The recent Coupang personal information leak incident has renewed discussion in Korea on the scope and effectiveness of punitive damages under Korea’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and also the extension of punitive damages beyond this act. Although the statute
The Korean Law Blog
The Korean Law Blog, published by IPG Legal, focuses on the application and interpretation of Korean law in cross-border litigation, arbitration, and international transactions. It covers expert opinions on Korean corporate, commercial, contract, employment, labor, criminal, family, inheritance, real estate, trust, intellectual property, and technology transfer laws. The blog also addresses procedural and substantive issues in Korean criminal defense, labor standards, and employment discipline. Comparative legal analyses, such as differences between Korean and U.S. free speech protections, are featured. Practical guidance on hiring independent contractors and structuring distribution or agency agreements in Korea is also provided, targeting foreign counsel, businesses, and courts dealing with Korean legal matters.
Latest from The Korean Law Blog - Page 5
Why Using an Uncontrolled & Monitored Korean Local Director/Representative Director Is Dangerous for Foreign Investors in Korea
By Sean Hayes
Foreign investors entering Korea are often told they “need a local director,” “because that’s how things are done here. On paper, this looks harmless. In reality, appointing a representative director, sole director, or director you do not genuinely supervise or…
Marriage Annulments Possible in Korea? Intention of the Marriage Potential Factor in Korean Court’s Annulment Decision
By Sean Hayes
Annulments have been nearly impossible to obtain in Korea when parties have voluntarily married, and the marriage was properly registered. However, Korean courts have recently been willing to entertain colorful arguments in some cases. An annulment in South Korea voids the…
Traits of a Great Korean Criminal Defense Lawyer in Korea: Hiring a Defense Lawyer in South Korea
By Sean Hayes
There are only a few great Korean criminal defense lawyers serving expats in Korea due to the nature of the Korean criminal justice system, ongoing conflicts, and other legal realities. In Korea, in all cases, where you are accused of
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Prohibited Korean Industries for Foreign Individuals and Companies Doing Business and Investing in Korea
By Sean Hayes
Under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act of Korea and its enforcement decree, investments by foreign enterprises and individuals are prohibited in the following industries. Please consult with an attorney in Korea if you intend to conduct business or invest in…
U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practice Act Basics for Companies Doing Business in Korea
By Sean Hayes
If you are working for a U.S. company with operations in Korea or for a company headquartered in most other developed economies, you may be subject to anti-corruption laws in both your home jurisdiction and Korea. Violations often occur unintentionally…
Distribution Agreements in Korea: Crawl before you Walk
By Sean Hayes
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 a Distributor in Korea. Please read that post in
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Korea’s Criminal Electronic Filing System: Key Takeaways for Korean Defense Attorneys & Defendants
By Sean Hayes
Korea’s criminal justice system is undergoing one of the most significant procedural shifts in its modern history. With the introduction of the criminal electronic filing system in Korea on October 10, 2025, Korea has taken a significant step toward a…
Bonuses/Special Allowances Paid to Non-Striking Korean Workers Deemed Not an Unfair Labor Practice or Union Interference by Seoul Administrative Court: Lessons for Companies Doing Business in Korea
By Sean Hayes
The Seoul Administrative Court (2024GuHap3647) held that a manufacturing company’s payment of special allowances (bonus-like payments) to non-striking employees is not an unfair trade practice under Korea’s Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act. The decision overturned a retrial ruling…
Korean Insurance Fraud: Supreme Court of Korea Holds Concealing the Full Details of an Accident Insurance Fraud
By Sean Hayes
The Supreme Court of Korea has held that concealing the full circumstances of an electric kickboard accident constitutes insurance fraud in Korea. On September 25, 2025, the Korean Supreme Court’s 3rd Criminal Division (Presiding Justice Noh Kyung-pil) reversed an acquittal…