News & Insights

Will my aunt’s or maternal aunt’s debt be passed on to my niece or nephew…? Waiving the right of first inheritance is the key

Hanbyol Attorney Kim Yong-dae: When limited acceptance is chosen, debts do not become subordinated

<15> Property Division: Harder Than Divorce

Attorney Hanbyol Law LLC emphasized the scope of property division, the reference date, contributions, debts, and responses to fraudulent transfers.

<14> 3 Things You Must Know Before Filing a Claim for the Return of the Statutory Share

Hanbyol Law LLC Attorney: Summary of the Statute of Limitations, Third-Party Gifts, and Valuation Standards for Claims for the Return of the Statutory Share

<13> The Boom in Warehouse-Style Pharmacies and External Financing for Start-up Capital: How Far Is It Permitted?

Hanbyol Law LLC Attorney: Risk of a “manager-run pharmacy” if a warehouse-style pharmacy secures external funding and loses operational control

[Korea Urban Renewal Forum to Be Held on September 29] From lectures by urban renewal experts to networking opportunities...

Hanbyol Law LLC Attorney Kim Mi-hyun Participates in Presenting and Discussing Legal Issues as an Expert Committee Member of the Korea Urban Renewal Forum

As a 20-year long-term lease nears its end, tenants plead, “Let us stay longer”… The Seoul Metropolitan Government responds, “No way...”

Attorney Hanbyol Law LLC presented strategies for residents' legal responses and contract interpretation regarding issues surrounding the expiration of long-term lease agreements.

After completing a 20-year long-term lease, "I want to stay longer"... but what about those on the waiting list?

Hanbyol Attorney Outlines Legal Issues and Response Strategies for Disputes Over the Maturity and Extension of 20-Year Long-Term Leases

An office worker earning 70 million won a year who racked up 200 million won in debt through speculative investments is filing for personal rehabilitation despite owning an apartment worth around 400 million won...

Hanbyol Attorney Kim Yong-dae Secures Recognition of Lease Deposit as Exempt Property After Selling an Apartment, Leading to a Recommendation to Reduce Personal Rehabilitation Repayment Amount

"Toward a Fair and Sustainable Sports Ecosystem"

Hanbyol Law LLC Attorney Ahn Byung-han Participates in Discussion on Fairness in Sports Doping Regulations and Athletes’ Rights

A civil servant in his 50s earning 5 million won a month has racked up 300 million won in debt through speculative investments... Will he lose his job if he files for personal bankruptcy?

Hanbyol Attorney Kim Yong-dae: Public servants can also file for personal rehabilitation, and there are no adverse effects on their employment.

[Exclusive] “We weren’t classified as a Level 1 risk”… “Compensation to be considered”

Hanbyol Law LLC Attorney Lee Seong-woo: Providing Documents After the Fact Does Not Constitute a Full Sale

Executives of the "Three Indong Companies" Sued by Investors for False Advertising Claiming "Samsung and LG Clients"… Investors File Lawsuit for Damages

Hanbyol Law LLC Attorney Lee Seong-woo to Represent Clients in a 6.1 Billion Won Damages Lawsuit Against Indong 3 Companies and the Pevert Group

"Failed to Sell 510,000 Shares"···Toss Securities Faces Controversy Over Allegations of a False Explanation [Kang Hong-min's To the End...]

Attorney Heo Jong-seon (Hanbyol Law LLC) believed that Toss Securities’ reversal of its official statements and FAQs was crucial to proving the claim for damages.

If I’ve continued to pay property taxes, has the statute of limitations expired? The meaning of “acknowledgment of debt” as recognized by the court...

Hanbyol Law LLC Attorney Kim Yong-dae Wins Case by Proving Acknowledgment of Debt Through Handwriting Analysis and Property Tax Payments

Second Application for Personal Rehabilitation: Is There Any Way to Stop "Debt Collection Calls"?

Hanbyol Attorney Kim Yong-dae explains that injunctions are typically dismissed in second personal rehabilitation cases

Three Months After Service of the Motion to Amend the Statement of Claims: Effect of the Order Approving Special Limited Acceptance

Attorney Kim Yong-dae: The three-month period for special limited acceptance should be determined based on the contents of the documents and the heir’s understanding.

German Real Estate Fund Facing 'Total Loss' Shows Signs of Escalating into a Legal Dispute

Hanbyol Law LLC Attorney Lee Seong-woo, representing clients in a damages mediation regarding the mis-sale of the Trianon Fund, alleges a breach of the duty to explain and disclose

Jecheon Agricultural Cooperative Successfully Holds Free Legal and Tax Consultations for Members

Hanbyol Law LLC Attorney Kim Soo-hyun Participates in Tailored Free Legal Consultations for Jecheon Agricultural Cooperative Members

"Positive Response to Free Consultations"... Jecheon Agricultural Cooperative Offers Legal and Tax Services to Members

Hanbyol Law LLC Attorney Kim Soo-hyun Offers Free, One-on-One, Personalized Legal Consultations to Jecheon Agricultural Cooperative Members

<12> When trust turns into betrayal, can you file a lawsuit against the debtor for fraud...

<About the Author> Attorney Shim Yeon-wa graduated with highest honors from the Department of Law at Ewha Womans University. After passing the 50th National Bar Examination and completing the 41st class of the Judicial Research and Training Institute, she is currently a partner at Hanbyol Law LLC.

<11> Why did the court only recognize half of the 4 billion in rights to the Munjeon Pharmacy?

Hanbyol Attorney Analyzes Doorstep Pharmacy Verdict - Landlord Liability - Explains Why Damages Were Reduced

'42 billion' in five years..."enough to play with money," President Lee criticizes

Hanbyol Law LLC Attorney Kim Yong Dae criticizes Evergreen's interest-only foreclosure method for harassing vulnerable borrowers

A 10-million-won debt turned into 44 million won, and it's hard to get debt relief before you die... even banks...

Hanbyol Law LLC Attorney Kim Yong-dae points out the commercialization of evergreen trees, collection intensity, and difficulties in reconciliation

Defective lawsuits and emotional outbursts... "Risk management urgency"

Hanbyol Law LLC Lawyer urges strengthening of defect litigation risk management under the revised Construction Appraisal Practice Act

Korea Housing Association Holds 'Major Changes to the 2026 Revised Construction Appraisal Practices'

Sangmin Han(Hanbyol Law LLC), Attorney, will present on Practical and Litigation Response to Changes in Waterproofing Layer Thickness Standards.

Construction appraisal practice revised after 10 years... Housing associations to hold 15-day briefings

Attorney Hanbyol Law LLC explained how to respond to defect litigation under the revised Construction Appraisal Practice Act.

Korea Housing Association Holds 'Major Changes to the 2026 Revised Construction Appraisal Practices'

Hanbyol Law LLC Han Sang-min, Attorney at Law, Presents Practical Response to Changes in Waterproofing Layer Thickness Standards

"Construction Appraisal Standards Revised for the First Time in 10 Years"...Housing Association to Hold Defect Lawsuit Response Seminar

Sangmin Han Hanbyol Law LLC, Attorney at Law, suggests ways to respond to defect lawsuits due to changes in waterproofing layer thickness standards

Korea Housing Association to hold 15 briefings on major changes to the 2026 edition of the Construction Appraisal Practice...

Hanbyol Law LLC Han Sang-min, Attorney at Law, Presents Practical Response to Changes in Waterproofing Thickness Standards

Korea Housing Association Holds Briefing on Revised Construction Appraisal Code of Practice

Hanbyol Law LLC Attorneys Offer Tips for Responding to Defects Litigation in Construction Appraisal Practice Revised Manual

Korea Housing Association, '2026 Revision of Construction Appraisal Practice Major Changes'...

Sangmin Han(Hanbyol Law LLC), Attorney at Law, will present a practical response to the change in the waterproofing layer thickness standard.

A mysterious debt demand letter after my father's death... Is it a "collect tomorrow" ultimatum...

Attorney Yong Dae Kim (Hanbyol Law LLC) recommends applying for a special modification if your debts exceed your estate.

<10> What is the division of property in the case of a culpable spouse?

Hanbyol Law LLC Attorney Clears Up Culpability, Property Division, Alimony, and Child Support Issues in Daegu Family Court Decision

[Administrative] "Illegal to Stop Construction of KEPCO Substation Expansion for Collective Complaints"

Hanbyol Law LLC wins judgment to cancel stop work order on substation, leading to plaintiff victory

Negligence, researchers' rights, and a special committee to receive cases of R&D injustice

Hanbyol Law LLC Byeonghan Ahn, Director of the Dana Eun Center for Social and Public Interest, provides legal support for researcher rights

The Task Force for a Better Future..."Fighting Unfairness in Research Sites"

Hanbyol Law LLC Attorney provides legal advice and response support to malpractice task force

'Better Science and Society Special Committee' launches to protect researchers' rights...

Hanbyol Law LLC Lawyers are involved in protecting researchers' rights by providing legal support to the Negligence Task Force and responding to public interest reports.

