adminWhat experience should an employment law firm have?
Choosing the right Employment law firm requires understanding the type of experience that ensures effective representation. Expertise in employment law, familiarity with labor regulations, and a proven track record in…
Does notice period apply to termination for cause?
notice period apply to termination for cause Many federal employees and managers often ask, “Does notice period apply to termination for cause?” Understanding this is crucial because termination for cause…
Can I pay a workplace harassment lawyer hourly?
Pay a workplace harassment lawyer hourly When you decide to take legal action against workplace harassment, one of the first practical questions that arises is, “Can I pay a workplace…
Rising Korean Adult Guardianship Disputes: Legal Insights
IPG Legal is one of the leading Korean law firms assisting families residing globally in Korean Adult Guardianship, Korean Inheritance, Korean Estate Planning, and Korean Inheritance Tax Matters. Increasingly, the…
Korea Enhances National Security Reviews Of Foreign Investment
The Republic of Korea welcomes foreign direct investment (“FDI”) under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act (FIPA) and historically views inbound investment as critical to economic growth and technological advancement. The…
Constitutional Court Upholds Special Tax Rules For Family Business Succession
On July 17, 2025, the Constitutional Court of Korea issued a significant ruling regarding the application of special tax exemptions for family business succession. In a unanimous decision, the Court…
Korean Court Holds Startup CEO Personally Liable For Stock Repurchase: Implications For VC Contracts
A recent ruling by the Seoul Central District Court enforces a personal stock repurchase obligation against a startup CEO, potentially setting a precedent that may shift how venture capital agreements…
Korean Human Resources And Labor Law Policy Shifts Under President Jae Myung LEE Administration
We shall, under the President Lee Administration, see more labor-friendly laws and policies. Here is a list of the most noteworthy issues that are being talked about among the legal…
Korean Constitutional Court Upholds Two-Year License Disqualification For Repeat DUIs In Korea
In a significant decision in Korea addressing the balance between public safety and individual rights, the Constitutional Court of Korea has upheld the constitutionality of a provision in the Korean…
Korean Court Confirms Covid-19 Vaccination Injury And Compensation Under Korea Workers’ Compensation System
A Korean appellate court ruled that a hospital employee who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome and nerve paralysis after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine should be recognized as having suffered an occupational injury…
Korean Supreme Court Rules That Samsung C&T Must Fulfill Collective Bargaining Obligations With Korean Metal Workers’ Union
The Supreme Court of South Korea has issued a landmark ruling requiring Samsung C&T to fulfill its collective bargaining obligations under law with the Samsung branch of the Korean Metal…
Criminal Punishment Under Korean Law For Child Abduction By A Non-Custodial Parent
We see too many Korean lawyers not proactively utilizing every tool legally available to regain physical custody of a child abducted by a parent to Korea, thus leading to delay…
Can I use a free consultation employment lawyer before quitting my job?
free consultation employment lawyer If you’re considering quitting your job due to workplace issues such as harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or unfair treatment, it’s natural to wonder what steps you should…
Can wrongful dismissal include emotional distress?
wrongful dismissal include emotional distress When discussing employment law, one of the common concerns employees face is wrongful dismissal. Wrongful dismissal occurs when an employee is terminated from their job…
Do employment lawyers resolve disputes in startups?
employment lawyers resolve disputes in startups Startups often operate in fast-paced, high-pressure environments where innovation and growth are prioritized. While this energy can drive a business forward, it can also…
Can lawyers that handle workplace harassment help if I’ve already left my job?
handle workplace harassment help Lawyers that handle workplace harassment can still assist you even if you have already left your job. Many employees assume that once they resign or are…
Is Severance Pay Offered to Employees Who Retire Early?
Severance Pay Offered to Employees Severance pay is a payment to an employee made upon termination of their employment, typically as part of a larger compensation package. It can vary…
Can Constructive Dismissal Occur Due to Changes in Company Policies?
Constructive Dismissal Most jobs in Canada are at-will and employees can be fired at any time without cause. However, if an employer cannot fire someone they may try to force…
Leading Commercial Arbitration Law Firm in Korea
IPG is one of the leading Korean law firms retained for international arbitration matters by multinational companies in need of efficient, proactive, and non-conflicted advocacy in Korea, North America, and…
Suspending Korean Workers without Pay due to Economic Fallout from the Coronavirus: Korean Employment Law Basics
IPG has numerous client-employers in Korea that are facing serious economic conditions because of the spread of the coronavirus across Korea. In my nearly two decades, in Korea, we have…
How to Invest in Korean Free Economic Zones (KFEZs): Korean Market Entry
Korean Free Economic Zones (KFEZs) are specially designated areas designed to improve the business and living environments for foreign firms looking to invest in Korea. In 2003, Korea’s very first…
Korean Workplace Discrimination Laws
There are numerous Korean labor and employment laws that prohibit employers from discriminating against their employees in a Korean workplace. These Korean workplace discrimination laws are found in a myriad…
IPG’s Sean Hayes Received the Highest Lawyer Rating from AVVO for his Work on International Legal Issues
IPG is proud to announce that Sean Hayes received the highest rating from AVVO. Avvo is an American attorney rating site and information portal. AVVO is one of the largest…
Fleeing Korea while under Police/Prosecutor Investigation: International Hold in Korea
From changes a couple of years ago in the computer system and policy of the Korean Immigration Services, even if the Korean prosecution/police have not requested that an accused be…
Employment Support for Disabled Soldiers in the Line of Duty as per the Amended Korean Act on the Management of Civilian Personnel in the Military Service 2019
The bill on the Amendment to the Korean Act on the Management of Civilian Personnel in the Military Service (hereinafter as “Amendment to the Act on Civilian Personnel in the…
Amendment to the Korean Immigration Act Supports Foreign Children in Cases of Child Abuse
In early April 2019 the Chair of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee proposed an Amendment to the Immigration Act of Korea , with the facial purpose of implement more supportive…
Korea’s Virtual Assets/Cryptocurrency Law
For those who may not know, cryptocurrencies/virtual assets (the best known of them, at the moment, is Bitcoin), are digital representations of value that can be digitally traded or transferred. When…
Korean Tax Incentives for 2020: Korean Tax Law Updates
Because of increased tax liabilities of many companies in Korea and because of perceived deteriorating market conditions, the Korean government implemented programs that may assist some SMEs, and larger companies…
Can a Foreign Company be Deemed a Domestic Company for Tax Purposes and Taxed on Worldwide Income?
