LIN NEWS
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LIN NewsLIN LLC Professionals’ External Appointments for Q4 2025The following are recent external appointments of LIN’s professionals. Jin Seok LIM, Managing Partner, Appointed as Legal Advisor to Gyeonggi Housing & Urban Development Corporation Jin Seok LIM, Managing Partner of LIN LLC, was appointed as a legal advisor to the Gyeonggi Housing & Urban Development Corporation on December 1, 2025 (Term: December 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026). The Corporation is a public institution that undertakes various projects to promote regional housing stability, urban development, and the expansion of infrastructure in Gyeonggi Province. During his term as a legal advisor, Lim will provide professional legal advice to ensure the legal soundness, public interest, and reliability of the Corporation’s projects. Attorney Byung Hwa LEE, Appointed as Chair of the In-House Counsel Special Committee of the Korean Bar Association Byung Hwa LEE, Attorney at LIN LLC, was appointed as Chair of the In-House Counsel Special Committee of the Korean Bar Association on September 1, 2025 (Term: September 2025 – September 2027). The Committee was established to strengthen the role and status of legal experts within corporations, while supporting both the development of the in-house counsel system and enhancement of professional excellence of in-house counsel. As Chair, Lee will work diligently to advance policies and systems related to in-house counsel and contribute to the Association’s efforts in supporting in-house counsel and enhancing their professional expertise through fair and efficient operations. Attorney Byung Hwa LEE, Appointed as Tax Law Advisor to the National Tax Service Byung Hwa LEE, Attorney at LIN LLC, was appointed as a tax law advisor to the National Tax Service on September 1, 2025 (Term: September 2025 – August 2027). Tax law advisors provide counsel on legal issues arising from the National Tax Service’s tax administration and support the legality and efficiency of tax policies and law enforcement process. During his term, Lee will contribute to the stable and fair execution of tax administration through reliable and professional legal counsel. Attorney Eung Jun JEON, Appointed as Advisory Member of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Committee Eung Jun JEON, Attorney at LIN LLC, was appointed as an advisory member of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Committee on November 10, 2025. The Committee consists of experts from various fields and is responsible for establishing AI-related policies and strategies while balancing technological advancement and social safety. As an advisory member, Jeon will provide expert opinions on legal and institutional issues related to AI and contribute to ensuring legal stability and public trust throughout the policy-making process. Attorney Jong Sik KIM, Appointed as Member of the Advisory Committee on Preliminary Feasibility Studies for Public Projects, Ministry of Economy and Finance Jong Sik KIM, Attorney at LIN LLC, was appointed as a member of Advisory Committee on Preliminary Feasibility Studies for Public Projects under the Ministry of Economy and Finance on November 4, 2025 (term: November 4, 2025 – November 3, 2027). Over the next two years, in his capacity as a member of this Committee, Kim will conduct thorough legal reviews regarding the feasibility and appropriateness of various projects pursued by public institutions. He will also provide expert advice to ensure that relevant systems and procedures are managed through rational operations. Furthermore, he will perform in-depth reviews and provide counsel on diverse legal issues that may arise during the implementation of public projects. By offering expert opinions on the interpretation of relevant laws and institutional improvements, he intends to contribute actively to ensuring the sound management of national finances and the transparency of public projects. Attorneys Seung Kwan CHOI, Ji Su CHOI, and Tae Hyun BAE, Appointed as Legal Advisors to Seoul Housing & Urban Development Corporation Seung Kwan CHOI, Ji Su CHOI, and Tae Hyun BAE, Attorneys at LIN LLC, were appointed as legal advisors to the Seoul Housing & Urban Development Corporation on December 5, 2025 (Term: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2028). During their two-year term, they will provide legal advice on overall major projects related to housing supply and urban development conducted by the Corporation. They intend to comprehensively review legal feasibility