KISCO Holdings Appoints New Outside Director Yang Gye-Sung...Kim Dong-Ho Retires

Hanbyol Law LLC Kye-Sung Yang, Partner, newly appointed as Outside Director of KISCO Holdings (2-year term)

Thousands of dollars worth of artifacts destroyed by landlord, no receipts?

Hanbyol Law LLC Attorney Jeon Soo Kim: High-value possessions should be valued by court appraisal after lawsuit is filed

I owe $1.6 billion and I'm sued... "Will my legal fees be discharged in bankruptcy?"

Hanbyol Yong Dae Kim Attorney: Lender's legal fees can be included in list of creditors in personal reorganization

The scammer who returned $10 million is actually an accomplice in a trap

Heo Eun-seok (Hanbyol Law LLC), a lawyer, said it is difficult to believe that the victim participated in the crime.

I have '0 sales' and a trademark lawsuit...am I a criminal?

Hanbyol Law LLC Minhye Hwang, Attorney: Trademark Infringement is a willful offense, not guilty without proof of intent

Mocking 'women who will eat bean rice' on Dantok, punished even without names

Hanbyol Law LLC Eunseok Heo: Defamation and insult punishable even without real name if identified in the context of a chat room

A 'miss you' joke and a sexual harasser? Survival strategies to avoid discipline

Hanbyol Eunseok Heo: 'Objective circumstances and victim perception', not 'intent', are key to determining sexual harassment

My name on a prepaid cell phone that I paid $70,000 for became a 'conduit' for voicemail scams

Hanbyol Attorney Kim: First-time offender, immediate termination - if proven harmless, possible fine and suspended prosecution

'I wrote that'...a 'blame you' qui tam lawsuit after a post is deleted

Hanbyol Lawyers say proving deleted posts can make or break a case - proving fraud is difficult

"Forgiveness for $10 million?" A quasi-rape victim's double-ringing perpetrator's lie

Hanbyol Law LLC Migrant Lawyers: Sex Crime Deferred Prosecution is Not an Easy Choice, and Settlements Choose the Victim

"Get rid of that part-time job." Employee bruised by customer bullying, what's the law?

Attorney Eunseok Heo (Hanbyol Law LLC) said, "In addition, if you say that you should fire such a part-time job in the presence of several employees or make demeaning remarks, there is a separate issue of insult to the extent that the performance is recognized.

Will I be sued for my 'I'm not in the room' gossip?

Hanbyol Law LLC Jeon Soo Kim, Esq: Captures are valid evidence, informant penalized less as a witness

The perpetrator is in custody, I'm in psychiatry...'My Molecam' damage, can I sue now?

Attorney Kim Jeon-soo of Hanbyol Law LLC also emphasized, "If you have learned about the complaint from another victim and have not yet filed a complaint about Mr. A's victimization, be sure to file a separate complaint."

I'm 'not guilty' but the prosecution appeals...can it be overturned?

Hanbyol Law LLC Attorney Jeon Soo Kim: Even if you're not guilty, prosecutors often appeal right away

Police say 'not guilty' twice...but prosecutors say 're-investigate', why?

Attorney Eunseok Heo (Hanbyol Law LLC) analyzes the difficulty of determining the likelihood of prosecution.

"That post, I didn't write"...you behind the anonymity, when IPs get in your way

Hanbyol Lawyer who relocated: Even anonymous message boards can be traced to IPs in investigations, admissibility of access logs recognized

I signed up for AVMOV, am I getting arrested? The lawyers answer is

Attorney Kim Jeon-soo Kim of Hanbyol Law LLC argued that "it is difficult to establish a crime based on the mere viewing of some exposed thumbnails or thumbnails on the site, especially when intent and repetition are required.

Affair traps, 100 million memorandums...promises made in blackmail, legal?

Hanbyol Law LLC Attorney Jeon Soo Kim: Proof of compulsion is key, need objective evidence such as texts and recordings

"We have DNA, CCTV, but 'we may never catch the culprit'"...despairing victim told by police

Hanbyol Law LLC "If the suspect is arrested in the future, the current statements and evidence will be used in the trial, so it is very important to keep a record at this stage," says Kim, who is assisted by experts.

Sexual misconduct accusation, afraid of being innocent? Consensus answers from 27 lawyers

Hanbyol Law LLC Employment Lawyer Analyzes Little Risk of Innocence if Accusations Are Based on Truth

Assaulted woman who hid boyfriend's phone on date faces fate of one 'bruise photo'

Hanbyol Law LLC "If you don't respond correctly, you run the risk of being labeled as a bilateral case," says Kim, adding that it's important to carefully review the structure of the case with legal experts before acting hastily.

"One contact and it's stalking?"...How to deal with false accusations of stalking

Hanbyol Displaced Lawyer: Law Enforcement's Repetitiveness Interpretation Leads to Escalating Stalking Allegations

Can a 9:30 p.m. "I love you" from a boss be punishable as sexual harassment without a recording? The...

Hanbyol Law LLC Kim Jeon-Soo - Late-night boss confession is likely workplace sexual harassment; record it to get evidence

The gym owner's defense... 'It's too noisy' for a later opening

Hanbyol Attorney Siwan Lee: Grounds for forcing tenant to do full soundproofing work after the fact are weak

Police barging in unannounced, is it legal or illegal?

Hanbyol Law LLC Attorney Jeonsoo Kim: If there is a warrant, it is not illegal to visit without prior notice

"Isn't he coming today?" A casually sent text is a victory cheat key...evidence of an affair, even if caught, 'I'm...

Hanbyol Law LLC Relocated lawyer: 'Text messages are circumstantial evidence of absence and emotional disconnect'

I lost 84 million won... Bank "not voice fraud" Police "suspect accomplice"

Hanbyol Attorney Jeon Soo Kim: Fake Emails, Sites, Authentication Requests, etc. are Voice Phishing Scams

Ghost hiring in my company's name...I've become a scammer

Attorney Eunseok Heo: Recommend comprehensive review of response strategy with specific consultation with counsel to deter further crimes

Ex Husband Says "No Money" to Release Garnishment, Will He Be Charged with Fraud?

Ms. Kim, Hanbyol Law LLC, recommended prompt enforcement of the conciliation agreement as an enforcement authority.

Creating deepfakes while in the military, from jail time to forced transfer

Hanbyol Law LLC Attorneys Eunseok Heo and Yongjun Heo warned of possible arrest and notice to appear in 1-4 weeks based on suppression of evidence

"20 million won for selling organs." The Devil's whisper to a 13-year-old middle school girl

Regarding the timing of filing, Attorney Hanbyol Law LLC says, "It is very important to file in the early stages of the police investigation," adding, "Clarifying the victim's condition and the family's wishes early on can help frame the case.

Hacker used my account for 2 years, I don't know his address, can't sue him?

Hanbyol Relocated Attorney: Limit access to case records before summary judgment is granted, obtain materials after finalization and recommend civil procedure

"Suck my dick" recorded and reported..."Please exonerate my boyfriend"

Hanbyol Law LLC Attorney Kim Jeon-soo Kim advised a frontal assault, saying, "This is a case that requires a witness to testify in order to plead not guilty to attempted rape, and the questioner should come forward and testify." But before this

Even a M.D. Fooled...'No-Record' Diet Scams, How to Beat Them?

Eunseok Heo, Attorney at Law: Use Expertise as a Supplement to Prove Fraud

Crosswalk accident, 500K fine to perpetrator before settlement?

A Lawyer Who Moved Away: Summary Judgment Only Quickly Establishes Criminal Liability, But Doesn't End the Damages Issue

Stalking settlement offers, 'poisoned chalice'...legal pitfalls?

Attorneys Eunseok Heo and Jeonsoo Kim warn that direct contact after warning risks worsening case

Another juvenile in probation...teen who stood outside restroom faces jail time

Lawyer at Hanbyul Law Firm, Kim Jeon-soo, says voluntary surrender of cell phone would have cleared charges quickly

"Outdated Golf Course Regulation Hinders Industry"...26th Law-Academic Massive Po...

Attorney Ahn Byung Han points out problems with golf course business plan approval system and suggests ways to improve laws and policies

'They took me out and rented me out for 600 million'...the crazy story of how I can't get into my own home

Attorney Jeonsoo Kim of Hanbyul Law Firm emphasizes the importance of obtaining evidence of ownership and taking a cautious approach before litigation

Sex Crime Plea Agreements, 'Opinion Only' Appointments...A Poisoned Chalice?

Jeonsoo Kim, a lawyer at Hanbyul Law Firm, explained that partial appointment, which involves only requesting an opinion of counsel, is possible, but requires the submission of a formal appointment.

"I was falsely accused of rape. Can I see the other woman's statement?"

Attorneys who have moved away: Criminal case records, including sex offense affidavits, are generally exempt from public disclosure

A flying iron chair to break up a group fight...here's how to get paid for it

Lawyer who moved away from firm: Offering settlement first could hurt bargaining power; lawyers advise coordination

Middle School Student Who Bought a Cheap T-shirt from Discord Wonders if Embroidery Is the Only Way to Live

"If you turn yourself in when you have not yet been contacted by the investigative agency and it is unclear whether you have been identified, you may be making the case a reality for yourself," said Han Byul Lee, a lawyer at Law Firm Han & Lee. In the end

I thought it was an abandoned bike...Momentary mistake sends middle schooler between courts, 'ex-con'...