If Korea deems a foreign-incorporated company a Domestic Corporation, the company shall be taxed on its worldwide income. The relevant law, this determination is made under, is the Corporate Tax…
The Case for Arbitration over Litigation in Korea
Many of you are prospectively weighing the options of executing contracts with and without arbitration clauses in Korean contracts (aka setting yourself up for prospective litigation battles in Korean courts…
Challenging an Arbitrator at the Korean Commercial Arbitration Board
In our last post we discussed, at length, the benefits of arbitration in Korea over litigation in a Korean court. We shall be updating the reader of numerous issues related…
Korean Arbitration: An Introduction
Korean Arbitration has come a long way since the ratification of the New York Convention in 1973. The Korean Commercial Arbitration Board (KCAB) went from a small organization handling a…
Settling with a Korean Insurance Company: Car Accidents in Korea
Regrettably, many Korean insurance companies, in Korea, are less than generous in offering settlements to unrepresented parties in injuries sustained by car, trucks, taxis and trucks. The various Taxi Associations’…
Preparation for Korean Police & Prosecutor Interrogations & Witness/Defendant Questioning at Korean Courts
All good Korean attorneys prepare all clients for witness questioning & suspect interrogations in Korea. Clients may be subpoenaed to appear in a Korean police office, Korean prosecutors office or…
Deportation after Criminal Conviction in Korea: Korea Immigration Law Basics
Korea’s Immigration Services has increased enforcement/deportation actions against foreigners convicted of crimes. Upon exit from Korea, the Immigration Service has been instructing individuals to report to Immigration with the written…
Right Not to be Tried in Korea for the Same Crime
The double jeopardy protection afforded by the Korean Constitution in Article 13 is applied in a different manner than in, most, common law nations. The application of Double Jeopardy, in…
Distribution Agreement in Korea: Factors to Always Keep in Mind
Prior to going into any relationship with a distributor/agent in Korea, please read my post entitled: Finding a Korean Distributor: The Top 10 Things to Know Before Going to Bed…
Liquidated (Penalty) Damages Necessary in Most Korean NDA and Non-Compete Agreements
For any company engaged in negotiations, agreements, pre-M & A due diligence, OEM outsourcing or other activities with a Korean business or individuals that may lead to you disclosing your…
IPG Prevails in Lawsuit for American Veteran Shot by a Korean Police Officer
An IPG Legal attorney was quoted by the Korea Times in a case in which a U.S. Army Veteran was negligently shot by a Korean police officer. IPG Legal prevailed…
Distribution Agreements in Korea: Crawl before you Walk
Prior to going into any relationship with a distributor/agent in Korea, please read my post entitled: Finding a Korean Distributor: The Top 10 Things to Know Before Going to Bed with…
Enforcing Punitive & Liquidated Damages Awards against Korean Companies via Contracts with Foreign Subsidiaries of Korean Companies
A recent amendment of the Korean Civil Procedure Act added Article 217-2 came into effect. The Amendment to the Civil Procedure Act of Korea has codified a holding by the…
Termination of Commercial Agent/Distribution Agreements in Korea: Korea’s Agent Compensation Rule
In many cases of termination of a distribution/agent agreement in Korea compensation must be paid to the commission agent. In many cases, the same rules are applied to distributors. The law…
Liquidated Damages v. Penalties in Korean contracts
As a NY attorney, it’s a bit strange for me to read a Korean contract and see how the word “penalty” is used. In the United States (as well as…
Provisional Attachments of Assets in Pending Litigation in Korea Courts
A party attempting to collect on a debt or potential liability based on breach of contract or torts in Korea may obtain a Provisional Attachment of an Asset. Another useful…
Korean Defense Lawyers to Hire and Not to Hire?
