Korean Estate Planning & Asset Protection for International Families and Family Offices with Assets in Korea and Abroad

IPG Legal is one of the leading law firms working in Korea for expats, family offices, and companies doing business in Korea. In the complex and evolving Korean legal, taxation, and business landscape of South Korea, selecting a proactive law firm to handle estate planning and asset protection is crucial. IPG Legal has distinguished itself as one the leading firms in Asian in this field, known for its client-centered approach, internationally experienced attorneys and accountants, and commitment to delivering tailored legal solutions. A Trusted Name in Estate

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Schedule a Free Korean Legal Consultation with IPG Legal -Top-Rated English-Speaking Attorneys in Korea

If you’re facing a legal issue, a business opportunity in South Korea, or simply need trusted guidance on Korean legal matters or business opportunities or challenges, now is the perfect time to speak with experienced legal professionals working in Korea. IPG Legal, a leading international law firm with offices in Seoul, is offering a free initial legal consultation for individuals and businesses seeking legal assistance in Korea. Why Choose IPG Legal? IPG Legal is recognized for its strong commitment to client service, deep understanding of Korean law,

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Damage Compensation at Korean Civil Courts: Calculation Method May be Revised by the end of 2025

Many judges, prosecutors, government attorneys, and other members of the legal system in Korea have expressed public displeasure in the inconsistency of damage awards and the low amount of damages provided in compensation for even intentional torts committed in Korea. We suspect by the end of this year that the “Method for Calculating Appropriate Compensation for Damages by Type of Tort” shall be amended. The Korean Supreme Court formed the Damage Compensation Litigation Research Association (Chairman,  Chief Judge Hyung-Soon PARK). This group held its second meeting in March

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Korean Father Jailed for Six Month for Non-Payment of Korean Child Support Order

A Korean court on Jeju Island in April of 2025 sentenced a Korean father to six months in prison for non-payment of KRW 24,000,000 of child support under Article 27, Paragraph 2, Subparagraph 2 of the Act on Ensuring and Supporting Enforcement of Child Support (Child Support Enforcement Act of Korea). The Child Support Enforcement Act of Korea stipulates that “A person who fails to pay child support obligations within one year from the date of receipt of an order without a justifiable reason despite having received

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Korean Criminal Child Abuse Defendant Found Not Guilty by Korean Courts

South Korea is renowned for its highly competitive and education-centric culture, where parents are deeply invested in their children’s academic success. This intense focus often leads to heightened sensitivity regarding educators’ treatment of their students. In many cases, parents may wrongfully report teachers to the police for actions that are minor or intended as educational guidance for child abuse and like charges. The recent Korean Supreme Court ruling in Case 2021Do13926 highlights the ongoing need to balance the protection of students in Korea with the professional discretion

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A Boutique International Law Firm for Startups and Growing Businesses in Korea led by Sean Hayes

South Korea’s dynamic economy, tech-savvy population, top-notch infrastructure and strong government support for innovation make it one of the most attractive destinations for startups and growing businesses in Asia. Whether you’re launching a small business in Korea or scaling a global brand or franchise into the Korean market, legal strategy and a good business-savvy guide plays a crucial role in success and a softlanding in Korea. IPG Legal is a rated top-tier law firm that is known for guiding startups, entrepreneurs, and growth-stage companies through the complex

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Emergency Martial Law in Korea Explained by Former Con. Law Professor and Korean Constitutional Court Clerk Sean Hayes from IPG Legal

Korean President Yoon Seuk Yeol declared martial law at around 10:30 PM KST on December 3, 2024 under the Korean Martial Law Act. At around 1AM KST on December 4, 2024, the Korean National Assembly voted unanimously to lift martial law (190 out of a total of 300 members). At around 4:27 KST President Yoon Seuk Yeol announced that he is lifting martial law as soon as a quorum existed for a cabinet meeting. He, also, noted he had withdrawn military personnel from the National Assembly. A

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Defacto Single Workplace for Application of Korean Labor Standards Act’s 5 or More Worker Law

The Supreme Court of Korea ruled that it was an unfair dismissal for a Korean corporation that was integrated with a domestic office of an overseas corporation to fire workers for reasons such as business closure. Many workplace protections are only mandated on Korean companies with five or more workers. The following case ruled in favor of an employee in a case where two workplaces were owned by the same company noting that the combined number of workers of both companies equals five workers or more, thus,

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Practical Guide to Firing an Employee in Korea for Cause

Most “employees” in Korea may only be fired for “cause attributable to the employee” or an “urgent managerial need.” An employee terminated in violation of the Korean Labor Standards Act is deemed unlawfully dismissed. An unlawful dismissal in Korea may lead to substantial liabilities to the employer, including having to reinstate the employee with back pay, fines, labor compliance audits, the scorn of the Korean Ministry of Employment & Labor, and legal costs. The following article is intended for employers with employees in Korea that are interested

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Profile of Sean Hayes

Sean Hayes is a Street-Smart International Business Professional, former Law Professor, Investor, Entrepreneur & NY Lawyer that was, recently, rated a Top 100 lawyer for international law, and IPG Legal was rated Top Dispute Law of the Year for Korea. Sean Hayes is the first non-Korean employed by the Korean Court System (Constitutional Court of Korea) and one of the first non-Koreans to be a full-time regular member of a Korean law faculty. Sean is, often, quoted by the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and

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