Kim Jeon-soo, a lawyer at Hanbyul Law Firm, recommended that settling with the victim and submitting a settlement agreement is key to getting the protective order reduced.

[Herald Square] We need to improve the legal fee guarantee system.

Lawyer Lee Sung-woo (Law Firm Hanbyul) argues for the need to supplement the litigation cost guarantee system

"She kissed me first..." Woman says she 'doesn't remember' the next day

Lawyer warns that hasty admissions and apologies can be legal confessions

"The whole server was robbed" AVMOV-porn store investigation scares, punishment for just signing up...

"The problem with our law is not just membership, but viewing, downloading, possessing, or distributing illegal filming or sexual exploitation with the knowledge that it is illegal," said Kim Jeon-soo, an attorney at Hanbyul Law Firm.

AVMOV Signed Up, Should I Turn Myself In?...Lawyers "If you don't have a payment history, you can't turn yourself in...

"Investigations are not based on memory, but on server records, access logs, and usage history, and punishment is not based on mere possibility," said Heo Eun-seok, a lawyer at Hanbyul Law Firm. Rushed confessions are poison

Can a business owner delete online reviews at will?

Ailing lawyer says malicious reviews need to be judged on a case-by-case basis

"A shake of the head and bam?"...'Minor' hit-and-run cop called 'minor', Supreme Court rules...

Kim Jeon-soo (Hanbyul Law Firm) emphasized that injury certificates are key evidence to prove escape value

AVMOV Free Member, but Police Investigation...'I'll be fine'?

"Could it be me?" Hundreds of thousands of subscribers are losing sleep over the news that the core servers of the illegal sex trafficking site AVMOV have been seized by police. Free members who have never made a payment or downloaded anything.

"I Can't Go With Daniel" Adore's Choice...Newzine at a Crossroads

Attorney Jang Soo Han warns of potential lifetime wage garnishment for non-compete agreement violations

'NewJeans expulsion' Daniel — what legal responsibility does he face? "Liquidated damages could be over 100 billion won..."

Attorney Han Byul Jangsoo warns of possible garnishment of partial wages for breach of exclusive contract

'Newzine Exit' Daniel Wiegand's 100 Billion...a year's worth of revenue for a medium-sized company

Jang Soo Han Attorney: Damages for intentional breach of exclusivity agreement are non-indemnifiable - wages can be garnished

'Newzine Exit' Daniel, 100 billion won penalty? "No bankruptcy, no bankruptcy" concerns

Attorney Jang Soo Jang (Hanbyul Law Firm) explained that Daniel's liability for damages could be non-indemnifiable if he intentionally breached the exclusivity agreement.

Can't be repaid even with recovery or bankruptcy?...Daniel damages are so large that even the lawyers...

Lawyer Jang Sung-soo (Hanbyul Law Firm) warned that the damages owed to Daniel were non-indemnifiable and at risk of income garnishment.

Lawyer "Newzins Daniel could be liable for huge damages"...Adore exclusive contract...

Byul Jangsoo Han warns of possible garnishment of celebrity earnings for breach of exclusive contract

AVMOV Subscriber "I commented and got points, am I getting caught?"...Lawyer...

Attorney Han Byul recommends proactive, controlled response as subscription and activity records can be investigative leads

[Ruling] Inflated Deposit for Jeonse Loan … Guarantee Corporation Not Liable

The Supreme Court ruled that a credit guarantee institution may not be liable if the jeonse deposit was inflated to obtain a jeonse loan (2023Da244871).

Attorney Lee Seong-woo of Hanbyul Law Firm Receives Commendation from Minister of Justice

Attorney Lee Seong-woo receives Minister of Justice commendation for SME legal support

[Attorney Lee Sung-woo] Koryo Zinc Shareholder Litigation

Law firm Hanbyeol (attorney Lee Seong-woo) announced on the 5th that it will pursue damages lawsuits against Korea Zinc’s CEO and directors who led decisions on the company’s share buyback and rights offering. The firm said alleged illicit trading led shareholders who relied on the buyback to suffer losses and is preparing suits focused on investors who bought shares between the 5th and the 29th of last month—those covered under the Capital Markets Act’s damages provision—and will consider suing Mirae Asset Securities and KB Securities if the Financial Supervisory Service’s on-site investigations confirm wrongdoing.

[Lee Sungwoo] Interviewed by JTBC about a private equity fund for a New York hotel fund

According to JTBC, KB Securities' internal documents listed 'refinancing' as a risk for the New York hotel fund, warning that if property values fall local banks might not honor loan takeout commitments, making repayment difficult. However, the investor-facing product brochure omitted this risk and described the mezzanine product as a 'stable structure', raising concerns that significant risks were concealed from investors.

[Attorney Sungwoo Lee] "I make a lot of money consulting on real estate... Real estate agents...

Attorney Lee Sung-woo said the ruling could be a turning point to change the practice of charging far above statutory brokerage fees under the name of real estate consulting, and the head of the Korea Association of Realtors pointed out that consulting and brokerage are entirely different and many firms have been effectively conducting brokerage under a consulting label. They expressed hope that this decision will curb unlawful excessive fees and help strengthen the rights and interests of licensed realtors.

[Attorney Sungwoo Lee] Outstanding Lawyer at Law, Sanghoon Kim, Hyunggeol Ban, Soo Won Oh, and Lee...

Attorney Lee Seong-woo pioneered litigation after the 2011 savings-bank crisis, filing suits based on manipulated BIS ratios and accounting fraud to establish a precedent that subordinated bond investors could receive dividends on par with other creditors in bankruptcy. He also represented hundreds of investors in the 2013 Dongyang case and in multiple mass‑plaintiff suits against Value Invest Korea (VIK) and others, achieving many victories including the sole Supreme Court win. From 2016 to 2022 he served as a mediation commissioner for the Seoul Bar Association, facilitating numerous settlements, and in 2021 he chaired its External Cooperation Committee.

[Byung Han Ahn, Attorney] Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Standard Contract for Performing Arts and Technical Support...

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is developing two standard contracts — a standard employment contract and a standard service contract — to improve working conditions for technical support workers in the performing arts. A public forum will be held on June 16 at the Seoul Arts Center to collect input from academics, lawyers, and industry representatives, and the contracts are planned to be finalized and promulgated in July after incorporating feedback.

[Legal Newspaper 2018.10.25] Law firm Hanbyul celebrates '14th anniversary'...

Law firm Hanbyeol held its 14th anniversary on the 19th at a restaurant in Yeoksam-dong, Seoul, with about 90 lawyers and staff attending, and also held a retirement ceremony for managing partner Kim Yong-won (63, Judicial Research and Training Institute class 10), who has served since 2007. Kim, a former prosecutor in the Hyeongjebokjiwon (Brother Home) case, plans to run in the April 2020 general election, and attorney Jeon Seong-hoon said Hanbyeol has grown steadily over 14 years and recently expanded its office to recruit experienced mid-career lawyers.

[Attorney Han Tae-hee Han] The Ministry of Justice, a specialized immigration policy journal, 'Immigration and Integration'...

The Ministry of Justice launched the immigration policy academic journal Migration and Integration on the 16th. The inaugural issue includes six papers (four research articles and two practical studies) and will be distributed in print and electronic formats to promote scholarly research and the development of immigration policy.

[Korea News Service 2017. 3. 06.] North Koreans have been charged under the Forced Mobilization Investigation Act...

In 2016 the Supreme Court affirmed the lower court, ruling that the mere fact that the deceased was registered in North Korea does not exclude him from eligibility for consolation payments under the Forced Mobilization Investigation Act. The Court held that, given the law’s legislative intent and humanitarian purpose, the constitutional territorial provision, and the absence of any explicit statutory exclusion, North Korean residents are generally considered Korean nationals and thus eligible for payments.

[Korea Lawyers' Association Newspaper, Feb. 13, 2017] North Koreans Exercise Right to Restore Inheritance...

The Supreme Court (Plenary) ruled on October 19, 2016 (case 2014da46648) that North Korean defectors are subject to the ten-year exclusionary period under Civil Code Article 999(2) for inheritance recovery claims, and thus the plaintiff’s 2011 action—where the inheritance infringement occurred in 1978—was time-barred. The majority stressed legal certainty and consistency with related statutes in applying the time limit, while five justices dissented, arguing that the special law’s purpose, constitutional values of integration, and protection of property rights justify exempting defectors and urged legislative reform.

[Attorney Yoon Young Hoon] Appeared on KBS Radio's Unification Train Saturday Guest Seat

Attorney Yun Yeonghun of the Hanbyul law firm appeared on KBS Radio's 'Unification Train' Saturday guest segment on March 4, 2017. On the program he discussed the reasons for starting legal assistance for North Korean defectors, the forms and processes of support, anecdotes from the support work, and directions for improving the legal support system.

[Attorney Yoon Young-hoon] "One-stop legal support for North Korean refugees is needed" (Tong...

