K&L Gates rejuvenates its South Korean leadership naming Tyler Hong Shik Won as the Seoul office’s managing partner replacing Eric Yoon, who has been in the role since the opening in the country in 2012.
Having practised in Washington, Won advises both Korean and international clients on IP-related issues, including those involving trade secret compliance and litigation, as well as international trade and antitrust. He has also advised on renewable energy projects, M&A, project finance, employment, litigation, and anti-corruption-related issues.
“With many Korean companies expanding into the US and seeking avenues for growth in the US markets, there will be ever-greater opportunities to advise them on US economic and federal tax incentives, as well as on other US and global political issues,” Won told Asia Business Law Journal.
“We have a long history of advising Korean clients entering into US markets and have assisted them with diverse projects across many states and we expect to see similar opportunities in the future.”
With major Korean companies expanding across the globe, Won anticipated more cross-border mandates in the coming years, including but not limited to international arbitration, litigation, investment, M&A, and patent work.
“To expand the firm’s presence in Korea, we seek to maximise synergies among individuals, offices, and practice groups,” he added.
“We will also be ready to expand our team with other talented professionals. Our Korean business initiatives are of increasing importance to the firm and our local presence in Seoul coupled with our ability to connect clients to our robust global platform ensures that we can provide our clients with strategic guidance in Korea, regionally across Asia and beyond.”
Following Won’s appointment, Yoon will continue as a partner with the firm in Seoul and New York.