In all Korean criminal defense cases where you are accused of a Korean crime, you fear that you may be sentenced to time in jail, may be deported or the…
Mergers & Acquisition Arbitration Matters under Korean Law at the KCAB
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&As) lead to disputes around the world, many of which are complex and involve money that may change substantially the future of a company, shareholders, employees and…
How Foreign Importers Entering Korea May Prosper from the Korean Middle Class in Korea being Screwed by Inflation: Screwflation
This is an older article we posted nearly eight years ago. However, we fear the same is occurring today. Inflation may be a serious issue for Korea in the next…
EEOC Complaints in Korea at Yongsan Army Garrison, Camp Humpreys and Area I: EEO Korea Complaints
This law firm’s U.S. lawyers handle EEOC Korean complaints from our office in Korea; Merit System Protection Board (MSPB) appeals from Korea; grievances under the Negotiated Grievance Procedure from Korea; complaints…
Korea Due Diligence for Joint Ventures, Licensing, OEMs and Buying a Korean Company
Intending to execute a joint venture agreement with a Korean company? Buying a Korean company? Licensing technology to a Korean company? OEM with a Korean supplier? Selling to a Korean…
Finding a Korean Lawyer/Law Firm for your Business in Korea
We obtain numerous emails and calls from potential clients in search of a great Korean lawyer for companies doing business in Korea. The majority of these intakes come from referrals…
Inheriting Property from your Korean-National Parents
We assist numerous clients concerning intestate succession issues in Korea. Many of these clients are foreigners who are children of a Korean decedent who passed away without a will. Typically,…
Calculation of Korean Hourly Wage Rate under the Minimum Wage Act of Korea
Korea’s minimum wage as per the Korean Minimum Wage Act in 2019 is determined by the Minister of Employment & Labor as KRW 8,350 per hour. The latest decisions of…
Korea’s Legal Measures to Reduce Fine Dust Pollution
The Korean Special Act on Fine Dust Abatement and Management (hereinafter as “Special Act on Fine Dust”) entered into force on February 15, 2019. The law, primarily, focus is restricting…
Can Foreigners Buy Real Property in Korea? Korean Real Estate Law for Non-Korean Residents and Non-Residents
Unlike some Asian countries that do not allow or strictly limit foreign ownership of real properties, South Korea has a buoyant market that permits foreigners to purchase real estate and…
Basics of Korean Patent Law
Over the next couple of months, lawyers here at IPG Legal shall provide detailed insight and analysis of the Patent Laws of Korea. The following post details the basics of…
Ssanyong Motors files for bankruptcy in South Korea
It isn’t just foreign companies that have a robust history with Korea’s militant labor unions. The troubles of GM Korea and SsangYong Motors have been well documented over the last…
Korean COVID regulations for foriegn nationals visiting Korea
This week a bill was submitted by Korean politicians to make the deportation process easier for the Korean government to deport foreign nationals accused of submitting false testing information for…
Immigration changes give single parents more opportunities in Korea
The Korean Times, recently, reported that the Ministry of Justice is looking at changes to the Immigration System to allow single parents to remain in South Korea with their adult…
Happy New Year to all our clients, family, and friends!
2020 has been a tough year and we look forward to working with you in 2021 to celebrate your success. Happy New Year! Similar Posts: Happy New Year to all…
Japan is Ordered to Pay Damages to former “Comfort Women”
In a historic ruling made by a South Korean court on January 8, 2021, it awarded 100 million won or around US$90,000 damages to each 12 plaintiffs. The plaintiffs are…
Proposal to Expand the Scope of Class Actions in South Korea
Class action lawsuits in South Korea are currently available in two types of civil cases: (1) under the Securities-Related Class Action Act of Korea (derivative/shareholder suits); and (2) in certain…
Korean Inheritance Law Basics Explained by IPG Legal
Sean C. Hayes and the team at IPG Legal field many inquiries from international clients for assistance with inheritance issues in South Korea. Many clients that we talk with are…
Data Protection will be vital for international companies in 2021
Koreans have been forced into the realm of digital deliveries and contactless payment options due to the global pandemic. The change in conditions shall, likely, lead to more criminals looking…
Korea’s Child Support Law
As we’ve mentioned in our previous post “Obtaining Child Support from a Deadbeat Korean Father (Mother)”, for the past few years we noticed a huge increase in children born out-of-wedlock…
Tips for Start-up Success in Korea: Korean Business Basics
Despite the economic challenges presented by the COVID pandemic, there are still plenty of opportunities for start-up companies in South Korea. Many of the long-term foreign attorneys in Korea shall…
Regulating Unfair Terms and Conditions
Adhesion Contract is a contract drafted by a party with stronger bargaining power and signed by a party with lesser bargaining power. The party that has weaker bargaining power does…
Korean Corporate Tax Law Amendments for FY 2021
The Korean National Assembly passed a proposal by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (“MOEF Korea”) and the the Ministry of Interior and Safety related to Taxation of Businesses and…
South Korea to Impose Taxes on Cryptocurrency in 2022
The Ministry of Economy and Finance confirmed that on the 1st of January 2022, profit from cryptocurrencies shall be subject to a 20% tax. And gifts and inheritance in the…
New Korean Corruption Investigative Unit Established to Investigate High-Ranking Public Officials in Korea
Korean established a new investigative unit with the independent power to investigate High-Ranking Public Officials, family members of High-Ranking Public Officials and those associated in alleged crimes with High-Ranking Public…
Whistleblower Protections and Laws in South Korea
South Korea has various legislation that protect and give rewards to whistleblowers: Act on the Prevention of Corruption, Tax Whistleblower Reward Program, and Act on the Protection of Public Interest…
What Do You Need To Know About Severance Pay in South Korea?