Yoon Young‑hoon of law firm Hanbyul provides basic legal education, free consultations, and document drafting for North Korean defectors, who mainly seek help with family issues, broker fees, sexual assaults during escape (often hard to prove), and adaptation to South Korean society. He emphasizes the need for government funding, a one‑stop legal support system, and a coordinating body to connect regional volunteer lawyers with defectors so more people can receive practical assistance.

[Byun Sunbo Lawyer] Resilience of Yeouido Pilot Apartment Reconstruction...Seoul's first large complex...

The redevelopment of Yeouido Simbeom Apartment is gaining momentum through the trust-based approach. With Korea Asset Trust selected as the preliminary trustee and over 75% owner consent secured, a formal trust contract is planned for early next year, and the accelerated schedule could potentially avoid the excess profit recapture system effective at the end of 2017. The trust model allows the trust company to finance and lead the project, shortening the process by 1–3 years and providing professional oversight, but trust fees—typically 3–4% of construction costs—pose an added burden for owners and will determine whether this becomes a new trend for large Seoul redevelopments.

[법률신문 2016. 11. 3. 자] 연구논단 : 스포츠산업의 건전 발...

This article argues that competition law, including the Fair Trade Act, should be applied more actively to regulate publicity rights and unfair transactions between athletes and organizations in the professional sports industry. Using the Lee Yong-dae sponsorship conflict as an example, it contends that associations can qualify as 'business operators' or 'business associations' under the Fair Trade Act and that exclusive-dealing, abuse of superior bargaining position, and other unfair practices should be checked with procedural safeguards and compensation mechanisms.

[Korea Bar Association] Held a workshop to revitalize 'Living Law Lectures'

The Korea Bar Association Legal Aid Foundation, hosted by the Foundation and sponsored by the Bar Association and the Ministry of Justice, held the 2016 second-half Community Legal Lecture Workshop on the 20th at the Yeoksam-dong Bar Association building with about 30 legal aid attorneys attending. Park Ji‑hoon lectured on "legal education for the general public" and Ahn Byung‑han on "effective methods of delivering legal knowledge," and the community legal lectures have been offered since 2013 jointly with the Ministry of Justice and regional governments on topics such as civil disputes, real estate transactions, domestic violence, and marriage and divorce.

[Attorney Ahn Byeong Han appeared on KBS 4 o'clock news with a focused interview

Partner An Byunghan of law firm Hanbyul appeared on a live KBS 4 PM news interview on September 6, 2016, and discussed the recent social issue known as the "Cheongdam‑dong stock rich." He explained the legal issues involved, prospects going forward, and measures to address institutional shortcomings.

[In Hyuk Hyun] "The buyer breached the contract and returned all the earnest money...

In a real estate sale concluded through a broker, the buyer failed to pay the balance and the contract was rescinded, but because the contract lacked a stipulated liquidated damages clause the buyer was able to recover the 1 billion won deposit in full. Hyun In-hyeok of law firm Hanbyeol warned that without a clear agreement on deposits and liquidated damages a paid deposit may not be treated as damage compensation, and advised seeking lawyer consultation when entering contracts.

[In Hyuk Hyun] Unjust enrichment or damages due to unauthorized occupation...

[Hyun In-hyuk, Principal Attorney] Restitution of unjust enrichment or damages arising from unauthorized possession...

[In-Hyuk Hyun, Attorney at Law] Claim for return of fuel, statute of limitations expires even if 1 year has passed...

Although the right to claim a forced heir’s portion (yuryubun) normally expires one year from when the heir knew of the inheritance and the donation/legacy that infringed it, the limitation period may not run while the heir is genuinely litigating (e.g., an unjust enrichment action) on the ground that the gift was void. In a case led by Hyun In-hyuk of Hanbyeol law firm, plaintiffs who lost unjust enrichment suits due to lack of evidence nonetheless achieved a settlement on a yuryubun claim—recovering about 83% of the infringed amount—because the court recognized they had reasonably and in good faith contested the validity of the gift. The case underscores the importance of calculating the limitation start point and shows that claims can succeed even after more than a year when there has been legitimate litigation activity.

[Digital Tammies] Dankook University Startup Support Group, Law Firm Hanbyul and `Startup ...

Dankook University’s Startup Support Group signed a memorandum of understanding with law firm Hanbyul on May 31 to provide free legal support to boost startups. Under the agreement, they will collaborate on tailored legal assistance to prevent legal risks from the early stages and secure remedies in disputes, as well as mentoring, marketing, and legal support for technology transactions. Dankook’s Startup Support Group has been selected for the 'Leading University for Startups' program three years in a row and has achieved results in discovering startups, sales, patents, and job creation.

[Law Journal 2016. 5. 19.] 'Royce's Economic Law' published...

Byeonghan Ahn (42, Judicial Research and Training Institute class 34) of law firm Hanbyul has published "Loyers Economic Law." The exam-oriented book organizes major issues and doctrines of competition law and consumer law into six and five categories respectively, explaining statutes, theories, and cases in an accessible way to assist bar exam candidates and law students in understanding economic law. Ahn said he wrote the book because there are few concise introductory or exam-focused texts on economic law and he hopes it will raise understanding and interest in the subject.

[Young Ryong Choi] Appointed to the Integrity and Ethics Management Committee

Choi Young-ryong, chief attorney of Hanbyul Law Firm (25th bar exam), was appointed on the 9th as an external member of the Small and Medium Business Corporation's Integrity and Ethics Management Committee. He will take part in the corporation’s overall ethics-management decision-making, including deliberation and resolution of major policies, drafting ethics charters and regulations, improving areas vulnerable to corruption and promoting an integrity culture.

[Kim Yong Won] A special law for sibling welfare support is also a civil issue - Weekly Kyung...

[Kim Yong-won, Managing Attorney] A Special Act for Hyungje Bokjiwon Is Also a People's Livelihood Issue - Weekly Ky...

[Kim Yong-won] The tragedy of sibling welfare support, corrected in the next parliament...

A truth‑finding bill to investigate human rights abuses and alleged state cover‑ups at the Hyungje Bokjiwon has languished in the 19th National Assembly for four years without passage. Representative Jin Sun‑mi and survivors pursued various actions—bill proposals, hunger strikes, head shavings, and press conferences—but administrative opposition, partisan disagreements, and claims of insufficient evidence delayed enactment, and international media coverage has amplified the issue. Survivors demand state apologies and compensation, and lawmakers say they will reintroduce the bill in the 20th Assembly.

[Attorney Ahn Byung Han] Supreme Court "LG Electronics, Construction Company Payments to Home Appliance Stores...

The Supreme Court upheld the Fair Trade Commission's finding that LG Electronics abused its bargaining position by requiring sales specialist dealers who mediated built‑in appliance sales to provide joint guarantees for construction company payments, affirming the corrective order and a fine of 1.865 billion won. The FTC found that from June 2008 to December 2013 LG demanded joint guarantees equal to 20–100% of payment amounts from 29 dealers across 441 transactions totaling about 130.19 billion won, effectively shifting credit risk to the dealers when insurance could not cover risks due to construction companies' credit issues.

[Attorney Kim Tae-young] - Registering a woman as a man "cannot be corrected" ......

A 28-year-old woman who had lived as female was mistakenly registered as male in the family register, and because supporting birth records have been discarded the district office cannot correct it; she must obtain a court order to amend the register. Under current law administrative correction is allowed only when documentary evidence exists, so she has borne personal and financial burdens—taking a DNA test (over 100,000 won) and preparing the court application.

4.13. General Election - Hanbyul Jung Junho - Gwangju 'surprise candidate' Jung Junho "Goal...

The Democratic Party unexpectedly nominated 30-something lawyer Jeong Jun-ho for Gwangju's Buk-gap constituency; he said he will "walk every alley" to overcome low name recognition and has come down from Seoul to hear residents' views. The surprise nomination drew opposition from incumbent lawmaker Kang Gi-jeong and local assembly members, and Jeong is a Seoul National University law graduate who passed the 49th bar exam and served as a legal officer at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office and as an M&A lawyer.

[World Journal] Patent infringement controversy beyond the dominance of Bundang Seoul National University Hospital's 'Super 갑'...

Bundang Seoul National University Hospital is moving to build its own purchasing and logistics system instead of using the existing GPO, drawing criticism over higher costs and alleged reckless management for a public institution. Moreover, there are allegations that the new system largely infringes patents and technology of a venture GPO firm (E) and that outsourcing involved personnel and technology poaching, raising prospects of legal disputes, injunctions or damages, and concerns about patient safety.

[디지털타임즈]미 해지펀드 sg펜더entials gs홈쇼핑측에 현금배급...

US hedge fund SC Fundamental has demanded expanded cash dividends and the repurchase-and-cancellation of up to 10% of shares from GS Home Shopping, applying to inspect the shareholder register and contacting major shareholders to secure friendly holdings. SC argued TV home shopping requires little capital investment and demanded dividends of over 80%, but GS Home Shopping said it already paid 42% of annual net profit as dividends last year and that investments in overseas and mobile businesses are needed, so it is difficult to accept the demand.

