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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News LetterMobility Legal Updates_[Regulations]Discussions are gaining momentum regarding the establishment of performance evaluation and remanufacturing safety management systems for end-of-life electric vehicle batteries. Concurrently, efforts to refine data and high-precision road map infrastructure are intensifying to support the commercialization of autonomous driving. Stakeholders should proactively reassess their business models and internal compliance frameworks. Through this newsletter, LIN Mobility Team introduces key legislative developments from December 2025: △Partial Amendment to the Act on the Promotion of and Support for Commercialization of Autonomous Vehicles (Exceptions for visual data collection/usage and high-precision road map construction/updates) △Partial Amendment to the Motor Vehicle Management Act (Performance evaluation of end-of-life batteries and safety management for remanufactured batteries). Please be advised that the following two legislative items are "draft bills" currently referred to the plenary session of the National Assembly and have not yet been promulgated or enforced; their content may change during the deliberation at the plenary session and subsequent transfer to the government for promulgation. Partial Amendment to the Act on the Promotion of and Support for Commercialization of Autonomous Vehicles (Alternative Bill) (Bill No.2215411) Exceptions for Visual Data Collection/Usage Based on Temporary Operation Permits and Mandatory High-Precision Road Map Construction/Updates On December 19, 2025, the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee of the National Assembly passed this partial amendment as an alternative bill and referred it to the plenary session for deliberation. This alternative bill introduces exceptions allowing those with temporary operation permits to record and collect visual data containing specific personal information for the purpose of improving the performance and safety of autonomous driving systems, and to use such data without anonymization or pseudonymization (Draft Article 20-2(1)). However, it also prohibits the use of data for unauthorized purposes and imposes obligations to implement protective measures and ensure data destruction with accompanying penalties or administrative fines for violations. Furthermore, it establishes a new obligation to construct high-precision road maps and periodically update them to reflect road changes (Draft Articles 20-2, 22). Businesses need to review their visual data processing, subcontracted management, and data governance and security systems. This alternative bill is understood as an effort to alleviate the regulatory burden of utilizing autonomous driving data by codifying exceptions that allow the use of visual data containing personal information without anonymization or pseudonymization, provided it is for performance and safety enhancement during operation under temporary permits. Nevertheless, as the bill also introduces prohibitions on unauthorized use, protection and destruction obligations, and sanctions, businesses must refine their standards for access authority, retention periods, destruction, and subcontracted management of original video data to ensure the data is utilized within the scope of these exceptions. Partial Amendment to the Motor Vehicle Management Act (Alternative Bill) (Bill No. 2215410) Introduction of Performance Evaluation for End-of-Life Batteries and Establishment of Registration/Safety Inspection Systems for Remanufactured Batteries On December 18, 2025, the Legislation and Judiciary Committee of the National Assembly approved the Partial Amendment to the Motor Vehicle Management Act as an alternative bill and referred it to the plenary session for deliberation. This alternative bill aims to establish a comprehensive management framework that links the post-usage stage of batteries installed in electric vehicles, etc. to remanufacturing, reuse, or recycling through performance evaluations, while strengthening safety management during the distribution of vehicles equipped with remanufactured batteries. Specifically, the bill introduces new definitions for "End-of-life Battery" and "Remanufactured Battery" (Draft Article 2 Subparagraphs 1-8 and 1-9) and establishes a performance evaluation system for end-of-life batteries (Draft Article 35-13). It also sets operating standards, inter alia, for the designation of performance evaluation agencies and revocation thereof (Draft Article 35-14). Furthermore, the bill includes the mandatory registration of entities intending to manufacture or assemble remanufactured batteries using end-of-life batteries (Draft Article 35-15), mandatory safety inspections prior to the distribution of vehicles equipped with remanufactured batteries (Draft Article 35-16), and obligations to comply with facility and equipment standards for the storage and transportation of end-of-life batteries (Draft Article 35-17). In summary, this alternative bill introduces an integrated evaluation, registration, inspection, and history management system covering the entire lifecycle from "post-usage" to the "distribution of vehicles equipped with remanufactured batteries." Consequently, businesses involved in battery production, finished vehicle manufacturing, distribution, and remanufacturing may be required to respond to these new procedural requirements. In addition, a new legal basis is established to request battery performance data and other relevant information from battery businesses to the extent necessary for performance evaluations and safety inspections (Draft Article 35-19). Accordingly, it is essential to refine the scope and methods of information disclosure, ensure the protection of trade secrets, and reorganize liability allocation with partners. Currently, these alternative bills are pending deliberation at the plenary session following their referral, and their specific content and enforcement dates will be finalized during the deliberation at the plenary session and subsequent transfer to the government for promulgation. Related businesses are advised to review their response processes focusing on core issues such as pre-distribution safety inspections, and history and data management systems. *** LIN LLC has extensive experience in providing advisory and litigation services in the mobility industry, particularly in areas such as administrative regulations, and patent and trade secret disputes related to motor vehicles. Our Mobility Team consists of attorneys and experts with a distinctive interest and passion for automobiles. Should you wish to learn more about this newsletter or have any other inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact LIN’s Mobility Team. Tae Joon Bae (tjbae@law-lin.com, +82 10 8237 8123) Min Gu Kang (mgkang@law-lin.com, +82 10 3907 9217) Ho Yeon Kim (hykim@law-lin.com, +82 2 3477 6300) Jeong Pil Oh (jpoh@law-lin.com, +82 2 3477 8695)2026.01.28.
