on appeals filed against the investigation findings of the Korea Center for Sports Ethics and renders a final decision by evaluating the legitimacy of each case. Attorney Shin Chang-hwan, a U.S.-licensed lawyer, is committed to performing his duties with the utmost integrity to ensure that the Committee’s deliberations are conducted with the highest level of fairness and objectivity. Dong Won KO, U.S. attorney, Appointed as Chairman of the Fund Management Committee of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Dong Won KO, U.S. Attorney at LIN LLC, was appointed as Chairman of the Fund Management Committee of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province on July 25, 2025 (Term: July 25, 2025 to July 24, 2025). The Fund Management Committee of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province is an organization operated to stimulate investment and foster venture companies within Jeju Province. It was officially launched in July 2023 under the name ‘Fund Operational Committee of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province.’ The Committee aims to create a favorable business environment and contribute to revitalizing the local economy through efficient fund management. Recently, the fund management regulations were codified into an ordinance, and the Committee is undertaking various activities, including establishing funds to nurture early-stage startups. As Chairman of the Fund Operational Committee of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, U.S. attorney Dong Won Ko is committed to performing his duties with his utmost effort to enhance the transparency and effectiveness of fund operations in Jeju.2026.01.02.
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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