and appropriateness of these projects throughout their implementation. Furthermore, they will offer expert opinions on various legal issues, including contracts, permits and approvals, and statutory interpretation related to public projects. By preventing disputes and supporting rational decision-making, they are committed to actively contributing to the stable execution of the Corporation’s projects and the enhancement of its public nature and transparency. Attorney Do Hee KIM, Appointed as Member of the Task Force for Advancement of Accounting Inspection and Sanction Procedures Do Hee KIM, Attorney at LIN LLC, was appointed as a member of the Task Force (TF) for Advancement of Accounting Inspection and Sanction Procedures on November 3, 2025. This dedicated TF was established to modernize accounting inspection procedures—specifically to prevent excessively prolonged inspections and to ensure that the defense rights of those subject to administrative measures are substantially protected during the inquiry stage of the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS). As a member of the TF, Kim will actively assist the organization in developing advancement strategies and establishing concrete measures throughout her term. Attorney Min Gu KANG, Appointed as Member of the 2nd Council for Dispute Mediation between Contractors and Subcontractors Min Gu KANG, Attorney at LIN LLC, was appointed as a member of the 2nd Council for Dispute Mediation between Contractors and Subcontractors on October 28, 2025. The Council was originally established in 2005 under the Korea Foundation for Cooperation of Large & Small Business (currently the Korea Foundation for Cooperation of Large & Small Business, Rural Affairs [KOFCA]) to support voluntary mediation of disputes between contracting and subcontracting companies. Following the amendment and enforcement of the Act on the Promotion of Mutually Beneficial Cooperation between Large Enterprises and Small and Medium Enterprises (“Mutually Beneficial Cooperation Act”), its legal basis has been solidified, and its authority and mediation effectiveness have been strengthened, leading to its reorganization into a specialized mediation body for disputes between contractors and subcontractors. As a member of the Council, Kang is committed to ensuring that the body faithfully performs its function of mediating disputes in a fair and reliable manner during his term. Attorney Min Gu KANG, Reappointed as Legal Advisor and Pro Bono Counseling Attorney for Wonju City Min Gu KANG, Attorney at LIN LLC, was reappointed as a legal advisor and pro bono counseling attorney for Wonju City on November 1, 2025 (Term: November 1, 2025 – October 31, 2027). For the next two years, in his dual capacity, Kang will provide professional and dedicated legal counseling to citizens on matters closely related to their daily lives, including administrative, civil, criminal, and family law issues. Furthermore, by performing comprehensive legal consultations on diverse matters concerning Wonju City, providing statutory interpretations, and faithfully serving as a legal representative when necessary, he will actively support the city’ rational and stable municipal administration. Attorney Sung Su SONG, Appointed as Member of the Safety Management Committee and Reviewer of the Regulatory Review Committee of the Korea Racing Authority Sung Su SONG, Attorney at LIN LLC, was appointed as a member of the Safety Management Committee and a reviewer of the Regulatory Review Committee of the Korea Racing Authority (KRA) on November 19, 2025 (Term: November 19, 2025 – November 18, 2027). The KRA was established to contribute to the development of the livestock industry through fair operation of horse racing and the promotion of the horse industry, while fostering public welfare and facilitating sound use of leisure. the KRA prioritizes “safety” as a core value of its operations and maintains the Safety Management Committee —a key decision-making body composed of internal and external experts—to oversee safety-related matters. During his term as a committee member and reviewer, Song will actively participate in meetings to ensure that various safety initiatives, such as the declaration of safety and health management policies and the enactment of KRA safety rules for preventing serious accidents, are implemented in a smooth manner. Furthermore, he intends to objectively examine the necessity and validity of various regulations and contribute to fair reviews so that regulatory operations can be conducted in a reasonable and accountable manner.2026.01.19.
