The Korean Supreme Court, in an en banc ruling, held that tattooing performed by non-medical professionals is not an unlicensed medical practice. The Court overturned prior Supreme Court precedents that deemed tattooing an unlicensed medical practice. The Supreme Court of
IPG Legal
IPG Legal is a law firm specializing in Korean law, providing expert opinions and legal services primarily for foreign courts, law firms, and international clients involved in cross-border litigation, arbitration, and transactions related to Korea. The firm offers expertise in a wide range of Korean legal areas including corporate and commercial law, contract law, employment and labor law, criminal law, family and inheritance law, real estate, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance. IPG Legal frequently assists with matters such as the Hague Child Abduction Convention, Korean labor standards, criminal defense, and the interpretation of Korean statutes and judicial precedents. The firm also addresses practical legal challenges faced by foreign nationals and businesses operating in Korea.
Trends in the Korean Civil Litigation System (2026)
By Sean Hayes
The past year has been unusually active for dispute resolution in Korea. The most important developments concern attorney-client privilege, constitutional review of final court judgments, arbitration rules, and corporate-governance reforms that are likely to generate more shareholder and board-level disputes.…
Succeeding in Business in Korea by Tom Coyner Business Advisor for IPG Legal
By Sean Hayes
Since 1977, I have observed the rise and fall of many foreign companies in South Korea. I have witnessed the trials and tribulations as a bank employee, a high-tech salesman, a country manager, and as a business consultant of foreign…
Korean Intellectual Property Theft Enforcement/Monitoring Program by IPG Legal
By Sean Hayes
Because of an increase in interest from clients in flat-fee services, we have created a Flat-Fee Billed IP Theft Enforcement & Monitoring Program for our Korea & China offices. The fee scale is based primarily on the following factors:
- Geographical
…
Dealing with Korean Employees and Suppliers by Tom Coyner
By Sean Hayes
*This is a post by Tom Coyner from nearly two decades ago. We thought that, given recent employment law changes in Korea, the post would be a useful repost.
Even for so-called Old Korean Hands, knowing what to expect, without…
So Young YOON and Sean HAYES appeared on Canadian TV: How a B.C. romance scam victim is coping behind bars in South Korea as trial approaches
By Sean Hayes
Sean Hayes and So Young Yoon appeared on CTV in a criminal matter in Korea, which IPG Legal is assisting with on a reduced-fee basis, as we believe is part of our duty to the Korean legal system and expats…
Korean Custom Clearance Jurisprudence at the Supreme Court of Korea: “Real Doll” Harm to Public Morals Case
By Sean Hayes
The Supreme Court of Korea ruled that the withholding of customs clearance by a Korean customs office for the importation of “real dolls” into Korea was unlawful ( 2021du49857 ). The Korean customs office held that the prohibition was justified because,…
Korean Constitutional Court Upholds Use of Video Testimony for Disabled Sexual Assault Victims: Korea’s Confrontation Clause Jurisprudence
By Sean Hayes
The Constitutional Court of Korea upheld the constitutionality of a controversial evidentiary provision permitting the use of pre-recorded video statements of certain sexual assault victims. In a split 4–5 decision (Case No. 2023Heonga20), the Court declined to invalidate Article 30(6)…
Amendment to Korean Constitional Court Act
By Sean Hayes
In February 2026, the Constitutional Court Act of Korea was amended to allow constitutional complaints against court judgments. Prior to this amendment, court judgments were excluded from the scope of Constitutional Court review. The author of this article is the…
Korean Supreme Court Limits Enforceability of Trust Registers Against Third Parties
By Sean Hayes
The Korean Supreme Court, in Decision 2022Da233164 (February 13, 2025), significantly limited the extent to which provisions in Korean trust agreements that were attached to trust registrations may be enforced against third parties. This decision clarifies a long-standing uncertainty in…