Firms To Watch: Tax: local firms

The tax group at Baker McKenzie & KL Partners Joint Venture Law Firm was established in September 2024, with Jangwoon John Kwak, an expert in the tax aspects of cross-border corporate transactions and investments, and Duk Won Suh, acting for inbound and outbound clients, leading the team.

Tax: local firms in South Korea

Kim & Chang

Kim & Chang offers clients a comprehensive range of tax services, covering tax planning, mergers and acquisitions, local tax litigation, international tax disputes, and other Korean tax issues from business inception to exit. Additionally, the firm maintains an active transfer pricing and customs practice, where Tae-Yeon Nam is a key advisor. A core focus of Jae Young Lyu‘s practice is structuring tax-efficient transactions in cross-border M&A, while Jisoo Lee adds vast experience in tax audits to the team, and Seung Jong Yang is a crucial contact for international tax matters; the three jointly lead the team. Woo Hyun Baik concentrates on finance and general tax consulting, and Byung Moon Jung specialises in tax audits. With a background in both the National Tax Service and the judiciary, Sang Woo Lee handles tax and customs disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Jisoo Lee; Jae Young Lyu; Seung Jong Yang


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Woo Hyun Baik; Byung Moon Jung; Sang Woo Lee; Jong Hyun Park


Referenzen

‘Jong Hyun Park and his team have an immense amount of experience and are very competent when providing tax advice. The team also provides prompt response with a very detailed explanation.’

‘From my experience, Jong Hyun Park is probably the go-to person in the industry. He definitely knows the content very well and engages in every step of the process to provide client satisfaction.’

‘The team members take pride in their areas of expertise and are dedicated to their work. They have strong connections with the government and excellent communication skills with clients. Despite a heavy workload, they remain resilient, respond sincerely to client demands, and provide prompt service.’

Kernmandanten

Goldman Sachs


LG Electronics Inc.


Citibank


CJ


Morgan Stanley


Hyundai Motor Company


Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.


Oracle Korea


SK Hynix


National Oilwell Varco


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented KKR in connection with its redemption of the existing redeemable convertible preferred shares (RCPS) issued by SK E&S and its acquisition of RCPS newly issued by E&S City Gas and E&S City Gas Busan.
  • Advised Hahn & Company on the tax aspects of its acquisition of a controlling interest in SK Specialty.
  • Advised Archimed on a take-private transaction involving the acquisition of the 100% stake in Jeisys Medical by way of share acquisition via rollover structure, tender offer and comprehensive share swap.

Lee & Ko

Lee & Ko houses a tax team with expertise spanning all key tax services. The practice is equally skilled at handling tax litigation and appeals and tax audit defence work. The experienced team, led by Ok Hyun Ma and Tom Kwon, includes former judges, Korean and international attorneys, and former government tax officials. As a former judge, Ma lends his expertise to complex tax disputes, while Kwon chiefly concentrates on international tax and the tax aspects of M&A. Sung Hwan Kim is recognised for his broad tax portfolio, overseeing tax litigation, tax planning and compliance. Kyung Tae Kim is a notable name in tax litigation. Steve Minhoo Kim primarily acts in inbound international tax and transfer pricing structuring, and Sang Hoon Kim handles M&A and international and corporate tax.

Praxisleiter:

Ok Hyun Ma; Tom Kwon


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Sung Hwan Kim; Kyung Tae Kim; Steve Minhoo Kim; Sang Hoon Kim; Jae Wung Cho


Referenzen

‘Deep Korean knowledge and insights both from a technical and local practice perspective, as well as an excellent ability to understand quickly the client’s agenda and specific considerations and blend that into the Korean environment to help fashion an approach that will work quickly and comprehensively.’

‘Steve Minhoo Kim is outstanding as a client service partner as well as being technically excellent. He conveys the local issues and context in a way that is really relatable for the client, both delivering the nuances of the local considerations but also knowing the likely different concerns or viewpoints that may be front of mind from a parent company jurisdiction perspective.’