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News LetterMobility Legal Updates_[Issues]Mobility Team at LIN LLC monitors trends in technology, legislation, and regulation related to the automotive and future mobility industries to provide summaries of key issues. Over the past month, the United States and China have continued efforts to reorganize their laws and institutions with a view toward the commercialization of autonomous driving technology. In the U.S., discussions have resumed regarding the enactment of a federal-level framework for autonomous driving, while in China, a draft of national standards for automated driving systems has been released for public consultation. Both countries are demonstrating a trend aimed at embodying safety standards and supervisory systems at the design stage through legislation and national standards. This newsletter summarizes recent regulatory trends focusing on the resumption of discussions on the U.S. SELF DRIVE Act and the release of China’s draft safety standards for automated driving. U.S. House of Representatives Commences Review of the SELF DRIVE Act of 2026 Attempts to Legislate Autonomous Driving Safety Standards at the Federal Level The SELF DRIVE Act of 2026 (Safely Ensuring Lives Future Deployment and Research In Vehicle Evolution Act of 2026, H.R. 7390), which may be regarded as the foundational federal regulatory act for autonomous driving in the United States, was referred to the U.S. House of Representatives on February 5, 2026. The primary substance of the bill involves defining Automated Driving Systems (ADS) as distinct from the traditional concept of a human driver and refining how the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) apply to autonomous vehicles. In terms of key details, the bill first defines an Automated Driving System (ADS) as a system that performs the entire Dynamic Driving Task (DDT) by replacing a human driver. This appears to be an effort to establish a legal definition suited to autonomous driving technology, given that the existing automotive safety legal framework was designed on the premise that vehicles are operated by human drivers. Furthermore, the bill allows for exemptions from certain FMVSS requirements under specific conditions to address structural conflicts between autonomous vehicles and existing federal safety standards. This is believed to facilitate unique vehicle designs for ADS, such as those without steering wheels or brake pedals. Additionally, the role of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under the Department of Transportation will be reorganized. The bill includes provisions to clarify the legal basis for the NHTSA to establish reporting systems related to the safety assessment of autonomous vehicles and to exercise supervisory authority. Provisions are also being discussed to establish federal preemption ensuring that federal standards take precedence regarding vehicle design and performance criteria. The goal is to prevent manufacturers from facing redundant regulations due to differing technical standards set by individual States, although licensing, insurance, and traffic rules will still be governed by State laws. The bill is currently under deliberation, and its specific details and final passage will be determined during the legislative process. China Releases Draft Safety Standards for Autonomous Driving Specification of Driver Obligations and System Requirements In February 2026, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released a draft of “Intelligent and connected vehicle — Safety requirements for automated driving system” for public comments. This document is a draft premised on the enactment of national standards and stipulates the design and safety requirements for automated driving systems. Regarding its primary contents, the draft stipulates overall safety requirements for driving functions performed by automated driving systems. The safety objective for ADS presented in this draft is to ensure that the system achieves a level of safety equivalent to that of a "competent and careful driver." In other words, the general safety level of a human driver is to be used as the benchmark during the design and verification process of automated driving systems. Concerning the relationship between the driver and the system, the automated driving function must be designed to be activated only when the driver has completed relevant education or training, and if the system requests a transition of control to the driver, the transfer must be implemented safely. Furthermore, in cases where the automated driving function is terminated or abnormally disengaged, control of the vehicle must be safely transferred to the driver, and in the event of a system failure, the vehicle is required to be transitioned to a state that minimizes risk. Additionally, the draft includes requirements for clearly setting the Operational Design Domain (ODD), self-check functions before operation, and requirements for recording and storing driving data. If finalized as a national standard, this regulation is likely to function as the technical criteria that must be complied with during the design and certification processes of automated vehicles. The draft is currently open for public comments and will be finalized after being revised and supplemented following the conclusion of the feedback period. *** LIN LLC has extensive experience in providing advisory and litigation services in the mobility industry, particularly in areas such as administrative regulations, and patent and trade secret disputes related to motor vehicles. Our Mobility Team consists of attorneys and experts with a distinctive interest and passion for automobiles. Should you wish to learn more about this newsletter or have any other inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact LIN’s Mobility Team. Tae-jun Bae tjbae@law-lin.com, +82 10 8237 8123 Min-gu Kang mgkang@law-lin.com, +82 10 3907 9217 Ho-yeon Kim hykim@law-lin.com, +82 2 3477 6300 Jeong-pil Oh jpoh@law-lin.com, +82 2 3477 86952026.02.25.