Korean Severance pay (retirement pay) is the compensation that an employee in Korea is entitled to receive from his employer doing business in Korea once the employment has ended. Under…
Uncontested Divorce vs Contested Divorce in South Korea
Divorce in South Korea is governed by Korea’s Civil Code and it is divided into two types. The first one is uncontested divorces which are also known as a “divorce…
Minimum Wage Increased in Korea for 2021: Employment Law Update
The Ministry of Employment and Labor of South Korea has increased the minimum hourly wage by 1.5% for 2021 to KRW 8,720.00 compared to the 2020 minimum hourly wage of…
Online Visit Reservation System to be Implemented starting April 1, 2021
On March 8, 2021, Minister Park Beom Kye of the Ministry of Justice made an announcement that the online visit reservation system shall be implemented in all Immigration Offices starting…
Korean Tax Law Amendments for Individuals for 2021
The Korean National Assembly passed a proposal by the Ministry of Economy & Finance and the Ministry of Interior & Safety related to Taxation of Businesses and Individuals in December…
Korea has 4th Highest International Patent Application for 2020
The Korean Intellectual Property Office made an announcement that South Korea has surpassed Germany and became the number four country in the world in international patent application to the World…
Whistleblower Protections in Korea Expanded through revised Whistleblower Protection Act
Korea’s Whistleblower Protection Act is, often, criticized for having a too limited scope, since it narrowly covered specific iterated Korean government statutes. Thus, many in Korea have pushed for an…
Increased Protection for Minority Shareholder Rights in Korea under Revised Korean Commercial Code
The Korean Commercial Code (“KCC”) was amended to provide more protection for certain minority shareholders. The amended KCC came into effect at the end of 2020. We wrote many other…
Defamation is a Criminal Offense
“Think before you click” is a social media campaign in Korea. Please note the truth is not an absolute defense to defamation in Korea. Additionally, defamation can lead to civil…
Belgian Ambassador’s Wife facing Criminal Assault Charge in Korea
Criminal assault cases involving members of the foreign community are serious business in Korea. The case of the Belgian Ambassador’s wife highlights the importance of engaging an experienced English-speaking criminal…
How to Appeal your Deportation Order or Exit Order in South Korea
If you are issued a deportation order or exit order by the Korean Immigration Service, you still have avenues to reverse this Korean deportation order or exit order, however, time…
What is Social Security Totalization Agreement?
The Social Security Totalization Agreement (“Agreement”) works by assigning social security coverage and, in turn, tax liability, to only one country, as determined by the rules of the particular agreement. Thus,…
South Korean Gambling Laws Explained
Casinos and sports betting remain a risky venture within South Korea for locals and foreigners wanting to gamble online. Gambling is still strictly taboo amongst South Koreans, as the majority…
Removing a Child to Country of Residence of the Custodial Parent via Korean Courts
On March 1, 2013, South Korea adopted and ratified The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (concluded 25 October 1980). The main goal of the Hague…
Immigration Law Updates for Foreigners In Korea Explained
The Korean Ministry for Justice (“MOJ”) announced it is relaxing passport restrictions for foreign residents in South Korea. Under the new guidelines from the MOJ, long-term foreign residents shall be allowed to…
How Foreigners can Collect Debt from Debtors in South Korea?
Many foreigners, both companies and individuals, seek our advice on how they can effectively collect debts from debtors with assets, businesses and/or residences in Korea. The following article details the…
Constitutional Court Upholds Cellphone Ban While Driving
Long term foreign residents will note that the Korean Constitutional Court has upheld the rule banning the use of cellphones while driving. The court ruling stipulates that the ban isn’t…
Weekly Korean Legal News from International Law Firm IPG Legal
Last week’s Recap of the Top Legal Headlines in South Korea for the week of July 12, 2021: You may also schedule a free initial consultation with a lawyer if…
Can Constructive Dismissal Occur Due to a Failure to Accommodate Disabilities?
Constructive Dismissal Occur Due to a Failure Regardless of whether you’re currently working or looking for a new job, you must do everything within your power to thoroughly safeguard your…
Filing to the Merit System Protections Board from within Korea
The Merit System Protection Board (MSPB) is a U.S. government agency protecting the rights of US employees. US Federal employees in South Korea are entitled to the same protections, under…
Law that Aims to Break In-App Purchase Monopolies of Apple and Google
In an article that appeared in The Register, it was reported that legislators in Korea are proposing a law that aims to break the monopolies of App Stores such as…
Content Opportunities for Int’l Entertainment Companies in Korea
The global success of BTS hasn’t gone unnoticed in the US, as Korea remains an excellent market for foreign companies actively pursuing content partnerships in Asia. Over the last decade,…
Last week’s Recap of the Top Legal Headlines in South Korea for the week of July 19, 2021:
Korean Teacher gets suspended sentence for homework assignment Optimus Asset Management CEO sentenced in Korean Fraud Scandal Google Anti-Trust :aw set to come in effect in South Korea Korean Government…
Last week’s Recap of the Top Legal Headlines in South Korea for the week of July 26, 2021:
South Korea tables law to remove app stores’ in-app purchase monopolies Korean parliament set to allow direct seizure of crypto assets Anti-Google law gaining strong support from US business groups…
Last week’s Recap of the Top Legal Headlines in South Korea for the week of August 2, 2021:
Korean Telecos winning the war against Netflix in the streaming battle New Fake news law set to damage press freedom FTC investigates Korean Bar Association over law talk ban Supreme…
IPG Legal scores win against the Korean Government
IPG Legal won a release for an American national in an extradition case pending in a U.S. Federal Court by obtaining the Re-Opening of a Finalized Judgment in Korea and…
Koreans Hold Unique View on Foreign Firms by Tom Coyner
For many years, the Korean market has been synonymous with protectionism in many foreign marketers’ minds.However, with the advent of a strong middle class and its successful struggle to gain…
Korean Arbitration Rules of Procedure under IBA Rules