‘I believe the biggest strengths of Lee & Ko’s Tax and customs practice are their loyalty and attentiveness towards the client, as well as their expertise in Korean tax laws. They are highly responsive and harmonious, work as a team, and provide high-quality deliverables with tight due dates.’

Kernmandanten

Daishin Securities Company


Lotte Shopping Co. Ltd.


Lotte Hi-Mart


Lotte Datviet Home Shopping Co., Ltd.


AK Plaza Department Store


Korea Rural Community Corporation


Highlight-Mandate


  • Successfully represented HDC Holdings before the District Court in tax litigation concerning the deductibility of expenses charged by a domestic affiliate, focusing on the fair market value standard.
  • Represented a prominent multinational pharmaceutical company in connection with a non-regular tax audit conducted by the Korean National Tax Service, successfully defending the client against the transfer pricing challenge related to its Korean operations.
  • Represented Lotte Retailers in high-stakes VAT litigation concerning the taxability of customer point/discount programmes, challenging the NTS’s position that such discounts should be included in the VAT base.

Yulchon

Yulchon remains a leader in complex and landmark tax disputes, with recent highlights for the group including the representation of Hankook Tire in a precedent-setting transfer pricing matter before the Tax Tribunal. The department has a robust offering spanning M&A, transfer pricing and international taxation. Group head Young Joon Chun chiefly concentrates on tax dispute settlements and tax consulting, while co-head Kun Jai Kim has a demonstrable track record representing large multinational enterprises in tax litigation. The team benefits from Yun Heui Cho’s additional tax litigation and consulting aptitude, as well as Kyu Dong Kim’s expertise in cross-border transactions and overseas funds investing. With extensive experience in court proceedings from his former career as a judge, Won Gyo Han lends his expertise to tax litigation. Yong Whan Choi works closely with multinational corporations on transfer pricing, restructuring and beneficial ownership, and Min Young Sung focuses on outbound investment. Tae Hyoung Kim and Ellie Jin advise on international taxation.

Praxisleiter:

Young Joon Chun; Kun Jai Kim


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Yun Heui Cho; Kyu Dong Kim; Won Gyo Han; Yong Whan Choi; Min Young Sung; Tae Hyoung Kim; Ellie Jin


Referenzen

‘Let me enumerate what makes this team stand out: 1. Best knowledge/understanding in the relevant business 2. Reasonable billing amount 3. Sincere attitudes of the professionals 4. Accumulated tax knowledge in the best environment 5. Best quality of opinions and a deep dive for the best analysis 6. Best collaboration with ex-tax officers and CPAs internally in Yulchon.’

‘Mr. Yong Whan Choi is an excellent tax professional who responds very promptly in a professional way. He is all around the clock. He serves his client best, and as a client, I always felt I was a very special and important client, as he always gets back with his best services. He is not only very kind but also very diligent with extreme professionalism in tax.’

‘The Yulchon stands out for its exceptional expertise and collaborative culture, offering tailored solutions for clients. Its innovative use of technology and diverse talent enhances service quality, while a transparent billing structure builds trust. These strengths, combined with a client-centric approach, differentiate it from competitors.’

Kernmandanten

Amazon


Google


Microsoft


Qualcomm


Corning


Cadence Design Systems


Koch Industry Group


PTC


Airbnb


Netflix


Agoda


Shutterstock


Bank of America Merrill Lynch


Goldman Sachs


TPG capital


Macquarie


Morgan Stanley


L’Oréal International


UPS


Meritz Alternative Investment Management


Hyundai Asset Management


Mirae Asset Global Investments


Coupang


British American Tobacco


Samsung Electronics


SK Hynix


LG Energy Solutions


Lotte Group


IGIS Asset Management


KTB Investment & Securities


Prudential


Kayak (Hotels Combined)


Société Générale


JP Morgan Chase Bank


Mastern Investment Management


ARA Korea Asset Management


Trescal


Agilent


Certa Insurance Partners


SQM (Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile)


Allianz Capital


Liberty GTS


Applied Materials


Keysight


Novelis


BP (British Petroleum)


Samsung SDS


Samsung Biologics


Samsung Bioepis


Highlight-Mandate


  • Successfully represented Hankook Tire in its Tax Tribunal appeal against the tax authorities’ transfer pricing adjustments.
  • Advised IMM Private Equity on the tax aspects of its acquisition of Ecorbit Co.
  • Advised on Korean tax issues in relation to Blackstone’s sale of its controlling stake in Korea’s drug wholesaler and medical device distributor Geo-Young.