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NoticeLin Signs MOU with Korea New & Renewable Energy Association (KNREA)Mutual cooperation on new & renewable energy-related projects through legal services in the field of laws and regulations On October 26, Lin signed an MOU with KNREA to promote the development of the domestic new & renewable energy industry. The agreement was signed to provide various legal services to KNREA and its member companies, including information on new & renewable energy-related laws and regulations. Through the agreement, the two parties agreed to cooperate on ▶ improving new & renewable energy-related laws and systems ▶ providing legal advice on new & renewable energy ▶ and training on new & renewable energy. In line with the trend of carbon neutrality, Lin will exert its best to promote the sustainable development of the renewable energy industry, which can replace conventional energy using fossil fuels and nuclear power. For more information, please visit KNREA website below. http://www.knrea.or.kr/bbs/?act=bbs&subAct=view&bid=agreement&page=1&order_type=desc&seq=58282023.11.10.
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Recruitment PersonnelNew RecruitmentsWe are pleased to welcome Jung Bong Lee (Partner), Lance B. Lee (Foreign Legal Consultant - Partner), and Ki Suk Seol (Of Counsel) as new members of our Firm. 1. Jeong Bong Lee, Partner - Incheon Songdo High School(68th) - Yonsei University, Department of Law - Chungnam National University, School of Law - Korean Bar Examination (40th, 1998) - Judicial Research and Training Institute (27th) - University of Vienna – Criminal Justice Institute Visiting Scholar (2008) Past) Incheon District Public Prosecutors’ Office – Prosecutor (2001) Past) Daejeon District Public Prosecutors’ Office, Hongseong Branch – Prosecutor (2003) Past) Incheon District Public Prosecutors’ Office, Bucheon Branch – Prosecutor (2005) Past) Seoul Central District Public Prosecutors’ Office – Prosecutor (2007) Past) Supreme Prosecutors’ Office - Prosecutor Researcher (2007) Past) Busan District Public Prosecutors’ Office – Prosecutor (2013) Past) Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) - Head of Strategic Analytics (2014) Past) Chuncheon District Public Prosecutors’ Office, Gangneung Branch – Chief Prosecutor (2016) Past) Daegu District Public Prosecutors’ Office, Seobu Branch – Chief Prosecutor, Criminal Division 3 (2017) Past) Seoul Eastern District Public Prosecutors’ Office - Chief Prosecutor, Criminal Division 5 (2018) Past) Seoul Southern District Public Prosecutors’ Office - Chief Prosecutor, Criminal Division 2 (2019) Past) Supreme Prosecutors’ Office – Human Rights Policy Officer (2020) Past) Gwangju District Public Prosecutors’ Office – Human Rights Protection Officer (2021) Past) Chuncheon District Public Prosecutors’ Office – Chief of Wonju Branch (2022) Past) Seoul High Prosecutors’ Office (Daegu District Public Prosecutors’ Office, Secondment(2023), Voluntary Resignation) Current) LIN Since his appointment as a prosecutor in 2001, Mr. Lee has served as a prosecutor at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, a researcher at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, a prosecutor at the Busan District Prosecutors' Office, a secondee at the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), a deputy prosecutor at the Seoul Eastern and Southern District Prosecutors' Offices, and a human rights policy officer at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, before finally retiring in 2023 as the Chief Prosecutor of the Wonju District Prosecutors' Office. During his 22 years and 8 months as a prosecutor, he discharged a wide range of cases, including intellectual property infringement, technology theft and unfair competition, medical malpractice, sexual assault, finance, taxation, homicide, special crime, public security, and human rights policy (due process compliance in investigations). Mr. Lee, who joined Lin as a partner in November 2023, plans to actively engage in various cases such as securities, finance, and corporate anti-corruption based on diverse investigative and theoretical experience accumulated from the prosecution. Lin boasts top domestic experts in responding to financial, corporate crimes, and other investigative matters, and we will strive to provide our clients with high-quality legal services. 