Jae Hun Kim, a partner at JHK Law, previously practiced in the areas of international transaction, M&A and finance at KIM & CHANG for many years. Mr. Kim has been engaged in many high profile matters that include cross border transactions, complex restructuring deals, and takeovers. He has been noted as one of the best lawyers with both knowledge and practical skills specialized in international trade. Mr. Kim is a graduate of Seoul National University (LL.B., 1988 and LL.M., 1991) and was a visiting scholar at George Washington University. Mr. Kim is also a regular contributor to scholarly journals and newspapers. He wrote a wisdom sharing book on how to be a successful lawyer.
Practice Areas
Strategic Legal Consulting
International Litigation and Arbitration
Cross-border investment transactions
Mergers & Acquisitions
Education
George Washington University,
Graduate School of Education and Human Development,
Advanced Studies Program for Visiting Scholars,
Washington D.C., U.S.A., 2001
Seoul National University,
Graduate School of Law, Seoul, Korea, MA, 1991
Seoul National University,
College of Law, Seoul, Korea, BA, 1988
Professional Career
Managing Partner, JHK Law offices, 2023~present
Managing Partner, ChunGo LLP, 2013-2022
Legal advisor, Korea Communications Commission, 2008-2009
Commissioner, Sungbuk-Ku Election Commission, 2005-2008
Attorney, Kim & Keyes, 2003-2010
Director, Academy for Export Credit Insurance, 1999-2000
Legal Advisor, Korea International Trade Association, 1998-2000
Attorney, Kim & Chang, 1994-2002
Judicial Research and Training Institute,
The Supreme Court of Korea, 1994
Admitted to bar, Korea, 1991
Representative Matters
Jae Hun Kim is a seasoned attorney with a distinguished record of advising and representing a broad range of international and domestic clients in high-stakes legal matters across multiple jurisdictions. Known for his strategic judgment and cross-border expertise, he is a trusted counsel in complex litigation and transactional matters.
Mr. Kim’s experience includes representing a Japanese public company in an international cartel investigation by the Korea Fair Trade Commission, navigating sophisticated regulatory issues with global antitrust implications. In a separate insolvency proceeding, he acted for a U.S.-based terminal operator pursuing claims against Hanjin Shipping.
He has appeared before the Supreme Court of Korea on behalf of Royal Insurance Company, a leading UK-based insurer, asserting claims against a Korean shipping company—demonstrating his ability to represent foreign interests at the highest judicial level. He also represented Monjasa S/A, a Danish marine fuel trader, in vessel arrest proceedings against a German shipping firm, and advised a U.S. investor in a convertible bond dispute involving a Korean issuer. His advisory work extends to investor-state arbitration, where he counseled a U.S. entity on treaty-based claims.
In the non-profit sector, Mr. Kim has supported the Korean operations of major international NPOs such as the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Samaritan’s Purse, and UCKG HelpCentre UK, ensuring regulatory compliance while advancing their global missions.
In corporate litigation and governance, he represented MARK IV Automotive, a multinational company headquartered in Italy, in a legal action before Singapore courts against the CEO of its local subsidiary. He has also advised a Hong Kong-based firm on a cross-border stock pledge transaction with a Chinese entity, and assisted PyungChang Construction Inc. in executing an investment agreement with Luxembourg-based GMH S.A.
Mr. Kim has played a key role in international arbitration, including advising LG Caltex Gas in a London-seated ICC arbitration involving a dispute with China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and its subsidiary. His transactional experience includes advising a Korean firm on its M&A with a U.S. manufacturer and leading legal strategy in the acquisition of the Ferrari & Maserati franchise in Korea.
He has also advised Kumho P&B Chemicals on its acquisition of shares in a Chinese joint venture and represented Dongbu Steel in resolving a joint venture dispute in Venezuela. His representation of Kolon Corporation in a letter of credit dispute before the Nanning Local Court in China further underscores his cross-border litigation strength.
In the U.S., Mr. Kim has represented a Korean manufacturer in federal litigation against a U.S. trading company and advised another Korean company in securing an equity investment from a U.S.-based private equity firm.
Domestically, he represented Dreamhub Project Financing Company—the consortium behind the Yongsan International District Development Project—in litigation against KORAIL concerning major infrastructure issues. He also defended Ssangyong Corporation in a dispute with Korea Export Insurance Corporation.
In the financial sector, he played a pivotal role in representing Coavis Co., Ltd. in its high-profile litigation against Citibank over the KIKO currency option contracts, a landmark case in Korea’s financial law history. He has also advised on shareholder disputes involving listed companies and supported the strategic expansion of one of Korea’s largest shopping complex operators into the Chinese market.
Throughout his career, Mr. Kim has demonstrated a rare blend of legal sophistication, international fluency, and strategic insight. His ability to navigate the intricacies of Korean and international legal systems enables him to deliver precise and practical solutions to clients operating in today’s interconnected global environment.