[Maeil Business] US hedge fund attacks GS Home Shopping

US activist hedge fund SC Fundamental has sent a shareholder proposal to GS Home Shopping asking that dividends be raised to 80% of last year’s net profit (KRW 10,000 per share) and that about 10% of outstanding shares be repurchased and cancelled at the March annual general meeting. Although this is not a fight for control, SC holds 1.4% and together with friendly foreign holdings exceeds 3%, and it says it could mount a proxy contest with support from investors like JP Morgan and Matthews; both sides have retained law firms to prepare legal responses.

Mirae Asset analyzes key LBO ruling issues ahead of Daewoo Securities acquisition - 정준...

Mirae Asset's acquisition of Daewoo Securities has sparked disputes over the legality of LBOs, with differences in past rulings (a 2006 guilty verdict in the Shinhan case and a 2010 acquittal in the Hanil case) emerging as key precedents. The main issues are the proportion of debt financing and whether the target company's assets were directly used as collateral, and courts have indicated they will decide based on the facts of each case. With no clear government guidelines on LBOs, uncertainty persists and companies are likely to face high legal advisory costs until rules or further precedents are established.

[Weekly Digest] Pizza Hut's sale 'rumor' or 'fact' - Jae Wan Jung's defense...

Pizza Hut Korea is embroiled in allegations by franchisee groups that the company plans to sell to a third party, which the company denies. Franchisees point to worsening sales and operating losses, a contract clause allowing assignment to an unspecified third party, and large-scale conversion of company-owned stores to franchises with layoffs as evidence supporting the sale possibility, and lawyers warn the contract may be legally effective.

[Law Journal] The 5th Annual Law Review and Commentary - Economic Law (An...

Attorney Ahn evaluated that the 5th bar exam's economic law questions stayed within established patterns, focusing on unfair concerted actions, abuse of bargaining/market position (unfair trade practices), and consumer law issues. He noted that the extraterritorial application question could be answered by citing the statute (Fair Trade Act Article 2-2) and Supreme Court precedent, and advised examinees to prepare with a two-track strategy: master core topics (abuse of dominance, concerted actions, unfair trade practices) and be familiar with the location and content of statutes and enforcement rules as well as consumer-law specifics.

Is the opponent a celebrity? Let's take a bet... Lawyer diagnosis [celebrity sealed...

Lawsuits involving celebrities are increasing, but because image management is crucial they often prefer settlements and try to resolve disputes before litigation. Fame does not automatically confer an advantage in court, and civil and criminal cases differ in how judges investigate matters and consider sentencing. The rise in cases is driven by social media spread, changes in the media environment, and shifting public expectations that make rapid fact-checking and press management necessary.

[보안뉴스]개인정보 유출 뽐뿌, 과징금 폭탄에다 손배 소송도 시...

Affected members filed a damages lawsuit against the online community Ppomppu through law firm Hanbyul on November 13 after a large-scale personal data breach exposed information of over 1.95 million users. Under the amended Network Act’s statutory damages provision, victims can claim up to 3 million won without proving specific losses, and the Korea Communications Commission imposed a 102 million won administrative fine, a 15 million won penalty, and corrective orders for inadequate technical and managerial protections.

[OSEN] Yoo Jae-Seok "Procedural issues in the first trial...likely to win on appeal"

Attorney Choi Chung-dan said there were procedural problems in the first-instance ruling because the exclusive contract submitted as evidence was not mentioned and the reason for its exclusion was not explained, so there is a possibility of winning on appeal. He criticized the court for failing to clarify the nature of the exclusive contract and treating the agency as having full authority over appearance fees, and said the subcontracting-law issue is secondary. Yoo Jae-suk and Kim Yong-man lost the first-instance suit seeking 600 million won in appearance fees and filed an appeal on the 3rd.

[Shipbuilding Biz] Samsung-Lotte Big Deal Behind the Scenes - Pacific vs 'Built-in ...

Samsung and Lotte’s roughly 3-trillion-won big deal was completed with behind-the-scenes legal advisory by the law firms '광장' (attorney Kim Sang-gon) and '태평양' (attorney Seo Dong-woo), who advised from due diligence through closing. Meanwhile, LG Electronics was fined 1.865 billion won by the Fair Trade Commission for abusing its dominant position in the built-in appliance market, and lost its appeal despite defense by law firm Hwayu, so the penalty was upheld by the Seoul High Court. The court cited LG’s about 53% market share and its practice of shifting risks onto sales specialists as grounds for finding a dominant position.

[Security News] What are the main issues with the two recently enacted data protection laws?

At the CISO forum on September 22, the main provisions and issues of the Information Protection Industry Promotion Act and the Cloud Computing Development Act were presented. The Information Protection Industry Promotion Act emphasizes industry promotion and ensuring quality and transparency through measures such as development plans, provision of public procurement demand information, mandatory approval for subcontracting, fair payment, security readiness assessments and disclosures, workforce management, and performance evaluation support, while the Cloud Computing Development Act highlights the need to strengthen user protection and security by specifying security and privacy obligations in electronic terms, governance over personal data, data location and access controls, breach notification, availability standards, and measures to ensure service stability.

[Legal Newspaper] Apparel industry accused of 'knockoffs'... Design protection is 'post-mortem'

Counterfeit 'knock-offs' are causing rising losses in the apparel industry, but the Design Protection Act is ineffective because registration takes 6–8 months while design trends last only 3–4 months. The Unfair Competition Prevention law can protect unregistered designs, but proving 'fame or notoriety' is difficult, limiting criminal liability and recovery of damages. Experts call for legal reforms—such as introducing punitive damages and strengthening criminal penalties—to deter imitators.

[Legal Information from Attorney Hyun In Hyuk - Golf Membership Return Litigation Case] Golf Membership...

The Daegu District Court (Kimcheon Branch) dismissed the plaintiffs’ claims, holding that a purchaser who acquires golf course property through a trust foreclosure does not bear the obligation to return existing members’ entrance deposits. The court found that trust foreclosure is not included in the transfer procedures under Article 27 of the Sports Facilities Act and that in trust sales the scope of transferred rights and obligations can be determined by private agreement. The ruling significantly affects protection of members’ deposits and may facilitate transfers for troubled golf and fitness facilities, but using trusts can create legal risks and requires expert legal advice.

한국경제TV뉴스 - [이슈N] Lotte Sonbo 횡포에 화재 피해 기업 `피...

A small manufacturer that suffered a major factory fire earlier this year was restoring operations under a fire insurance policy worth about 10 billion won, when Lotte Insurance notified them of contract cancellation less than a month later and denied liability for the claim, then promptly filed a lawsuit. The company says its main bank, KDB Industrial Bank, pressured them to buy a bancassurance product tied to loans (so-called coercive bundling) and that they did not receive proper explanation or delivery of the policy terms; the bank denies responsibility and regulators say they cannot mediate because the matter is in litigation, while a lawyer called the insurer’s declaratory suit excessive.

Seoul Economic Daily [Easy Living Law] Stepmother-to-Stepparent Inheritance - Park Jung-Sik Byun...

Since the 1991 amendment to the Civil Act, the relationship between a stepmother and stepchild is no longer recognized as a blood kinship, so stepchildren do not have statutory inheritance rights from a stepmother. In the case, the man had purchased an apartment in his stepmother’s name but could not inherit after her death; her biological brother claimed the estate and, because proving a nominee title is difficult, the dispute was settled by mediation in which the man paid 20% of the apartment’s value and regained the property. The Act on registration of real beneficiaries of real estate generally prohibits nominee titles except for limited exceptions, and failure to prove beneficial ownership may lead to the arrangement being treated as a gift.

[Economic Hot Topics] "What is the Right of Publicity?" - Law Firm...

Publicity rights protect the commercial use of a person’s likeness, name, voice and similar identifiers and, unlike portrait/personality rights, have a property-like character that can be transferred and enforced by others. In Korea the right is not codified but is recognized in case law; unauthorized commercial use can lead to damages claims, but there is concern about abuse where intermediaries target small businesses to extract settlement payments. Courts tend not to uphold excessive claims — awards are often limited (e.g., singer Baek Ji-young case: KRW 4,000,000) — and experts suggest enforcement should be focused on major or repeat infringements.

[Legal Newspaper] Attorney Ahn Byeong-Han publishes 'Living Legal Common Sense' book

Lawyer An Byung-han has published the book An Byung-han’s Everyday Legal Knowledge through Bukwang. The book focuses on everyday incidents like escalator accidents and adverse effects of cosmetic procedures, explaining legal theory and court rulings in a storytelling format to make them easy to understand. An graduated from Moonil High School and Dankook University Law School, completed the 34th class of the Judicial Research and Training Institute, has served as a Digital Times columnist and a member of the Fair Trade Commission's regulatory reform committee, and currently hosts a legal segment on the KBS1 radio program 'Seonggong-yegam Kim Bang-hee.'

'Dongyang Securities' Victims Sued for Class Damages (Law Firm Hanbyul)

Ordinary investors harmed by the Dongyang Securities scandal are filing collective damage claims. Eighty victims in Daejeon have sued Dongyang Securities in Seoul Central District Court for roughly 4 billion won, alleging the firm falsified investor information forms to sell high‑risk products, and 24 farmers in Chungnam have filed separate suits. Prosecutors have sought arrest warrants for the current chairman and three key executives on charges including issuing fraudulent corporate bonds and CP and illicitly supporting affiliated firms, with a warrant hearing set for January 13.