2. Lance B. Lee, Foreign Legal Consultant (Partner) - Boston College Law School – J.D. - University of Virginia – B.A. Past) Dentons Lee - Chief Operating Officer, Head of International Arbitration & Litigation and Partner, 2012-2023 Past) Kim & Chang - Partner Past) STX Shipbuilding Corporation – Group General Counsel Past) POSCO – Overseas Projects Team Leader Past) U.S. Army JAG Corps – Trial Counsel, Prosecutor and Captain Past) Gainer, Rient & Hotis - Attorney Current) LIN – Head of International Arbitration & Litigation, Partner (Present) Mr. Lee, a U.S. attorney, was responsible for various international arbitration and litigation cases for 11 years at Kim & Chang, representing numerous international corporations and diverse fields. Serving as General Counsel at STX Shipbuilding Corporation and Head of the International Legal Team at POSCO, he handled tasks such as international arbitration, international litigation, IP, corporate M&A, contract negotiations, and joint investments for global conglomerates. Subsequently, as a partner at the Seoul Office of Dentons, he worked for 11 years as the Head of the International Arbitration/Litigation Team, leading numerous international arbitration cases as lead counsel. In 2024, for the first time in history, more than half of the global population will be holding elections, signaling the end of America’s “unilateral hegemony” and prompting the world to prepare for more disputes. With major industrial powers intensifying their industrial policies and protectionist measures to secure leadership in advanced and eco-friendly industries post-election, there is an anticipated increase in international disputes, particularly in advanced technology sectors such as semiconductors and information technology (IT). Mr. Lee, a foreign attorney leading the International Arbitration/Litigation Team, will leverage his experience and expertise to actively discharge legal advice on the prevention and resolution of international disputes for various global corporations based on his accumulated knowledge and professionalism. 3. Ki Suk Seol, Of Counsel - Hongik University, Department of Architecture - Kyungpook National University, Graduate School of Law, - KAIST, Intellectual Property Graduate School - Bar Examination (3rd) Past) Eland Group, Legal Department Past) Hyundai Engineering, Legal Department Past) Ministry of Justice, Legal Affairs Officer Past) Ministry of Justice, Legal Affairs Secretary Current) LIN Mr. Seol, as an in-house counsel for a large corporation, has accumulated expertise in a wide range of legal affairs that can arise within the company, including civil and criminal litigation and consultation, fair trade practices, compliance, intellectual property, construction, and labor-related dispute management. Subsequently, serving as a Legal Affairs Secretary at the Ministry of Justice, he handled administrative adjudication and litigation, legislation drafting and revision, interpretation of laws and rights, review of government and legislative bills, formulation of legislative strategies, improvement of attorney and notary systems, and enhancement of legal technology systems. Through these roles, he has built expertise in planning, administration, and legislation. Amidst the ongoing challenges such as the increase in unsold and unoccupied properties, rising construction costs, high interest rates, and stagnation in real estate PF, it is anticipated that legal disputes and litigation among real estate market participants, including developers, contractors, financial institutions, trustees, and local housing associations, will continue to rise. Mr. Seol, who has served as an in-house counsel for a global integrated construction company, has handled a wide range of cases from civil and criminal matters to fair trade, construction, labor, and compliance issues, from the client's perspective, collaborating with various major law firms. Drawing upon his extensive practical experience accumulated in the field, he is committed to providing tailored solutions, not only advisory services but also litigation support, to corporate clients. 4. Recruitment of Foreign Lawyer With recent concerns over deflation in China, attitudes of Korean companies towards China have become notably cautious. Consequently, there is a growing need for professional advice regarding entry into the Chinese market. Recognizing this demand, Lin has recently recruited Ms. Wenpu Yang (Chinese attorney), aiming to provide high-quality legal service that aligns with our clients’ business strategies and management objectives on various issues related to Sino-Korean business relations. Going forward, Lin promises to continuously recruit verified talents in various fields to ensure customer satisfaction.2024.02.05.