Procedural Arbitration rules are key to the efficient and effective adjudication of arbitration disputes in Korea and, also, worldwide. These arbitration rules govern and set out the framework for the…
Last week’s Recap of the Top Legal Headlines in South Korea for the week of August 9, 2021:
Samsung leader Jay Y Lee wins parole from prison South Korean school teacher sentenced in Bitcoin assault case Korean politicans to amend sex crime laws criminalising semen terrorism Press freedom…
Alternative Legal Fee Arrangements at Korean-based Law Firms: Limited Scope Representation Explained
Many Korean law firms have been willing to work in relationships based on a non-time charge flat fee or contingency basis for Korean clients. However, many of these law firms…
Korea emerges as a major arbitration and dispute resolution hub in Asia
With several major international companies now calling Seoul home and many international construction contracts choosing Seoul as the venue for arbitration, international arbitration matters are on the rise in Korea.…
Korean Prosecutors & Police Powers under Amended Criminal Procedure Law
One of the most substantial changes in the powers between the Prosecutors’ Office and Police Office was enacted by the Korean National Assembly through amendments to the Korean Criminal Procedure…
Language Supremacy Clauses in Korean Agreements Governed by Korean Law
A language supremacy clause dictates what language governs the interpretation of a contract. Many international contracts are drafted in multiple languages. However, because of the complexity of legal terms, lack…
Korea, the Land of Perpetual Crisis, is facing yet another crossroads by Tom Coyner
Korea, the Land of Perpetual Crisis, is facing yet another crossroads — this time Korean the focus is on renewed challenges facing manufacturing. The weakening Japanese yen together with the…
Sean Hayes’ Represents Family of Carlos Lopez who was Killed by NYPD
Our New York office’s managing partner, Attorney Sean Hayes is representing, pro bono, the family of Carlos Lopez who was killed in 2003 by NYPD. According to the family of…
Happy Korean Thanksgiving
Sean Hayes is the first non-Korean employed as a foreign attorney by the Korean Court System (Constitutional Court of Korea) and one of the first non-Koreans to be a full-time…
Top 5 Things to Know Before Subjecting your Business Secrets to the Korean Market
We receive emails, regularly, requesting advice on the protection of IP rights in Korea and China. Most of the issues I addressed in this blog come from these questions. I…
The Ten Commandments of Labor Relations in South Korea: Korean Human Resources Basics
Korea has one of the most capricious and least efficient labor forces in the world (which the exception of a few industries) and China is catching up with Korea very…
Debtor’s Liability to New Owner after Transfer of Business and Trade Name
A developer recently contacted IPG Legal concerning a dispute with a supplier of building materials. The developer purchased building materials from a supplier with payment to be forwarded 30-days after…
Korea’s Fairness in Subcontracting Transactions Act Amendments of July 2021
The Korean National Assembly passed a bill in July of 2021 that amends the Fairness in Subcontracting Transactions Act (“Subcontracting Act”). The Act makes major changes with regard to discovery…
Audit Proof your Independent Contractor Expenses
I just read a great post on an even better blog entitled the New York Small Business Law Blog. The blog post – Tips on Making your Independent Contractors Audit…
Korean Labor Law Checklist for Employers and Employees
The Korean Ministry of Labor created this list with revisions by Sean Hayes and IPG. I will update the list periodically. The checklist is intended for all employers that employ…
Protecting your IP Rights in Korea: Korean Intellectual Property Law
A popular song regularly played on the radio proclaims that in the summer of 1989 the songwriter, Kid Rock, was “trying different things and smoking funny things.” If you have…
Korea Divorce Checklist for Negotiation of a Marital Separation Agreement in Korea
The following Korea divorce checklist may be useful for those negotiating a marital separation agreement in Korea. We highly recommend the utilization of a marital separation agreement, since the normal…
Korean Law on Corporate Downsizing & Redundancy
Reducing the headcount in Korea can be difficult, time-consuming, and costly without the use of an accountant and a proactive attorney. Article 24 of the Labor Standards Act of Korea…
OEM Agreements in Korea
While China is the factory to the world, Korea is, still, a great choice for those that enjoy less headaches. Even though Korea tends to be easier to painlessly manufacture…
Contracts Necessary for Doing Business with a Korean Company?
If you would like to avoid Korean court expenses and headaches related to your business in Korea, please do yourself a favor and have you Korean contracts drafted by an…
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at IPG Legal
Sean Hayes is the first non-Korean employed as a foreign attorney by the Korean Court System (Constitutional Court of Korea) and one of the first non-Koreans to be a full-time…
Sailing into the winds of change: Sailing in Korea
My Yacht/Sailing Club was featured in the Joongang Daily. Sailing into the winds of change Joong ang Ilbo (February 23, 2007) Harold Shim, right, aboard a 21-foot trimaran on the…
Drinking Culture in Korea Explained by Tom Coyner
It’s funny how words can inform and mislead. When I first came to Korea in the mid-1970s, I often was enchanted and confused by the similarity of Korean and Japanese.…
Happy Lunar New Year from IPG Legal
Happy Lunar New Year to all our Korean friends. We would, also, like to wish a Happy Lunar New Year to all of our Chinese friends. Have a wonderful Lunar…
Collection of Debts in Korea
I received a call from a friend asking about information concerning collecting on a personal debt. He loaned money to a “friend” and the friend never made a payment on…
Top Law Firms in Korea for English-Speaking Clients According to 10 Magazine
We are proud to note that 10 Magazine listed us in an article titled 10 Lawyers in Seoul for English-Speaking Expats in Korea. IPG is listed under the title Large/International Law…
Calculating Child Support in Korea
The following Korean Child Support Table is applicable as of March of 2022. The top green line of the table is the amount of earning per month for the mother…
Korean Independent Contractor Risks and Obligations under Korea LSA Speech to Amcham Korea
During a recent speech the head of the Korean Labor & Employment Law Team and I gave to the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea, a few interesting topics came…
Drafting of Korean Distribution Agreements for your Distributor in Korea.