Creative Economy Planning Group Launched to Establish Crowdfunding - Law Firm Hanbyul...

The Korea Digital Finance Institute launched a Creative Economy planning group to establish crowdfunding on November 11, holding its first meeting at the Hanbyul law firm and agreeing to hold weekly preparatory meetings to ready the upcoming Creative Economy report conference. Cho Seong-gap, Kim Dong-yeon and Kim Su-dong were appointed as joint leaders, and representatives from the Korea Digital Finance Lab, industry associations, small business councils and other organizations joined the committee. The group said crowdfunding aligns with government creative-economy goals by promoting startups, youth ventures, job creation and addressing funding shortages, and Cho said, "If crowdfunding takes root, the public will become the funding actors and foster high-potential companies."

"The 'Brotherhood Welfare' Case, a Tragedy of Modern History to be Made into a Movie" (Kim Yong-won...

"Small Fund Agricultural Special Tax, Incomplete Sale Possession" (Attorney Ahn Byung Han)

An agricultural and fishery special tax equal to 20% of the income tax refund was levied on sojang fund refunds without being disclosed to investors, reducing expected refunds and prompting allegations of incomplete sales due to the lack of notice in sales materials and terms. With about 230,000 subscribers and a potential total tax of up to KRW 16.1 billion (161억), some investors are considering class action lawsuits and the industry is seeking exemption, but the government says any exemption requires legislative procedures and its acceptance is uncertain.

Identifying the 'New Bubble Area' Jade Stones (Sunbo Byun, Attorney)

Housing transactions have surged and a new bubble is emerging around large planned towns such as Wirye, Dongtan2, and Gimpo Hangang, but these 'new bubble regions' face significant risks from uncertain transport and development schedules, oversupply at move-in, and rising presale prices. The article warns that novice buyers and end-users can be swept into reckless subscriptions, so they should prioritize well-located existing apartments over overpriced new presales and carefully verify development plans and infrastructure timetables.

Lone Star dodged taxes with 'shell companies'...lawsuit claims 'shell companies' too

The first hearing of Lone Star Fund’s investor–state dispute (ISD), seeking about $4.679 billion (roughly 5 trillion won) against the Korean government, was held on the 15th at ICSID in Washington; the eight named claimants are reported to be paper companies based in Luxembourg and Belgium. Lone Star argues it suffered losses from a delayed sale of Korea Exchange Bank and that capital gains taxation on the sale was improper, while the government counters that these entities are ghost companies not entitled to protection under investment treaties. The government has formed a task force led by the Office for Government Policy Coordination to respond, and the tax-related hearing is expected to be concluded in the first half of next year, so the ruling could have major implications.

Partner Lee Soo-hee Appointed as New Board Member of the Korean Bar Association Legal Aid Foundation

The Korean Bar Association Legal Aid Foundation on the 21st appointed Song In-bo, Lee Kyung-seop, and Lee Su-hee as new directors for two-year terms, and Kim Byung-jik and Go Seong-gyu as new auditors. The foundation has ten directors in total; the terms of Moon Yong-ho and Jung Yeon-ah end in October this year, while the terms of Yang Sam-seung, Ha Kwang-ho, and Kim Kwang-joon were extended until July 2017.

'Korea-China FTA Discussion' with Law Firm Hanbyul and China Deok Hyung Yul Law Group on 2 days

Law firm Hanbyeol will hold a 'Korea–China FTA seminar' on February 2 at the Korean Bar Association's main conference hall in Gangnam, Seoul, with lawyers from China's Deheng Law Group. The seminar is organized to discuss key legal issues arising from the FTA's imminent entry into force and the opening of both countries' legal markets, including market opening, ISD, intellectual property, and finance, with Hanbyeol and Deheng lawyers presenting on each topic. Hanbyeol speakers are Kang Raehyung, Park Donggyun, Lee Seongrim and Jeong Sangyoung; Deheng speakers include Zhang Qi and Kim Gwanghyup.

[TF현장] 'MOLCA' alert: 'My naked body?

Amid growing concerns about hidden cameras in women's-only spaces such as bathhouses and saunas, women say they feel unable to confront or challenge suspected phone users and are anxious about their safety. Operators say they will hand over any offenders to the police, and the Supreme Court has ruled that factors like location, angle, distance, and emphasis on specific body parts must be weighed to determine clandestine filming, but the standards remain vague and lawyers warn this could make all women potential victims.

Greenbam Media, Park Dong-gyun (Partner, Hanbyul Law Firm) as Outside Director...

Chorokbaem Media announced on the 28th that it has newly appointed attorney Park Dong-gyun of law firm Hanbyeol as an outside director. The disclosure was made alongside the company's stock information (ticker 047820), with the share price at 2,295 won (+10.07%).

Possibility of deportation...complicated process, unclear if you have a claim

Attorney Kim I-sik explained that if an arrest warrant is issued and the person does not comply or cooperate, prosecution may be suspended and the case could fall under the Korea-U.S. extradition treaty. If the U.S. requests extradition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Justice procedures and an extradition trial would follow and a judgment could lead to forced extradition, but it is unclear whether a request will actually be made and whether domestic extradition proceedings will proceed due to complex and lengthy procedures.

"You can keep your recruiting commission even if you're fired as an agent"

The Seoul Western District Court on appeal held that a dismissed insurance agent is entitled to remaining recruitment commissions and that the insurer’s unilateral recovery claim after dismissal was improper, overturning the first-instance judgment and dismissing the insurer’s recovery claim. The court also treated the fee-payment rules between insurer and agent as a ‘term’ under the Act on the Regulation of Standardized Contracts, creating a significant precedent curbing industry practice and protecting agents’ rights; the case is currently pending before the Supreme Court.

"I don't trust Supreme Court justices... The court is the handmaiden of the regime."

Former prosecutor Kim Yong-won (now head of law firm Han Byul) investigated the 1987 Busan Brotherhood Welfare Center case and released more than 3,000 people after uncovering the truth about Park In-geun's illegal imprisonment and embezzlement of government subsidies, but the Supreme Court did not recognize the crime of illegal imprisonment in the second appeal in November 1988, and strongly criticized former prime ministerial candidate Kim Yong-joon, who was the presiding judge at the time. "I don't trust the Supreme Court," Kim said, pointing to the obstruction of the investigation by the Busan District Prosecutor's Office (including Park Hee-tae, then the Busan District Prosecutor), and criticized the judiciary as "the handmaiden of the regime," saying that the Supreme Court had ruled to deprive him of his physical freedom in the name of "protection.

[Shiron] It starts with a trusted prosecutor, a proven president

In the wake of recent prosecutorial scandals and a clash between the Prosecutor General and the Criminal Investigation chief, public distrust has grown; the author argues this stems from the undermining of the fixed-term Prosecutor General system and opaque personnel practices. He recommends excluding the chief of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office from the candidate pool, preselecting a small number of candidates for a period of public vetting, and ensuring transparent appointments to restore trust.

2012 Korea New Knowledge Management Award Dong-A Ilbo, September 28, 2012, p. A30

Become a "legal mentor" with a warm hand

Bae Heon-su of law firm Hanbyeol leads active pro bono work protecting vulnerable groups through public-interest litigation, refugee and migrant assistance, and legal support for the elderly and youth. Combining cool-headed reasoning with warm compassion, he emphasizes precise fact-finding and realistic explanations to clients, and plans to serve as a legal mentor on military life and to establish a public-interest legal foundation to support consumer class actions and broader social service.

Dedicated Mentor Appointment Ceremony to Foster Smart Content Companies

On the 22nd, the Korea Creative Content Agency held a ceremony to appoint dedicated mentors for resident companies at the newly established Smart Content Center in Pyeongchon, Anyang, Gyeonggi Province to strengthen their capabilities. A mentoring team of external experts in promotion, revenue models, strategy, and investment — including Go San, Ko Young-ha, Jeon Se-jun, Lee Mina, and Shin Myung-chul — will be assigned as dedicated mentors to each resident company to provide tailored mentoring supporting their global growth and the expansion of the domestic smart content industry's base.

"Patent Management, a Must for Startups" by Joon Choi, Attorney at Hanbyul Law Firm

Attorney Jeon Se‑jun of law firm Hanbyul warned that IT and mobile startups that neglect patent management and personal data protection can suffer major harm—patent infringement lawsuits, court injunctions that halt operations, and damages—and advised searching patents (e.g., KIPRIS) before launch and preparing responses such as paying royalties, compensating damages, or filing patent invalidation suits. He also urged adherence to the 'minimum collection' principle for personal data and strong server security, recommended securing over 70% managerial shares in investment agreements and complying with labor laws, and noted unpaid receivables can be pursued by payment orders and provisional seizures.