Employee mobility and permanent establishment risk in South Korea
Employee mobility and permanent establishment risk in South Korea
by David H. Yang & Mi Hyun Seol
Foreign companies often approach Korea as a market that can be tested with minimal presence through short‑term business visitors, technical specialists, or regional managers rotating in and out. From a Korean tax perspective, however, employee mobility can quietly transform a “no‑presence” strategy into a taxable permanent establishment (PE).
Under Korean domestic tax law, the concept comparable to a PE is referred to as a “domestic place of business”. Article 94 of the Korean Corporate Income Tax Law provides that a foreign corporation is deemed to have a domestic place of business when it conducts all or part of its business through a fixed place in the Republic of Korea. The scope of such presence is further elaborated in Article 132 of the Enforcement Decree of the Corporate Income Tax Law.
Most Korean tax treaties also adopt the PE definition contained in Article 5 of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Model Tax Convention. Following the developments under OECD Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Action 7 and the Multilateral Instrument (MLI), tax authorities increasingly focus on the substance of activities performed in Korea rather than internal job titles or formal descriptions.
Common PE triggers in Korea:
1) Authority to conclude or materially negotiate contracts
Even where contracts are formally executed outside Korea, individuals located in Korea who habitually negotiate key commercial terms or play the principal role leading to the conclusion of contracts may create a dependent agent PE. Under the OECD BEPS Action 7 framework and MLI Article 12, an agent acting “exclusively or almost exclusively” for a foreign enterprise (or its related parties) may not qualify as an independent agent.
2) Long‑term technical or operational personnel
Engineers, product specialists, or R&D personnel stationed in Korea for extended periods, particularly when embedded with customers or affiliates, may be viewed as performing core business functions. PE exposure may arise depending on the cumulative duration, continuity, and commercial significance of these activities.
3) Management or decision‑making presence
Repeated visits or sustained stays by executives responsible for sales strategy, pricing, or operational oversight may indicate that substantive management functions are exercised in Korea.
4) De facto fixed place of business
Regular and continuous use of client offices, affiliated premises, or shared workspaces may satisfy the “fixed place of business” test even where no formal lease or registered office exists.
Why PE matters
Once a PE is identified, the consequences can be significant, including:
• Korean corporate income tax on profits attributable to the PE;
• Retroactive tax assessments covering multiple fiscal years;
• Exposure to withholding tax and transfer pricing adjustments;
• Increased audit risk for both the foreign enterprise and its Korean counterpart; and
• Compliance obligations relating to representative offices and potential penalties under Korean corporate tax rules.
In practice, PE issues often emerge after immigration or labour reviews, when authorities connect personnel mobility patterns with underlying business activities.
PE risk checklist for foreign companies
Before deploying personnel to Korea, companies should consider:
• Do individuals in Korea negotiate prices, terms, or contracts with customers or partners?
• Do they regularly act in ways that effectively bind the foreign enterprise?
• Are personnel performing revenue‑generating or operational functions rather than preparatory or auxiliary activities?
• Is there a repeated or cumulative physical presence in Korea, even through rotating short‑term visits?
• Do employees consistently use the same location, such as a client site, affiliate office, or shared workspace?
• Is the immigration status of employees consistent with the activities actually performed?
• Are authority levels, responsibilities, and activities clearly documented and monitored?
Key takeaway
In Korea, international employee mobility is no longer merely an HR or immigration issue; it is also a corporate tax risk. Foreign companies entering the Korean market should ensure that personnel deployment, authority structures, and documentation practices are carefully managed to prevent unintended PE exposure.
Key Legal References
• Corporate Income Tax Law (Korea), Article 94 – Domestic Place of Business of a Foreign Corporation
• Enforcement Decree of the Corporate Income Tax Law, Article 132 – Scope of Domestic Place of Business
• OECD Model Tax Convention, Article 5 – Permanent Establishment
• OECD BEPS Action 7 – Preventing the Artificial Avoidance of Permanent Establishment Status
• Multilateral Instrument (MLI), Article 12 – Artificial Avoidance of Permanent Establishment Status Through Commissionaire Arrangements
David H. Yang leads LIN’s International Practice Group. With almost 30 years of experience in international business law and cross-border disputes, he advises foreign companies entering Korea and Korean companies investing abroad. He also served as a senior diplomat for Korea between 2016 and 2022.