Drafting of a Korea-centric distribution agreement and a good deal of due diligence of the anticipated distributor/agent is necessary for avoiding issues that may require the litigation services of a…
How to Retain an English-Speaking Attorney in Korea by Tom Coyner
There are excellent and ethical attorneys in every country; this is certainly also the case in Korea with Korean attorneys and international attorneys working in Korea. While all are no…
Wrongful Termination in South Korea explained by IPG Legal
South Korea is not an “at-will” employment country, which means that an employer may not dismiss an employee for any reason nor without warning or notice. Under the Korean Labor…
Require a Injunction in a Korean Court Against your Former Korean Franchisee for Competing Against your New Korean Franchisee?
Under the Fair Franchise Transactions Act of Korea (“Franchise Act”), a franchisee has the right, under Korean Law, to request the renewal of a Korean franchise agreement after ten years…
Supreme Court of Korea Precedent
The Korean Supreme Court ruled, in March of 2018, that a company may terminate employees for one incident of employee gambling. The case is a precedent that may make it…
Material Omissions in Korean Franchise Disclosure Documents in South Korea
In April of 2015, the Supreme Court of Korea ruled that under Article 4; Article (9)(1); and Article 41(1) of the prior version of the Fair Transactions in Franchise Business…
Korean Trademark Act Amendments for 2022
Recent Amendments to the Korean Trademark Act were passed by the National Assembly of Korea. On February 3, 2022, the National Assembly published the Korean Trademark Act revisions. One major…
Korean Employment & Labor Law Basics
The courts of the Republic of Korea, for years, have struggled to find a consistent interpretation of an “Ordinary Wage.” The definition of Ordinary Wage, under Korean Law, was clarified…
Foreign Franchisees Joining the Korean Franchise Association
The Korean Franchise Association is an organization that is authorized/licensed by the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy. All domestic and foreign franchises that have registered Franchise Disclosure Statements…
Korean Criminal Defense Lawyers
IPG Legal is one of the only law firms in Korea that obtained over 70 not-guilty verdicts and hundreds of dismissals and suspension of indictments in Korea. We handled hundreds…
Korean Inheritance Tax for Estates in Korea
IPG Legal lawyers handled numerous inheritance and inheritance tax matters over our nearly two decades handling cases for expats, families abroad, domestic families, and foreigners with residence in Korea. The…
Renewal Rights/Terms for Commercial Leases in Korea Under Amended Commercial Building Lease Protection Act of Korea
The Korean Commercial Building Lease Protection Act (“CBLP”) came into force on August 13, 2013. The Korean CBLP amendments, mentioned below, will solely come into force for leases entered into…
Korean Patent Act Development of 2022
Major revisions to the South Korean Patent Act (KPA) came into effect on April 20, 2022. The period for filing an appeal against a rejection decision in Korea will be…
Short of Workers in Korea Deepens Issues in the Korean Construction Industry
The shortage of workers in South Korea’s construction industry is deepening, and it has pushed the industry to request the government to allow in more foreign workers. The industry is…
What Constitutes an “Employee” under Korean Law?
Who is an Employee/Worker under Korean Law with the Rights and Protections under the Korean Labor Standards Acts and Related Laws and regulations? The definition of an employee in Korea…
Deregulation of Korean Cloud Computing and Network Separation in the Korean Financial Sector in South Korea
Deregulation of Cloud Computing and Network Separation in the Financial Sector in Korea explained by lawyers at a leading law firm in Korea. Korean Cloud Computing and Network Separation Rules: …
Release of an Arrested Vessel in Korea: Maritime Liens in Korea
We wrote an article about the Arrest of Vessels in Korean waters in a post last week. The article is a useful guide for those considering arresting a ship in…
Opportunities in the K-Beauty Export/Import Business
The Success of K- Beauty Exports and The Impact on Economy One of the top 10 beauty markets in the world, South Korea is renowned for its inventiveness, gentle ingredients,…
The Korean Tax Law Reform Proposal of 2022
The Korean Ministry of Economy and Finance plans to submit the following Korean Tax reform proposal to theNational Assembly and seeks approval before the 2nd of September 2022. The Korean…
Korean Small Business Partnerships/Joint Venture Startups
Starting a small business in Korea can be enjoyable and profitable if you get the business on the right track from the start. Too often we see those with “limited…
Divorce by Agreement & Divorce by Court Order in Korea
A Basic Explanation of the Types of Divorces in Korea. Under Korean law, there are two types of divorces. One is divorce by mutual agreement and the other is divorce…
Defenses Under Korean Law for Sex-Related Crimes Perpetrated in Korea
In this post we’ll discuss the Defenses in Korea that may be used in the Korean courts against sex-related accusations. A. When the accused acknowledges the allegationsIf the defendant reaches…
Korea’s DUI Law Explained by Defense Lawyers in Korea
As many people are already aware, driving under the influence is dangerous and can lead to serious legal consequences in Korea. Korea has one of the world’s most strict DUI…
Korean Criminal Record Checks
We assist expats who have lived in Korea with Korean Police Clearance Certificates and Korean Criminal Record Check Certificates. The process to obtain these records, in Korea, is regrettably not…
Force Majeure Jurisprudence in the Republic of Korea Korean Contract Law
Korea has recently been affected by typhoons and severe flooding caused by the heaviest rainfall in centuries. These issues led to the loss of life, property, business and the livelihood…
Enforceability of NDAs in Korea The Korean Law Blog by IPG Legal Law Firm
Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are legal in South Korea and enforceable. A legally enforceable agreement known as an NDA forbids the publication of sensitive information between two or more parties. In…
The Korean Law Blog by IPG Legal Law Firm Korean M and A
First-generation Korean e-commerce enterprises are currently working to integrate recently acquired businesses and create new business prospects in the fiercely competitive E-commerce market of Korea. Korean E-Commerce Market Last month,…