Professional legal services are recommended for successful U.S. investment immigration

The US EB-5 investment-immigration program allows families to obtain green cards by investing at least $500,000 in a designated Regional Center, but it carries risks such as project failures and refund disputes. Hanbyul Law Firm advises that prospective investors obtain legal services from verified EB-5 specialist attorneys who can thoroughly review project safety, funding structure, job creation, capital recovery safeguards, Regional Center track records and English contracts, and notes it is conducting projects with CMB in California and offers free consultations.

Court says stay-at-home mom must pay for losses on high-risk investments

The Seoul Central District Court partially ruled for the plaintiffs and ordered Kookmin Bank to pay about 150 million won to Ms. Lee (65) and her family, finding that the bank recommended a high‑risk fund with potential principal loss without adequately explaining the risks. However, the court limited the bank’s liability to 70% of the damages because the investors also failed to carefully review the product and their intentions were reflected in the fund selection.

Who are the major party presidential sponsors?

Candidates from both parties are actively recruiting prominent figures as sponsorship committee chairs to bolster perceived competitiveness and fundraising capacity. Under current political funding law a presidential (preliminary) candidate's committee may raise up to 2,798,850,000 won (27억9885만원); Moon Jae‑in named former NHRC chair Kim Chang‑guk, Jo Kyung‑tae chose mentor No Jae‑cheol, Lee Jae‑oh brought in Park Jin‑seo and Cha Jin‑young, Chung Mong‑joon appointed former PM Lee Hong‑gu, Im Tae‑hee chose lawyer Kim Won‑jung, while Kim Moon‑soo and Kim Du‑gwan have not resigned gubernatorial posts to appoint chairs and Park Geun‑hye is still searching.

[Direct Interview] Kim Yeon Kyung "Heungkuk Life and I want to solve it well. 단..."

Kim Yeon-koung (24) said she feels heavy-hearted after her club Heungkuk Life temporarily announced her withdrawal amid a dispute over her agent contract. The club claims the agent agreement violates league rules and has mounted a media campaign, while Kim and her agent are preparing legal action with a law firm. Kim says she cannot accept a condition to sever ties with her agent and hopes for an amicable resolution through talks with the agent, but she feels psychological burden ahead of the London Olympics.

[Busan Gyeongnam] Ko Chang-pyo manipulative espionage case, appeal hearing also acquitted

The Catholic Human Rights Committee announced that the Seoul High Court's 11th Criminal Division dismissed the prosecutor's appeal in the retrial of Go Chang-pyo, who was forcibly taken, illegally detained, and tortured by the national intelligence service in 1983 and falsely framed as a spy, serving many years unjustly. The lower court had previously recognized the torture and coercion of confessions, excluded the suspect interrogation records as evidence, and acquitted him; the appellate court also found that the prosecution failed to prove the voluntariness of the confessions. The committee said it hopes the ruling will ease the suffering of Go and his family and warned that an appeal to the Supreme Court would further deepen his wounds.

The 'most powerful jailbreak of all time' that left a judge baffled

Former Korea Communications Commission chairman Choi Si-jung, indicted on charges of receiving 800 million won related to the Pie City development project, missed a hearing on whether to suspend execution of his detention because he underwent aortic aneurysm surgery, a fact that surprised the judge and prosecutor. While the prison warden’s discretion to allow outside medical treatment may make the surgery procedurally lawful, critics say it suggests preferential treatment for a powerful figure, and legal experts contend that the operation and roughly 20 days of hospitalization effectively suspended the arrest warrant and may have been unlawful.

Minority shareholder of KOSDAQ exited company faces court battle after another

Minority shareholders of companies delisted from KOSDAQ are increasingly taking legal action against those firms. Law firm Hanbyul filed suit on behalf of 215 PolyPlus shareholders seeking annulment of shareholder meeting resolutions and damages for neglect related to delisting, and about 700 additional PolyPlus shareholders are preparing further litigation. Shareholders of KoA S&I and B&B Seongwon plan to seek provisional injunctions after being denied access to accounting books, while litigation against Miju Steel is unlikely after the court commenced rehabilitation proceedings.

Correcting 地籍 after 100 years

The Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs will invest 1.2 trillion won by 2030 to digitize about 37.61 million cadastral parcels to international standards and carry out a large-scale cadastral re-survey to correct century-old discrepancies. In 2012, the first-year budget is 3 billion won to resolve roughly 15,000 mismatched parcels: high-dispute areas (15%) will undergo re-surveying, development zones (13%) confirmation surveys, and matching areas (72%) will be digitized under the global geodetic system. The project is expected to reduce annual boundary-dispute litigation costs of about 380 billion won, but new disputes are likely during the re-survey when presumed ownerships are found to belong to others.

Bugwang Pharmaceutical, Chuntaek Lim Re-elected as Outside Director

Bukwang Pharmaceutical announced on the 16th that it had reappointed Im Chun-taek, the managing attorney of the Hanbyeol law firm, as an outside director. The news was reported in an eDaily article on March 16, 2012.

Attorney Yongwon Kim's second publication

A launch was held on the 3rd at Daepyeong Elementary School auditorium in Yeongdo, Busan for Kim Yong-won (57)'s second book 'Is There a Judge or Prosecutor Who Went to Heaven?', attended by about 500 acquaintances and legal figures. The book criticizes entrenched problems in the legal profession—such as preferential treatment for former judges/prosecutors and 'sponsor' judges/prosecutors—and the former prosecutor and author (of 'Brake-less Benz') said he hopes the book will raise public awareness and spur reforms.

[Busan Kyungnam] Kim Yong Won, 'Is there a judge who has gone to heaven?

Attorney Kim Yong-won held a publication ceremony in Yeongdo, Busan for his second book, 'Is There a Judge or Prosecutor Who Went to Heaven?', attended by about 500 people. The book criticizes entrenched malpractices in the legal profession—such as preferential treatment for former judges and prosecutors and so-called 'sponsor' judges/prosecutors—from various logical perspectives, urging judicial integrity and hoping to prompt public awareness and reform. Attendees praised Kim for his past exposure of the Hyeongje Bokjiwon scandal while a prosecutor, and Kim emphasized his long-standing commitment to defending the weak.

Saenuri's nomination screening starts...Jongno, Gangnam, Busan, etc. in focus

The Saenuri Party formally began its nomination screening on the 16th, with candidate interviews starting on the 22nd; it set rules such as early nominations for single-candidate districts and exclusion of the bottom 25% of incumbents, and plans to open proportional-representation recruitment in early March. Key battlegrounds include Seoul's Jongno (e.g., Lee Dong-kwan, Cho Yoon-sun), the Gangnam area (e.g., Jung Dong-gi, Maeng Jeong-ju, Heo Jun-young), and Busan Sasang—where Moon Jae-in's early candidacy has prompted challengers like Kim Dae-sik, Kim Su-im and Park Esther and raised the prospect of strategic nominations.

Yoo Jae Suk's side "win confirmed, will take a month"

A media outlet reported that the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of Yoo Jae-suk in his lawsuit against former agency Storm E&F over unpaid appearance fees, but his lawyer said the verdict is not yet final and it will take about a month for all matters to be finalized. Yoo filed the lawsuit in December last year asking his former agency to pay the overdue appearance fees owed by the three major terrestrial broadcasters.

Essential Checkpoints for Successful U.S. Investor Immigration

When considering U.S. investor immigration, applicants should decide whether to pursue permanent residence via investment, obtain advice on proof of funds and timing, and comprehensively review ancillary issues such as exchange-rate timing, taxes, children’s military service, and nationality law; they should rigorously compare projects by capital structure, progress, job‑creation evidence, regional center management reliability, and English contract terms, and work with a firm that can assume legal responsibility. Attorney Kim I‑sik of Hanbil Law Firm recommends the Solaris Residences condo construction project in Vail, Colorado as a strong example, highlighting 95% completion and local sales, an option to recoup investment after three years, operation by an AAA‑rated financial firm with first‑priority collateral, USCIS pre‑approval, and an estimated 2,110 jobs created for 160 investors.

"U.S. Investment Immigration, the details are essential to success"

With regional centers proliferating and information overflowing, U.S. investor immigration (EB-5) involves large, long-term investments without guaranteed principal, so applicants should carefully verify a regional center's stability, track record, and the management's creditworthiness and ethics. Attorney Kim I-sik of Hanbyul law firm emphasized checking investment recovery stability, job-creation impact, using a specialized law firm, and scrutinizing original contracts, and introduced the Colorado Vail Solaris Residences project backed by Waveland Ventures, whose Moody's rating is AAA.

"Jail for raising suspicions? No such country"

Former prosecutor-turned-lawyer Kim Yong-won criticized the Supreme Court’s affirmation of Jeong Bong-ju’s conviction over BBK allegations, saying the ruling infringes freedom of expression by expanding opinions into statements of fact and permitting punishment even when there is a possibility of falsehood. He warned that allowing punishment on the basis of even a 10% chance of falsity will chill political scrutiny and violate the public’s right to know. He also condemned the Court for breaching the mandatory three-month rule in the Public Official Election Act by delaying the final judgment for three years, effectively extending disqualification from office and amounting to a serious legal violation and dereliction of duty.

Yoo Jae Suk, when will I receive my unpaid appearance fee?