Bae, Kim & Lee LLC

Bae, Kim & Lee LLC is positioned to provide a full range of legal services related to tax, with the team standing out in tax disputes and transfer pricing matters. Practice head Mooyoun Choinvests time to understand not just the legal aspects but also the personal and business circumstances that underlie each case’ relating to tax audits, regulation revisions and tax litigation. Il Young Cho chiefly concentrates on tax and criminal tax litigation, and Cheol Hyung Yu engages closely with clients on tax probes. Seongjun Joo leads the customs practice, advising on free trade agreements and foreign exchange agreements, while Gyuchan Shim acts in tax crime investigations. Maria Chang left the team in July 2025.

Praxisleiter:

Mooyoun Cho


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Il Young Cho; Cheol Hyung Yu; Seongjun Joo; Gyuchan Shim; Tae Kyoon Kim


Referenzen

‘What sets BKL apart is its outstanding combination of specialised expertise, collaborative culture, and commitment to innovation. As a client, I have been consistently impressed by their ability to provide tailored, practical solutions—no matter how complex or specialised my needs.’

‘The tax team keeps the capability of catching the client’s case very efficiently. The team maintains a sound and good relationship with the authorities and expert groups, and it’s able to communicate preemptively with them. The team consists of general attorneys and tax attorneys.’

‘Tae Kyoon Kim, Tax team’s partner, provided the creative idea for the client and communicated well with the authorities and experts in advance.’

Kernmandanten

Affinity Equity Partners


KKR


Ardian Investment


Republic of Korea


GalaxyMoneyTree Co., Ltd.


Samsung Securities


LG Energy Solution


SUNGDAM.


HITEJINRO CO.,LTD.


Korea Environment Corporation


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented Korea Environment Corporation in securing a favourable VAT exemption ruling and a refund of approximately KRW 80 billion by successfully arguing that its services were provided at actual cost.
  • Represented multiple clients, including Samsung Securities, in successfully challenging tax assessments on interest income from borrowed-name accounts, securing favourable rulings at both trial levels and setting a key precedent under the Real Name Act.
  • Represented the Korean tax authority in a civil lawsuit concerning the refund of withheld taxes, successfully defending against a claim for unjust enrichment and clarifying key legal principles on tax withholding, refund rights, and the effect of revoked assessments.

Shin & Kim

Home to a versatile team, Shin & Kim provides a full-service tax offering. Tax controversy is a particular area of strength for the team, where it focuses on tax audits and tax appeals. Je-Heum Baik oversees the team, with a demonstrable track record in corporate tax litigation, while Jinkyu Yoon and Hun-Tae Doh‘s main areas of focus include customs and international tax. Other key practitioners include Hyeon-Jin Kim, who leads the tax advisory and tax investigation team, and Jung Yeol Lee, a name to note for customs matters. Maria Chang joined the team in July 2025 from Bae, Kim & Lee LLC.

Praxisleiter:

Je-Heum Baik


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Jinkyu Yoon; Hun-Tae Doh; Hyeon-Jin Kim; Jung Yeol Lee; Maria Chang


Referenzen

‘What distinguishes this team is its ability to combine deep legal expertise with a strong understanding of regulatory context and practical considerations. Their work is consistently well-structured and tailored, providing clients with clear and actionable advice even in grey or evolving areas of the law.’

‘Among the individuals I have worked with, Mr. Je-heum Baik stands out for his exceptional combination of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and practical judgement. He consistently demonstrates the ability to break down complex legal and tax matters into clear, actionable steps, which adds significant value in high-stakes situations.

‚I recommend Partner Attorney Jung Yeol Lee. He has an understanding of the client’s needs.‘

Kernmandanten

Oracle Korea


GE Capital


Samsung Biologics


Samsung Card


Samsung Heavy Industry


Samsung C&T Co., Ltd.


