LIN NEWS
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LIN NewsLIN Professionals’ External Appointments for Q1 2025Recent external appointments of LIN’s professionals are as follows: Attorney Tae Eon Koo Appointed as a Steering Committee Member of the AI Innovation Committee of the Federation of Korean Industries Tae Eon Koo, an attorney at LIN, was appointed as a steering committee member of the AI Innovation Committee of the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) on March 25, 2025. The AI Innovation Committee was established with the goal of identifying policies for the innovation and widespread adoption of AI technology. Amid the rapidly evolving global competition for AI leadership, the committee is tasked with collecting opinions from the domestic industry and conveying them to the National Assembly and government. Koo will contribute to the operation of five subcommittees, including Policy, Talent & Infrastructure, Governance & Standards, and Future Growth, in order to further enhance the committee’s initiatives for substantive institutional improvements, and will do his best to create an ecosystem where companies can actively utilize AI to bolster competitiveness across the industry as a whole. Attorney Young Hoon Kim Appointed as an Independent Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee at Hanmi Science Co., Ltd. On March 26, 2025, Young Hoon Kim, an attorney at LIN, was appointed as an Independent Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee of Hanmi Science Co., Ltd. As the holding company of Hanmi Pharmaceutical Group, Hanmi Science has enhanced the development potential of the Group based on the management philosophy of respecting human dignity and creating value, and has achieved continuous growth through collaborations with various global pharmaceutical companies. In addition, it has played an important role in supporting the Group's stable development of new drugs and expanding the Group’s strategic initiatives to become a truly global pharmaceutical company. As an independent director of Hanmi Science, Kim will work diligently during his term to help the company solidify its identity in new drug development and emerge as a global healthcare company. Attorney Eung Jun Jeon Appointed as a Member of the 2025 Working Group on Improving the AI Copyright System On March 19, 2025, Eung Jun Jeon, an attorney at LIN, was reappointed as a member of the 2025 Working Group on improving the AI Copyright System 2025 (March 19, 2025 to December 31, 2025). Over the past year, the Working Group has discussed various issues including the development of institutional improvements for using copyrighted works training data, whether and how to disclose AI-learned data, and the criteria for determining copyright infringement by AI outputs, all while striving to improve the relevant legal framework. Continuing his service from 2024, Jeon is dedicated to proactively developing institutional improvements that strike a balance between advancing the development of the AI industry and protecting creators' rights. Attorney Jong Sik Kim Appointed as an Independent Director of Asiana IDT Jong Sik Kim, an attorney at LIN, was appointed as an Independent Director of Asiana IDT on January 31, 2025. Asiana IDT is an IT services company that provides state-of-the-art IT solutions and services to help clients generate revenue and strengthen their competitiveness, leveraging its global network, differentiated technology, as well as top-tier professionals with accumulated project experience and know-how in various industries. As an Indipendent Director of Asiana IDT, Kim is committed to helping the company enhance its clients' business competitiveness with more differentiated technologies and services and contribute to creating a more convenient and prosperous society. Attorney Sung June Park Appointed as Legal Counsel to Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd. On January 6, 2025, Sung June Park, an attorney at LIN, was appointed as Legal Counsel to Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd. (KOMIPO) (January 24, 2025 to January 23, 2027). To deliver cleaner and healthier energy to the public, KOMIPO has upgraded its thermal power plants with world-class environmental equipment to operate safe facilities free from concerns about fine dust and environmental pollution, and has also taken the lead in promoting Korea's energy transition through the continuous development of various renewable energy sources. As Legal Counsel to KOMIPO, Park will leverage his expertise to help the company build upon its know-how and experience at the forefront of the energy industry, driven by innovative planning and a spirit of challenge, while continuing to a more prosperous and healthier life for the public. Attorney Seok Lee Appointed to the Steering Committee of the Gyeonggi-do Carbon Neutrality Support Center On March 25, 2025, Seok Lee, an attorney at LIN, was appointed as a member of the Gyeonggi-do Carbon Neutrality Support Center Steering Committee (January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026). The