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NoticeLin Signs MOU with Korea New & Renewable Energy Association (KNREA)Mutual cooperation on new & renewable energy-related projects through legal services in the field of laws and regulations On October 26, Lin signed an MOU with KNREA to promote the development of the domestic new & renewable energy industry. The agreement was signed to provide various legal services to KNREA and its member companies, including information on new & renewable energy-related laws and regulations. Through the agreement, the two parties agreed to cooperate on ▶ improving new & renewable energy-related laws and systems ▶ providing legal advice on new & renewable energy ▶ and training on new & renewable energy. In line with the trend of carbon neutrality, Lin will exert its best to promote the sustainable development of the renewable energy industry, which can replace conventional energy using fossil fuels and nuclear power. For more information, please visit KNREA website below. http://www.knrea.or.kr/bbs/?act=bbs&subAct=view&bid=agreement&page=1&order_type=desc&seq=58282023.11.10.
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Recruitment PersonnelNew RecruitmentsWe are pleased to welcome Jung Bong Lee (Partner), Lance B. Lee (Foreign Legal Consultant - Partner), and Ki Suk Seol (Of Counsel) as new members of our Firm. 1. Jeong Bong Lee, Partner - Incheon Songdo High School(68th) - Yonsei University, Department of Law - Chungnam National University, School of Law - Korean Bar Examination (40th, 1998) - Judicial Research and Training Institute (27th) - University of Vienna – Criminal Justice Institute Visiting Scholar (2008) Past) Incheon District Public Prosecutors’ Office – Prosecutor (2001) Past) Daejeon District Public Prosecutors’ Office, Hongseong Branch – Prosecutor (2003) Past) Incheon District Public Prosecutors’ Office, Bucheon Branch – Prosecutor (2005) Past) Seoul Central District Public Prosecutors’ Office – Prosecutor (2007) Past) Supreme Prosecutors’ Office - Prosecutor Researcher (2007) Past) Busan District Public Prosecutors’ Office – Prosecutor (2013) Past) Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) - Head of Strategic Analytics (2014) Past) Chuncheon District Public Prosecutors’ Office, Gangneung Branch – Chief Prosecutor (2016) Past) Daegu District Public Prosecutors’ Office, Seobu Branch – Chief Prosecutor, Criminal Division 3 (2017) Past) Seoul Eastern District Public Prosecutors’ Office - Chief Prosecutor, Criminal Division 5 (2018) Past) Seoul Southern District Public Prosecutors’ Office - Chief Prosecutor, Criminal Division 2 (2019) Past) Supreme Prosecutors’ Office – Human Rights Policy Officer (2020) Past) Gwangju District Public Prosecutors’ Office – Human Rights Protection Officer (2021) Past) Chuncheon District Public Prosecutors’ Office – Chief of Wonju Branch (2022) Past) Seoul High Prosecutors’ Office (Daegu District Public Prosecutors’ Office, Secondment(2023), Voluntary Resignation) Current) LIN Since his appointment as a prosecutor in 2001, Mr. Lee has served as a prosecutor at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, a researcher at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, a prosecutor at the Busan District Prosecutors' Office, a secondee at the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), a deputy prosecutor at the Seoul Eastern and Southern District Prosecutors' Offices, and a human rights policy officer at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, before finally retiring in 2023 as the Chief Prosecutor of the Wonju District Prosecutors' Office. During his 22 years and 8 months as a prosecutor, he discharged a wide range of cases, including intellectual property infringement, technology theft and unfair competition, medical malpractice, sexual assault, finance, taxation, homicide, special crime, public security, and human rights policy (due process compliance in investigations). Mr. Lee, who joined Lin as a partner in November 2023, plans to actively engage in various cases such as securities, finance, and corporate anti-corruption based on diverse investigative and theoretical experience accumulated from the prosecution. Lin boasts top domestic experts in responding to financial, corporate crimes, and other investigative matters, and we will strive to provide our clients with high-quality legal services. 