Entertainer Yoo Jae-suk won a lawsuit against his former agency In Storm E&F, with a court ordering payment of 118 million won in unpaid appearance fees. However, his legal team said it may take more than a month for the funds to be deposited into his account and that some issues remain unresolved.

'KT Trademark' Dispute, David Defeats Goliath

The Seoul High Court overturned the first-instance decision in the 'KT' trademark dispute and ruled that KTlogis may continue to use the 'KT' portion of its trade name, rejecting part of KT's claims. The court held the trademark-transfer agreement to be a valid, independent pact separate from the business entrustment agreement, and found that KT’s injunction request amounted to an abuse of rights without concrete benefit. KTlogis, spun off from KT in 2002 as an in‑house venture to take over the logistics system work, was also denied domain-transfer claims on the ground that a five‑year limitation period had expired; if the ruling is upheld by the Supreme Court, it can keep using 'KT' in advertising and on its website.

Deep Dae-pyeong 'Seeking the Politics the People Desire' Debate

Shim Dae-pyeong, leader of the People’s Centered Union, announced on the 27th that he will hold a forum on the theme 'Politics the people want in this era' on the 29th. The forum will take place at 8 a.m. in VIP Dining Room No.1 of the National Assembly and will bring together participants including Shim, political commentator Ko Seong-guk, lawyer Kim Yong-won, publisher Moon Il-seok, editorial writer Kim Jin, Park Won-kyung, and Professor Park Myung-rim to discuss the direction of 21st-century Korean politics.

Dae-Sung, victims, and how 'settlement' trials will be affected

Daesung (Kang Dae-sung) of BigBang has reportedly reached a settlement with the victim's family. Because the charge of professional negligence causing death is not a private or consent-dependent offense, investigation and prosecution will continue regardless of the settlement, but the agreement may influence the prosecutor's sentencing recommendation and the court's punishment. Prosecutors and defense lawyers say that considering the victim was already seriously injured in a prior accident, the crash occurred at night, Daesung has no prior record, and a settlement was reached, a suspended sentence is more likely than immediate imprisonment.

Former prosecutor and lawyer "Jeon Kwan-yewoo's crimes were committed in collaboration with the current judge-prosecutor"

Former prosecutor-turned-lawyer Kim Yong-won sharply criticized the ethics of judges and prosecutors and the practice of preferential treatment for former officials, saying former senior judges and prosecutors collect huge retainers and success fees not to draft better briefs but to contact and lobby current judges and prosecutors by phone, profiting greatly in a short time. He warned that such favoritism amounts to criminal collusion between retired and sitting judges/prosecutors, blamed the concentration of investigative and prosecutorial powers in the prosecution for human rights violations and legal disorder, and urged creation of an independent oversight body like Japan’s Kensatsu Shinsakai.

Attorney Kim Yong-won "Opposing the Lee Guinam Reforms...They Are Trying to Lord It Over the People"

Attorney Kim Yong-won sharply criticized Justice Minister Lee Gui-nam’s opposition to the reform proposals as an attitude of “ruling over the people,” and pointed to the prosecution’s unchecked powers and arbitrary investigations, prosecutions, and non-prosecution decisions that have burdened the public. He argued the special investigation office should be placed under the Prime Minister’s office with personnel independence, that an independent review body like Japan’s prosecutor review board is needed to scrutinize and check prosecutorial power, and that the constitutional rule requiring police to route warrant requests through prosecutors should be amended in the long term. On judicial reform he said prioritizing outside participation in judicial personnel committees is more important than simply increasing the number of Supreme Court justices, and that a compliance officer system to monitor corporate wrongdoing should be introduced with its scope limited to listed companies.

Sesna Group Partners with Law Firm Hanbyul

Recruitment firm Cessna Group has formed a business partnership with major Korean law firm Hanbyul to jointly provide corporate legal services and employment-related legal assistance to companies entering the U.S. and to top talent. Both parties said they expect to combine Cessna’s global network and Hanbyul’s team of specialized lawyers to create synergies and improve the quality of Korea–U.S. employment services, including visa procedures.

"Stare decisis - Structural absurdity, potential for court error"

Former prosecutor-turned-lawyer Kim Yong-won argues in his book “Is There a Judge or Prosecutor Who Went to Heaven?” that judges, prosecutors, and lawyers are increasingly unlikely to “go to heaven” the longer they serve. He points to frequent miscarriages of justice caused by preferential treatment for former officials, structural corruption, and prosecutorial deference to power, citing historical and recent examples such as the Jo Bong-am case and the Samsung Engineering litigation. He also notes that the adversarial nature of legal practice can encourage lawyers to provoke disputes or use improper methods to win, making realization of justice difficult.

'Mercedes Benz without brakes' 'brakes' on MB judiciary

Wangsimni New Town District 1 Association Establishment Invalidated

The court ruled that the approvals for establishment of the association, project implementation, and disposition plan for Wangsipri New Town Zone 1 in Seongdong-gu, Seoul are all invalid. The court found that consent forms submitted by 366 association members left items such as design and project costs blank and were filled in later, and that curing such defects would have required the consent of four-fifths of members, which was not obtained. With over 80% of demolition already completed, the March scheduled general sales are likely to be disrupted; the association must redo its establishment procedures and the district office is reviewing legal responses.

Attorney Kim Yong-won "Publication of 'List of Long-Lived Natural Persons' Is Not Defamation"

Kim Yong-won, head of law firm Hanbyeol, urged the media and politicians to publish Jang Ja‑yeon’s handwritten letters and the list of implicated figures, arguing that those who received entertainment are public figures whose truths should be disclosed and that such disclosure is not defamation. He criticized the defamation law as an obstacle that protects the powerful and blocks social truth, saying investigators lack the will to uncover more through re‑investigation and emphasizing the role of society and the press. He also noted that criminal punishment is practically difficult because the victim is deceased and recipients could claim the encounters were voluntary, so he proposed societal rather than prosecutorial remedies.

"Military authorities shrug off hundreds of millions in fraud by active duty officers"

Claims have emerged that military authorities knew that active military police officer Lt. Col. Park posed as a private foundation director and defrauded investors of hundreds of millions of won, yet neglected the investigation for over six months or attempted to cover up the case. The victim hired a lawyer to demand a confrontation and investigation into criminal and military law violations and filed a civil suit and wage seizure request, but Park has applied for discharge and recovery is uncertain because military retirement pensions are exempt from seizure.

Lawsuit-riddled redevelopment a 'risky investment'

In redevelopment and reconstruction projects tied up in litigation, some brokers are encouraging investments without properly disclosing the status of lawsuits or the interest costs that accrue if projects are delayed. In cases like Wangsimni New Town 1 and Sindang 7, presale rights are trading at premiums despite the risk that appeals and final Supreme Court rulings can take months and may delay or even cancel projects, and experts warn investors to consider interest burdens and the possibility of project failure.

[Power Law Planning] Law Firm Hanbyul - US Investment Immigration, US Permanent Residency, US...

Hanbel Law Firm operates a dedicated US investor-immigration (EB-5) team and provides global one-stop legal services through US attorneys and an international expert network. The firm conducts on-site visits, field investigations, and data verification to select safe regional centers, recommends the NYCRC (New York City Round 3) program as a strong option, and encourages prospective clients to seek consultation.

[Legal Interview] Redevelopment and Reconstruction - Soo Hyun Song

Attorney Song Su-hyun explained the definitions and nature of redevelopment and reconstruction under the Urban and Residential Environment Improvement Act, summarizing that redevelopment renovates areas lacking infrastructure while reconstruction involves demolishing old housing and autonomously rebuilding through a housing association. She noted that disputes commonly arise from conflicts between supporters and opponents, tenant and commercial tenant compensation, challenges to the validity of association resolutions, and past corruption, and emphasized that resolving these issues requires adjusting interests among association members and protecting their legitimate rights. Attorney Song said she will increase on-site engagement, listen to stakeholders, and focus on preventing disputes proactively while balancing public and private interests to safeguard members' rights.

2010Meet the Expert - Interview with Yongwon Kim (Joins.com 201...

Law firm Hanbyeol, with about 30 lawyers and two U.S. attorneys, is a real estate law specialist that provides total legal services through specialized teams in corporate law, finance, litigation, intellectual property, and overseas matters. Representative attorney Kim Yong-won, a former prosecutor with extensive experience, says he aims to be a 'kind, diligent, and capable lawyer' who delivers top service to clients, and plans to partner with foreign firms in China, Japan, and Russia to handle international work and promote the rights of overseas Koreans.

Hankook Ivy Financial raises $22.5 billion secured by PEF stakes

Korea Ivy Finance (formerly Aju Auto Lease) raised 22.5 billion won by securitizing a private equity fund (PEF) investment stake, marking the first domestic case of PEF-equity-backed securitization. Kiwoom Securities arranged the deal: an SPC issued a one-year ABCP, and Korea Ivy Finance entrusted its SHCF PEF equity securities (acquisition cost 22.5 billion won) to SC First Bank and designated the SPC as the primary beneficiary, making the PEF equity the effective underlying asset. The SHCF PEF is primarily invested in convertible bonds issued by ANP Financial, and Kiwoom said it will pursue new areas of securitization in the market.