Steering Committee was established to deliberate on matters necessary for the management and operation of the Center in accordance with the “Guidelines for Designation and Operation of Carbon Neutrality Support Center” and to discuss efficient operational measures. Gyeonggi-do operates the Carbon Neutrality Support Center to build a foundation for carbon neutrality with the goal of reducing carbon emissions by 40% from 2018 levels by 2030, and to support cooperation with the national and local governments for the efficient execution of its annual business plans. As a member of the steering committee, Lee will deliberate on the efficient management and operational strategies for the center to promote Gyeonggi-do's carbon neutrality and green growth initiatives, and will review the progress of the annual business plan and seek ways to improve it to the best of his ability. Chang Hwan Shin, US Attorney, Appointed to the Board of Directors of the Korea Copyright Protection Agency Chang Hwan Shin, a U.S. attorney at LIN, was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Korea Copyright Protection Agency (KCOPA) on February 4, 2025. The KCOPA was established to support the formulation and enforcement of copyright protection policies, deliberate on matters related to copyright protection, and conduct projects necessary for copyright protection, thereby contributing to the enhancement and development of culture and related industries. As a director of the KCOPA, Shin will do his best to help the organization grow into a global organization specializing in copyright protection that builds a safe foundation for the cultural industry by fostering a healthy ecosystem and more firmly upholding the value of creativity. Advisor Se Yong Um, Appointed as a member of the National Assembly Legislative Support Committee (Political Affairs Division) On February 25, 2025, Se Yong Um, an advisor at LIN, was appointed as a member of the National Assembly's Legislative Support Committee, where he will serve in the Political Affairs Division for two years, focusing on the Capital Markets Act. The National Assembly Legislative Support Committee, composed of 166 members, provides legislative advice to lawmakers on matters, including drafting bills and reviewing administrative legislation. Having previously served as a member of the Capital Markets Act Enactment Task Force under the former Ministry of Finance and Economy and as a member of the National Assembly Legislative Support Committee (Finance and Economy Division), Dr. Um has been reappointed to the Committee (Political Affairs Division) and will provide key advisory services on the legislative process for capital markets. Kwang Min Nam, CPA, Appointed as Chairman of the Audit Committee of Independent Directors of Hwaseung Industries, a KOSPI-listed Company On March 25, 2025, Kwang Min Nam, a CPA at LIN, was appointed as Chairman of the Audit Committee of Independent Directors of Hwaseung Industries, a company listed on the KOSPI market. As a representative company of Hwaseung Group's sports fashion ODM and fine chemical businesses, Hwaseung Industries has enhanced the future value of human life based on its top-tier quality competitiveness and continuous innovation. Nam is committed to enhancing the rights and interests of shareholders by ensuring the company maximizes its group’s value through transparent and rational management. In addition, he will continue to work diligently to help the company continue to innovate and become a trusted company that realizes future value.2025.07.03.
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News LetterMobility Legal Updates_[Issue]Just one day before the scheduled implementation of a 25% reciprocal tariff on July 31, 2025, the governments of the U.S. and South Korea reached a sudden trade agreement, sending ripples through the domestic and international automotive industries. With the item-specific tariff on automobiles—previously announced at 25%—also being reduced to 15%, this places the cost burdens, global value chain strategies, and even the medium-to long-term industrial environment of finished-vehicle manufacturers at a critical inflection point. Overview and Key Issues of the U.S.-Korea Trade Negotiations (15% Reciprocal Tariff, $350 Billion Investment in the U.S., and $100 Billion in Energy Purchases) The U.S. and South Korea have agreed to lower the reciprocal tariff on Korean imports to 15% from the previously announced 25%, with the item-specific tariff on Korean automobiles also being reduced to 15%.1 In line with the negotiations, South Korea has committed to $350 billion in investments in the U.S. (including a $150 billion dedicated fund for cooperation in the shipbuilding industry) and the purchase of $100 billion worth of American energy, including LNG. While this agreement is significant in that it has partially alleviated trade uncertainties between the two nations, its actual effects may vary, as key details have not yet been specified and could be subject to differences in interpretation during the implementation phase. As mentioned earlier, the