Business · Companies · 2 hrs ago
Kim & Chang chief says firms need broader cross-border legal support
Kim & Chang chief lawyer Jung Kye-sung says global business risks are multiplying, including sanctions, export controls and trade disputes.
The South Korean law firm has expanded from advising on foreign investment into Korea to coordinating legal help for clients working across borders.
Companies may need to check sanctions, permits and local rules before entering a market, so firms need joined-up advice across countries and specialties.
Kim & Chang has formed new teams and centers for areas including tax, financial risks, data centers and advanced industries.
Jung said prolonged investigations can disrupt company activity, including by affecting bids or visa applications for executives.
He said the firm will watch how changes to South Korea’s criminal justice system affect legal practice, while using AI to handle repetitive work and leave legal judgment to experienced lawyers.
Kim & Chang managing partner Jeong Gye-seong says firms need integrated legal support across countries and areas of law as global business risks multiply.
He said companies now need to assess issues such as sanctions, export controls, tariffs, trade disputes and supply chains before expanding overseas.
Jeong said the law firm works with foreign firms to coordinate cross-border matters and offer clients integrated services.
He said prolonged investigations or trials can disrupt business activity, including by affecting bidding and overseas visa applications.
Kim & Chang uses generative AI tools to support lawyers’ work, while emphasizing information security and professional judgment.
- Who
- Jeong Gye-seong, managing partner of Kim & Chang.
- What
- He said firms need broader, integrated cross-border legal support as global business issues become more complex.
- When
- He was interviewed on October 22, 2026; Yonhap published the story on November 14, 2026.
- Where
- Kim & Chang’s office in Seoul, South Korea.
- Why
- Global factors such as geopolitical risk, sanctions, export controls, tariffs and supply-chain issues increasingly affect businesses.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Kim & Chang was established.
Jeong Gye-seong joined Kim & Chang as its first associate lawyer.
Jeong gave an interview to Yonhap at Kim & Chang’s Seoul office.
Yonhap published its interview with Jeong.
- Firm founded
- Kim & Chang was established in 1973.
- Jeong’s start
- Joined the firm in 1976 as its first associate lawyer.
- Interview date
- October 22, 2026.
- Financial Risk Consulting Center
- Kim & Chang launched the center with more than 100 specialists.
- AI tools
- The firm mainly uses Harvey and Gemini Enterprise.
What people are saying
Law firms need to analyze the laws and regulations of several countries comprehensively, help clients make decisions and offer workable solutions.
When an investigation or trial is under way, business activities can be disrupted.
The purpose of introducing AI is to support lawyers’ professional judgment and provide clients with more efficient legal services.