On the 31st, Law Firm YK proudly announced the addition of Professor Kim Hwa-jin from Seoul National University School of Law, a preeminent expert in Korea's corporate governance and ESG sectors, as an advisor to their team.
김화진 법무법인 YK 고문 [사진=법무법인 YK]
Renowned as a pioneering figure in the realm of corporate law in Korea, Professor Kim is celebrated for his profound understanding and innovative contributions. With a solid educational foundation, he completed his undergraduate studies in Mathematics at Seoul National University before advancing to earn a Master of Laws from Harvard Law School and a Doctorate in Law from the University of Munich, Germany. His academic influence extends globally, having imparted knowledge on corporate governance across prestigious institutions such as the University of Michigan, Stanford University, Tel Aviv University, and New York University. His scholarly works have graced the pages of Oxford and Cambridge journals. Beyond academia, he holds significant roles in the corporate world, serving as Chairman of the Board at Samsung Securities and Senior Outside Director at Hyundai Mobis. His notable publications, including "Ownership and Management" (2005), "Mergers and Acquisitions" (2008), and "Corporate Governance and Corporate Finance" (2010), have been recognized as exemplary academic contributions by the National Academy of Sciences of Korea, establishing themselves as foundational texts in governance studies.
Professor Kim's influence extends into the realm of institutional design and policy consultation. He has played key roles as Chairman of the Governance Improvement Advisory Committee of the National Pension Service, Chairman of the Voting Rights Committee of the Korea ESG Standards Institute, and as a public director for the Korea Financial Investment Association. Currently, he is actively engaging with critical issues at Samsung Securities and Hyundai Mobis, focusing on enhancing board operations, internal control systems, and crafting responses to ESG regulations while developing frameworks for shareholder protection. His past roles include serving as an outside director and Chairman of the ESG Committee at HD Hyundai. He also contributed to the Hyundai Memorial Project Committee on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Asan Chung Ju-yung, culminating in the publication of "Asan Chung Ju-yung Legacy" (2021) at Seoul National University, a work that garnered significant public interest.
During a seminar co-hosted by YK and the Korea In-house Counsel Association on the 11th, which focused on the amendments in commercial law, Professor Kim delivered a compelling presentation on "The Future of Korean Corporate Governance and Amended Commercial Law." He articulated a thoughtful perspective, asserting that while the initiatives toward ESG, shareholder protection, and commercial law reforms are promising, the country must critically assess its preparedness to effectively manage these changes.
Within Law Firm YK, Professor Kim is poised to offer expert guidance on navigating the complexities brought about by commercial law amendments. His role will involve advising on contentious issues at shareholder meetings, addressing lawsuits related to damages, and safeguarding the interests of general shareholders during management rights transactions. Additionally, he will focus on optimizing board dynamics, enhancing internal controls, and formulating strategic corporate responses as ESG frameworks become more institutionalized.
Law Firm YK commented on Professor Kim's timely recruitment, highlighting its significance in an era marked by burgeoning commercial law amendments and ESG regulations. They anticipate that Professor Kim's rich blend of academic insight and practical experience will equip corporate clients to surmount institutional challenges and facilitate sound decision-making processes.