Beware of these Common Scams in Korea
In South Korea, like in many other countries, there are countless scams intended to trick people into giving away their cash or personal information. People in Korea have to stay…
IPG Legal’s Korean Family & Divorce Law Practice in Korea
IPG Legal is one of the only law firms in Korea that caters to foreigners, the expat community and multinational businesses in Korea. IPG Legal is a well-known and highly-ranked law…
What are the Main Imports into Korea? (Exporting to Korea)
Korea is one of the world’s largest importers of goods and services in the world. Opportunities for exporters to Korea abound. IPG Legal, a top-rated international law firm, assists companies…
The Korean Law Blog by IPG Legal Law Firm
Starting a business is rarely simple, and doing so as an expat in Korea involves not just financial challenges, but also the complex and constantly-changing Korean Immigration regulations that foreigners…
Tax Deductibility of Meal Allowances in Korea Increases to KRW 200,000
Effective at the beginning of 2023, the non-taxable cap for meal allowances was increased from KRW 100,000 to KRW 200,000. It is advisable to discuss this with your accountant along…
Korean Minimum Wage in 2023
Korean Minimum Wage in 2023 Skip to content The Minimum Hourly Wage for 2023 in Korea is KRW 9,620. The Minimum Wage for 2023, in Korea, was increased by KRW…
What Challenges Do Wrongful Termination Foresee My Case?
Wrongful Termination Foresee My Case If you have been wrongfully fired from a job, you may have the right to file a lawsuit. However, this type of case is complicated…
Length of Sentences for Korean Crimes Perpetrated in Korea
The length of sentences for crimes in Korea varies depending on the severity of the offense, the capabilities of your Korean lawyer and the discretion of the judge. The most…
IPG Legal’s Korean Commercial Law Practice
IPG Legal is a prominent client-focused law firm with its Korean Office based in Seoul, South Korea. IPG Legal’s Commercial Law Practice provides legal services to individuals and businesses. IPG…
Squeezing-out Minority Shareholders under Korean Corporate Law
The amended Commercial Code of Korea provides for “squeeze-out” rights for shareholders holding 95% or more of the shares of a company. This Korean law was promulgated in April of…
Appointing a Guardian in Korea under Korea’s Guardianship Law
Often we assist clients with family members or friends in Korea who are better off under the care of a trustworthy person who can manage their personal and property-related responsibilities.…
Appointment of a Guardian in Korea
Those abroad or in Korea frequently struggle to comprehend how to safeguard their elderly parents, or family members who are residing in Korea. Don’t fret, a system is in place…
Sean Hayes was Rated a Top 100 Attorney
Heartiest congratulations to Attorney Sean Hayes for being recognized as one of the top 100 lawyers in South Korea by the Asia Business Law Journal. It’s a great achievement to…
Korean Securities Transaction Taxes
Article 5 of the Presidential Decree of the Securities Transaction Tax Law of Korea was amended to lower taxes on stock transactions. The amendment came into effect on January 1,…
Detention of Criminal Suspects in Korea under Korea’s Criminal Procedure Law
The Korean Criminal Justice System works, in many aspects, very differently from the American, Australian, Canadian, Irish, UK and other Criminal Justice Systems based on the common law. One, notable,…
IPG Legal’s Immigration Law Practice in Korea
Korean Immigration Law is an evolving area of law in South Korea that often changes with the change of governments. IPG legal assists many business and individual clients that run…
Joseon Sijeong Uigwe as Korea’s First Comprehensive Legal Code
The Joseon Sijeong Uigwe, a 1,893 volume legal code, is a comprehensive set of laws, regulations and rules that were developed during Korea’s Joseon Dynasty. IPG Legal shall be writing…
What are the Largest Exports from Korea?
South Korea is an export-focused economy with a growing local service sector. Korea is one of the Top 10 largest economies in the world. IPG Legal is a leading internationally-facing…
Korean Dividend Distribution Procedures Amended by MOJ and FSC
At the beginning of this year Korean Financial Services Commission (“FSC”) and the Korean Ministry of Justice (“MOJ”) issued a press release outlining their plans to improve Korean dividend distribution…
Korean Electronic Travel Application (K- ETA) Explained
K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is an online electronic travel authorization for travelers without a visa to Korea that can be obtained prior to entering the Republic of Korea (ROK)…
Introduction to the History of the Korean Legal System
The legal system of the Republic of Korea developed over 1000s of years. In the early years of Korean history, the legal system of Korea was based, nearly entirely, on…
Korean Security Token Law Amended: Korean Blockchain Law Basics
The Financial Services Commission (the “FSC”) in February of 2023 announced a plan to overhaul the Security Token legal regime in Korea. Security tokens are digital representations of an asset…
The Korean Law Blog by IPG Legal Law Firm Uncategorized
Proposed Amendments to the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Law: Extending Merger Notification Exemptions and Adding a Voluntary Commitment System. Korean Monopoly and Fair Trade Act The Monopoly Regulation and…
Attorney Lee from IPG Legal in the news. %
The Korea Times recently featured Attorney Seul-ki Lee of IPG Legal in a news article, and for all the right reasons. Attorney Lee is one of the legal representatives of…
International Law – The Korean Law Blog by IPG Legal Law Firm
The Hague Service Convention, also known as the Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters, is an international treaty that provides for…
IPG Legal’s Firm Profile on ChatGPT (Open AI)
IPG Legal is an international law firm headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, that provides a range of legal services to domestic and international clients. The firm was founded in 2007…
Top 10 Business Opportunities for Entrepreneurs in Korea
IPG Legal and I have been helping Korean entrepreneurs and businesses navigate the Korean business climate for over two decades. I have seen my share of successful businesses and my…
Why you Should Setup a Corporation in South Korea?