HD Hyundai Oilbank


HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering


Hanwha Solution


Hanwha Ocean


SK E&S


CJ CheilJedang


DL Group


Hyosung Corporation


Shinhan Asset Management


IGIS Asset Management


LaSalle Investment Management


Kendall Square Asset Management


Subway International B.V.


AIG


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing Oracle in a major tax dispute involving the cancellation of withholding tax on payments to its Irish subsidiary for software imports, and the imposition of corporate tax on intercompany service charges.
  • Representing Shin Hwa World in landmark tax litigation challenging Korea’s first attempt to impose tax on an indirect offshore transfer of shares.
  • Representing major power generation companies in connection with the cancellation of a disposition of refusal to requests for correction of regional development tax assessments.

DR & AJU LLC

Collaborating closely with accounting and tax advisory firms on complex work, DR & AJU LLC provides tax services across all stages, including tax audits, criminal cases and tax litigation. Practice head Shin Hee Kim is a seasoned advisor on tax litigation, customs inspections and corporate succession matters. Kyu Chul Lee engages closely with public authorities on tax litigation and advisory matters, and In Wook Hwang chiefly concentrates on tax litigation, customs and international tax matters. Da Som Lee is noted for his work on tax litigation.

Praxisleiter:

Shin Hee Kim


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Kyu Chul Lee; In Wook Hwang; Da Som Lee


Kernmandanten

Head of NTS Yeongdeungpo District Tax Office


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised the head of the tax authority (defendant) in litigation brought by KB Financial Group challenging the imposition of VAT on interest income received from its subsidiary.

Yoon & Yang LLC

Praised by its diverse client base for its ‘strategic framing, persuasive advocacy and practical insight’, Yoon & Yang LLC has continued to expand its international tax practice with the hires of Jay Shim, Sang Hyun Ryu and Hoanku Lee from Lee & Ko. Wankyu Jeon oversees the department and receives a varied stream of work spanning international taxation to income tax matters. On the tax advisory and strategy front, Oh-Young Jeon is a name to note, as is Yong Taek Kim for tax litigation. Jong Hwa Jung adds additional tax litigation capabilities to the group, while Young Woong Park leads on tax audits and tax planning strategies.

Praxisleiter:

Wankyu Jeon


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Jay Shim; Sang Hyun Ryu; Hoanku Lee; Oh-Young Jeon; Yong Taek Kim; Jong Hwa Jung; Young Woong Park


Referenzen

‘The team’s strength lies in its deep understanding of tax law. Compared to other firms, Yoon & Yang stood out for its strategic framing, persuasive advocacy, and practical insight, ultimately securing a complete win before the Tax Tribunal. Their ability to turn legal complexity into clear, favourable outcomes makes them a highly reliable partner.’

‘Mr. Yong Taek Kim stands out for his sharp legal insight and exceptional command of tax and administrative law. What sets him apart is his ability to analyse both the legal and practical dimensions of a case, crafting arguments that are not only technically sound but also strategically persuasive.’

‘Mr. Yong Taek Kim’s clear communication, deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, and calm yet decisive advocacy before the Tax Tribunal were instrumental in achieving a full victory. His professionalism, precision, and client-focused approach make him truly outstanding among his peers.’

Kernmandanten

Paradise Segasammy Co., Ltd.


British American Tobacco Korea


Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd


Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd


IGIS Asset Management


Hyundai Rotem


Olympus Korea


Shinhan Life


Samsung Electronics Service


SK geo centric


Hyundai Engineering Co., Ltd.


Korea Railroad Corp.


Bukwang Pharm Co Ltd


EEW Korea


Highlight-Mandate


  • Successfully challenged a KRW 8 billion tax assessment on behalf of a luxury hotel chain regarding acquisition and property tax exemptions for a hotel complex in Yeongjong-do.
  • Successfully represented BAT Korea Manufacturing in challenging a KRW 50 billion tax assessment related to the timing of tobacco product clearance before a 2015 tax hike.