Mi Hyun Seol has significant experience in the field of taxation, having worked for many years at the Korean National Tax Service. During her tenure, she was responsible for matters relating to personal and property taxation, international tax investigations, tax collection, and related litigation.
GGI
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Employee mobility and permanent establishment risk in South Korea
[Press Release] “The Enforcement of the AI Basic Act as a Cornerstone for South Korea’s Emergence as an AI Powerhouse” by Suk-Ho BANG (Senior Advisor, LIN)
South Korea is drawing global attention as it moves forward with the full implementation of the “AI Basic Act,” establishing the legal foundation for its ambition to become a leading artificial intelligence (AI) powerhouse. Suk-Ho BANG, Senior Advisor and Head of the AI Industry Center at LIN LLC, described the legislation as “a product of a strong commitment to recognize AI as a ‘game changer’ that will reshape the global economic paradigm and to position it as a key driver of national growth.”
A central feature of the Act is its effort to balance the need to ensure the safety of “high-impact AI” with the promotion of industrial development. BANG noted, “Unlike the European Union’s AI Act, Korea has adopted a flexible regulatory framework that prioritizes voluntary safety measures by companies, combined with ex post oversight.” He explained that this approach is intended to create an environment in which domestic companies can focus on innovation without being constrained by excessive regulation.
In addition, the government has established the Presidential National AI Strategy Committee as a control tower to ensure consistent, whole-of-government policy implementation. BANG emphasized, “The AI Basic Act will serve as a strong foundation for enhancing the overall competitiveness of the AI ecosystem, while protecting public safety, through initiatives such as technology standardization, support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the development of AI clusters.”
In line with these developments, LIN LLC will continue to provide specialized global legal advisory services to support both domestic and international companies in conducting their AI-related businesses with stability and confidence.
For further details, please refer to the original article below.
ABLJ
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Korea’s new AI Basic Act: Characteristics and significance | Law.asia
AI governance in Asia: New laws to regulate artificial intelligence | Law.asia
LIN LLC Honored at ‘Korea Law Firm Awards 2025’ for Excellence in AI & Patent Litigation
Asia Business Law Journal’s Korea Law Firm Awards 2025 recognized LIN LLC as the winner in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Patent Litigation category, acknowledging the firm’s advanced legal expertise in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
LIN has been at the forefront of delivering proactive and innovative legal solutions to complex challenges in artificial intelligence—at the core of digital transformation—including data privacy, algorithmic ethics, and regulatory compliance for generative AI.
In particular, Sung Hoon Kim, CEO of AI specialist company Upstage, commented, “Tae Eon (Ted) Koo not only has a deep understanding of AI, but also develops highly persuasive legal strategies, leading the way in AI legal solutions.” He added that this award is a natural reflection of LIN’s expertise and innovative mindset.
In addition to its AI practice, LIN has successfully handled highly complex patent litigation, a core pillar of intellectual property protection, grounded in its deep technological understanding. Notably, the firm is representing Autoliv, a Sweden-based global supplier of automotive safety systems, in a closely watched airbag patent dispute against Hyundai Mobis, a case expected to help reduce uncertainty within Korea’s automotive parts sector.
Building on this expertise, LIN LLC has recorded remarkable growth, expanding its revenue from KRW 1.1 billion in its founding year of 2017 to KRW 38 billion in 2024. More recently, the firm has accelerated efforts to strengthen its competitiveness through strategic expansion, including a merger with real estate boutique law firm DAEJI LAW and ongoing merger discussions with BARUN LAW.
This award reaffirms LIN’s position as a trusted partner that goes beyond traditional legal practice, protecting clients’ core assets and supporting successful business outcomes through sophisticated, technology-driven legal expertise.
For further details, please refer to the original article below.
Original article:
ABLJ
KOR : https://law.asia/ko/korea-top-law-firms-2025
ENG : https://law.asia/korea-top-law-firms-2025