agreement adjusts the U.S. tariff rate on Korean automobiles and parts to 15%. This rate is now identical to that of other major automotive producers like Japan and the EU. However, compared to the era of the KORUS FTA, the tariff rate on Korean vehicles has increased by 15 percentage points from the previous 0% to 15%, whereas the rate for Japanese and EU vehicles has risen by 12.5 percentage points from 2.5% to 15%. Consequently, the tariff advantage that Korean vehicles previously enjoyed over their Japanese and EU counterparts has been eliminated. Meanwhile, the "reciprocal tariff" that the U.S. applies uniformly to Korean products is not applied redundantly when an item-specific tariff is already in place. Therefore, for automobiles and auto parts, which are subject to item-specific tariffs, it appears that the agreed-upon 15% tariff rate will be the final applicable rate, without the reciprocal tariff being applied. Impact on the Korean Automotive Industry (Improved Performance and Expansion of Local Production Strategies Expected Due to Reduced Tariff Costs) With this tariff reduction, projections indicate that the annual tariff burden for Korean automakers such as Hyundai and Kia will decrease from a potential 10 trillion KRW under a 25% reciprocal tariff to approximately 6 trillion KRW. This burden is likely to be further reduced when combined with strategies to expand local production and increase sales prices. Therefore, as a result of this agreement, the projected performance of Korean automotive companies is expected to improve. However, some concerns have been raised about a potential decline in the price competitiveness of Korean vehicles in the U.S. market, as the previous 2.5 percentage point tariff advantage over Japanese vehicles has disappeared. Contrary to these worries, analyses suggest that the competitiveness of Korean vehicles will not be diminished by this agreement. One analysis points out that the loss of the 2.5 percentage point tariff advantage amounts to a loss of only about $600 in additional revenue per vehicle; therefore, applying the same tariff rate as Japanese vehicles is unlikely to inflict serious damage on the competitiveness of Korean vehicles in the U.S. market. Furthermore, the local U.S. production ratio of the "Big Three" Japanese automakers (Toyota, Honda, Nissan) stands at 63% of their U.S. sales, while the ratio for Hyundai and Kia is only 42.5%. As a result, Korean companies have a higher proportion of vehicles subject to tariffs. Accordingly, the positive impact on performance from this tariff agreement is predicted to be greater for Korean companies than for their Japanese counterparts. On the other hand, although the item-specific tariff on automobiles has been lowered, the confirmation of a high tariff rate of 15% is expected to intensify the pressure on automakers and parts suppliers to increase local production in the U.S. to minimize their tariff burden. Conclusion and Implications In the short term, this U.S.-Korea trade agreement has significantly contributed to stabilizing profits and improving market sentiment for the domestic automotive and related industries. At the same time, it suggests that long-term, corporate-level changes—such as those related to local production in the U.S., sales strategies, and supply chain diversification—are inevitable. With key details still requiring coordination and numerous variables in the upcoming implementation process, companies and investors need to closely monitor policy developments and industry trends. LIN’s Mobility Team is prepared to offer prompt and expert assistance in navigating these regulatory changes, as well as in matters of litigation, advisory services, and corporate strategy development. 1. However, for items such as steel, aluminum, and copper, the existing 50% tariff rate has been maintained. *** LIN 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 our firm’s Mobility Team. Taejoon Bae (tjbae@law-lin.com, 010-8237-8123) Mingu Kang (mgkang@law-lin.com, 010-3907-9217) Hoyeon Kim (hykim@law-lin.com, 02-3477-6300) Hanjun Jung (hjjung@law-lin.com, 02-3477-8695) Jeongpil Oh (jpoh@law-lin.com, 02-3477-8695)2025.08.14.
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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.
[Law Times] LIN Advises on the Establishment of the Washington D.C. Branch of Korea Trade Insurance Corporation
LIN (Managing Partner Jin Seok Lim) successfully provided comprehensive legal advisory services for the establishment of the Washington D.C. branch of the Korea Trade Insurance Corporation (K-SURE), which opened on April 22.
This advisory work was conducted by a team led by Woohyuk Sky Ju (U.S. attorney, Head of International Legal Team), Sun A Yoon (U.S. attorney), Han A Ryu (Australian attorney), and Ji Hyun Hong (Certified Public Administrator). LIN provided comprehensive and precise advice on key legal issues essential to establishing a branch office, such as drafting a waiver of sovereign immunity, liasing with foreign government agencies, ensuring regulatory compliance, and navigating licensing procedures.