IPG Legal has assisted clients in the process of setting up a corporate entity in South Korea. Yes, it can be complex and time-consuming, but getting started on the right…
Steps to Set up a Business in South Korea
Setting up a corporate entity in South Korea involves several steps and can be complex. If you are setting up a Korean venture between multiple parties or corporations make sure…
Korean IP Law Korean Data Privacy –
The proposal to amend the Personal Information Protection Act of 2011 (the “PIPA”) was approved by the South Korean National Assembly on February 27, 2023. The changes cover a wide…
Forming a Joint Venture in Korea? Beware a Common Pitfall
A client, a minority shareholder in a foreign-capital-invested company in Korea is involved in litigation with other company shareholders (Korean shareholders) over issues the client had with the majority and…
Are you a victim of a Scam in Korea? Filing a Civil and Criminal Complaint in Korea Against a Fraudster
Being scammed or falling into a trap by fraudsters or scammers is one of the biggest nightmares for anyone. Unfortunately, it can happen to the best of us, but what…
South Korea Offers a Variety of Business Visas for those Wishing to Conduct Business in Korea % Uncategorized %
Business Visas for Korea South Korea offers several types of business visas for foreign nationals who want to conduct business activities in the country. These include the D-7 (Investor/Business Manager)…
Filing a Petition to a Korean Ministry of Employment & Labor’s Labor Office in South Korea
Filing a petition to the Korean Labor Office in Korea in your area is the first step for some employees in Korea who assert that their labor rights under Korean…
Korea Family Law The Korean Law Blog by IPG Legal Law Firm
Seeking a Korean divorce and navigating the Korean legal system can be emotionally challenging, even more so if you’re a foreigner in Korea. IPG Legal has assisted numerous foreigners and…
14 Things to Consider Before Starting a Manufacturing Business in South Korea
Korea, in many cases, is a better choice for the manufacturing of chemical, petroleum, construction equipment, complex crafted metals, specialty steel, automotive parts, semi-conductor, medical and pharmaceutical equipment and goods…
Korean Jurisdictional and Choice of Law Issues in Commercial Agency & Distributor Agreements with Korean-based Agents & Distributors
In drafting and negotiating a Korean commercial agency agreement between a principal located in one country and an agent located in Korea, proper consideration needs to be given to the…
Do you Need to Enter the Korean Market via a Joint Venture/Partnership?
One of the major parts of our law practice here at IPG Legal for international clients, in Korea, is the structuring of joint ventures and the resolution of joint venture…
The “2023 Proposal” to the Korean Electronic Financial Transactions Act
On May 11, 2023, the National Policy Committee of the Korean National Assembly passed a bill known as the “2023 Proposal” on the Act on the Protection of Virtual Asset…
Employment agreements in Korea – Korean Employment Law
Non-compete clauses in Korean employment contracts are enforceable in Korea, but there are some limitations and requirements that must be met for them to be regarded as lawful and, thus,…
Divorce Lawyers in South Korea
IPG Legal attorneys handled divorces, child custody, Hague child abduction cases, and asset division cases for foreigners residing in Korea and abroad for over two decades. IPG is one of…
Is a Non-Registered Company Director in Korea an Employee under Korean Labor Law
Many non-Korean workers for Korean and international companies doing business in Korea are hired under the title Director. Many of these workers are, in reality, executive employees working as executive-level…
What Should I do if I Receive a Korean Summons for a Criminal Investigation in Korea?
CAN KOREAN POLICE ISSUE AND ENFORCE A SUMMONS EVEN WHEN THE SUSPECT RESIDES ABROAD? Yes. The Korean Criminal Procedure Law applies to foreigners who have committed crimes within Korea as…
Right Against Self-Incrimination in Korea
In a Korean trial known as the “Namsan 300 Million Won Case,” two prominent figures, former Shinhan Bank Chairman Shin Sang-hoon and former Shinhan Bank President Lee Baek-soon of Shinhan…
Don’t Forget the Due Diligence in Korea
I just received a phone call from a prospective client with a wonderful product that has been offered a sweetheart deal. Whenever I hear that someone has received a no…
Pending Bill in Korea Aims to Protect Crime Victims’ Identities
Korea has many protections in place to protect the privacy of individuals, however, a concerning issue has come to light, in recent years, regarding the exposure of Korean victims’ identities…
Can you claim severance pay from a Non-Korean Employer?
Severance Pay is a payment which the employer is required to pay an “employee” for a retiring, terminated or resigning employees that works for a company in Korea for, at…
Korean Litigation Korean Litigation % %
The Korean Supreme Court has recently rendered a judgment highlighting the requirements for Korean courts to accept the service of legal documents, in Korea. In a case involving a dispute…