2. Lance B. Lee, Foreign Legal Consultant (Partner) - Boston College Law School – J.D. - University of Virginia – B.A. Past) Dentons Lee - Chief Operating Officer, Head of International Arbitration & Litigation and Partner, 2012-2023 Past) Kim & Chang - Partner Past) STX Shipbuilding Corporation – Group General Counsel Past) POSCO – Overseas Projects Team Leader Past) U.S. Army JAG Corps – Trial Counsel, Prosecutor and Captain Past) Gainer, Rient & Hotis - Attorney Current) LIN – Head of International Arbitration & Litigation, Partner (Present) Mr. Lee, a U.S. attorney, was responsible for various international arbitration and litigation cases for 11 years at Kim & Chang, representing numerous international corporations and diverse fields. Serving as General Counsel at STX Shipbuilding Corporation and Head of the International Legal Team at POSCO, he handled tasks such as international arbitration, international litigation, IP, corporate M&A, contract negotiations, and joint investments for global conglomerates. Subsequently, as a partner at the Seoul Office of Dentons, he worked for 11 years as the Head of the International Arbitration/Litigation Team, leading numerous international arbitration cases as lead counsel. In 2024, for the first time in history, more than half of the global population will be holding elections, signaling the end of America’s “unilateral hegemony” and prompting the world to prepare for more disputes. With major industrial powers intensifying their industrial policies and protectionist measures to secure leadership in advanced and eco-friendly industries post-election, there is an anticipated increase in international disputes, particularly in advanced technology sectors such as semiconductors and information technology (IT). Mr. Lee, a foreign attorney leading the International Arbitration/Litigation Team, will leverage his experience and expertise to actively discharge legal advice on the prevention and resolution of international disputes for various global corporations based on his accumulated knowledge and professionalism. 3. Ki Suk Seol, Of Counsel - Hongik University, Department of Architecture - Kyungpook National University, Graduate School of Law, - KAIST, Intellectual Property Graduate School - Bar Examination (3rd) Past) Eland Group, Legal Department Past) Hyundai Engineering, Legal Department Past) Ministry of Justice, Legal Affairs Officer Past) Ministry of Justice, Legal Affairs Secretary Current) LIN Mr. Seol, as an in-house counsel for a large corporation, has accumulated expertise in a wide range of legal affairs that can arise within the company, including civil and criminal litigation and consultation, fair trade practices, compliance, intellectual property, construction, and labor-related dispute management. Subsequently, serving as a Legal Affairs Secretary at the Ministry of Justice, he handled administrative adjudication and litigation, legislation drafting and revision, interpretation of laws and rights, review of government and legislative bills, formulation of legislative strategies, improvement of attorney and notary systems, and enhancement of legal technology systems. Through these roles, he has built expertise in planning, administration, and legislation. Amidst the ongoing challenges such as the increase in unsold and unoccupied properties, rising construction costs, high interest rates, and stagnation in real estate PF, it is anticipated that legal disputes and litigation among real estate market participants, including developers, contractors, financial institutions, trustees, and local housing associations, will continue to rise. Mr. Seol, who has served as an in-house counsel for a global integrated construction company, has handled a wide range of cases from civil and criminal matters to fair trade, construction, labor, and compliance issues, from the client's perspective, collaborating with various major law firms. Drawing upon his extensive practical experience accumulated in the field, he is committed to providing tailored solutions, not only advisory services but also litigation support, to corporate clients. 4. Recruitment of Foreign Lawyer With recent concerns over deflation in China, attitudes of Korean companies towards China have become notably cautious. Consequently, there is a growing need for professional advice regarding entry into the Chinese market. Recognizing this demand, Lin has recently recruited Ms. Wenpu Yang (Chinese attorney), aiming to provide high-quality legal service that aligns with our clients’ business strategies and management objectives on various issues related to Sino-Korean business relations. Going forward, Lin promises to continuously recruit verified talents in various fields to ensure customer satisfaction.2024.02.05.