In addition, the firm provided legal advice on personnel and labor issues through collaboration with local law firms and accounting firms for staffing the branch. It also contributed to establishing the branch's accounting and tax system through conducting a tax review considering the Korea-US tax treaty and providing advice on corporate and income tax.
This project is a landmark case of supporting a Korean quasi-governmental organization in establishing and sustainably operating a branch office in the United States, and is expected to serve as an important model for similar organizations planning overseas expansion in the future.
For more details, please refer to the original article below.
Law Newspaper
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https://www.lawtimes.co.kr/news/207891
Attorney Eun Hye Seo of LIN Selected as a '2025 Rising Star' by Legal Times
Attorney Eun Hye Seo of LIN has been selected as one of the '2025 Rising Stars' who are leading the development of the Korean legal market. Legal Times selects 95 next-generation leaders in the corporate legal market every year through recommendations from law firms by major practice areas and its own evaluation, and Seo was selected in recognition of her outstanding capabilities in the M&A field.
▲ Attorney Eun Hye Seo of LIN
Seo is a key member of LIN’s M&A advisory team, and has been involved in dozens of transactions based on her experience representing multiple PEs (Private Equity Funds) and SIs (Strategic Investors). Her practical skills encompassing the entire M&A process from legal due diligence to contract drafting and negotiation, preparation of closing documents, and business combination reporting contribute to LIN’s M&A league table ranking.
Her representative cases include advising on amendments to a shareholders' agreement related to the drag-along rights between a PEF and a domestic startup, where she led negotiations with more than 20 parties to a successful conclusion. She also advised throughout New Power Plasma's acquisition of a controlling stake in Dowoo Insys, resolving complex issues such as renegotiation of contract terms. Following this transaction, she continued to advise Dowoo Insys on subsequent investment deals, including those involving Yuamco.
She is highly regarded as a hands-on attorney, praised for her meticulous approach to legal review and her ability to coordinate the overall transaction structures. She is also recognized for her skill in leveraging due diligence to secure favorable negotiating positions for the buyer.
For more details, please refer to the original article below.
Legal Times
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https://www.legaltimes.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=86390
LIN's Foreign Attorney Ye Jin HAN Selected as a '2025 Rising Star' by Legal Times
Foreign attorney Ye Jin Han of LIN has been selected as one of the '2025 Rising Stars' who are leading the development of the Korean legal market. Legal Times selects 95 next-generation leaders in the corporate legal market every year through recommendations from law firms by major practice areas and Legal Times' own evaluation, and she was selected in recognition of her outstanding capabilities in the fields of international transactions and M&A.
▲ Foreign attorney Ye Jin Han of LIN
Foreign attorney Ye Jin Han of LIN has been selected as one of the '2025 Rising Stars' who are leading the development of the Korean legal market. Legal Times selects 95 next-generation leaders in the corporate legal market every year through recommendations from law firms by major practice areas and Legal Times' own evaluation, and she was selected in recognition of her outstanding capabilities in the fields of international transactions and M&A.
Han, a foreign attorney, is an international transaction specialist who majored in economics at Stanford University, received a master's degree in financial engineering, and obtained a JD from Columbia Law School. She is admitted to the New York State Bar. She moved to the United States for her studies in middle school and has worked for Korean law firms for over 10 years, and has also worked as an in-house counsel at NHN.
Her main areas of expertise include M&A, overseas fund registration and sales, foreign investment, and other corporate law and financial advisory matters. She has earned the deep trust of domestic and international clients through her astute legal risk analysis and proposals for efficient transaction structures. Recently, she played a key role in the acquisition of Presys by Sweden's Atlas Copco and the acquisition of NanoProtect by Corning Incorporated, advising the seller and the buyer, respectively.
She also successfully supported Korean education exports by overseeing the drafting and negotiation of agreements and operating contracts for the Uzbekistan campus establishment project of Ajou University. She is recognized as a leading international transaction lawyer with consistent involvement in cross-border transactions.
For more details, please refer to the original article below.
Legal Times
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https://www.legaltimes.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=86391
