Korean Big Six firm Yulchon has continued its aggressive expansion in 2024 with intellectual property attorney Keejeong Kim rejoining the firm as a partner from local law firm LIN.
The 700-plus lawyer firm’s hot hiring spree has included former Lee & Ko media and entertainment practice head Chunghwan Choi, IP and media partners JongCheol Lee and Mun Hui Kim, a four-partner M&A team from Yoon & Yang led by practice head Sung-Jin Kim, and leading arbitration lawyer David MacArthur.
Yulchon also recently hired a number of former Korean prosecutors, including Sang Mook Kang, who joined in February, and Wook Jin Rha and Woo Y. Choe, who joined in December.
Kim has close to 15 years of experience advising on cross-border IP advisory and litigation with a focus on IT and software matters, technology transfer agreements, and regulatory matters in the mobility sector.
He spent 11 years at Yulchon before moving to LIN as a partner in 2020. At LIN, Kim led the mobility team advising on regulatory issues, including emission standards, legislative measures to prevent sudden unintended acceleration, and other compliance matters. Leveraging his expertise in intellectual property, Keejeong also successfully represented several vehicle parts manufacturers in patent and trade secret disputes.
Kim’s hire reflects Yulchon’s plans to increase its offering for its international client base. “Keejeong can engage directly with international clients in English as an attorney practicing Korean law. This skill is highly sought after by our multinational clients but is not easily found. Our global clients will benefit significantly from his deep expertise in intellectual property and his strong international capabilities,” said Hyeong Joo Lim, head of the firm’s new industry IP team.
“With his international experience and specialized knowledge in technology, Keejeong will deliver exceptional legal services to our domestic and global clients. As rapid technological advancements, including breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, continue to reshape industries, his expertise will be invaluable in tackling emerging challenges and provide innovative solutions,” added Doil Son, head of Yulchon’s IP and technology practice.
