On the 31st, Law Firm YK proudly revealed the addition of Professor Kim Hwa-jin from Seoul National University School of Law to their team as an esteemed advisor. Professor Kim is celebrated for his profound expertise in corporate governance and ESG issues, marking him as a leading authority within these fields across Korea.
[김화진 법무법인 YK 고문 - Photo courtesy of Law Firm YK]
Professor Kim stands out as a pioneering scholar in the realm of corporate law education in Korea. His academic journey began with a degree in Mathematics from Seoul National University, followed by a Master of Laws from the prestigious Harvard Law School, and culminating in a Doctorate in Law from the University of Munich, Germany. His scholarly pursuits have transcended borders, with teaching engagements at renowned institutions like the University of Michigan, Stanford University, Tel Aviv University, and New York University, while his research has been disseminated through esteemed publications from Oxford and Cambridge. Currently, he holds significant positions such as the Chairman of the Board at Samsung Securities and a Senior Outside Director at Hyundai Mobis. His notable works, including "Ownership and Management" (2005), "Mergers and Acquisitions" (2008), and "Corporate Governance and Corporate Finance" (2010), have been acclaimed by the National Academy of Sciences of Korea and stand as seminal texts in governance studies.
Professor Kim's influence extends beyond academia into institutional and policy consultancy. As the Chairman of the Governance Improvement Advisory Committee of the National Pension Service, Chairman of the Voting Rights Committee at the Korea ESG Standards Institute, and as a public director for the Korea Financial Investment Association, he has significantly shaped policy directions. Currently, he is engaged in addressing critical issues such as the enhancement of board operations, strengthening internal controls, and bolstering shareholder protection at Samsung Securities and Hyundai Mobis. His prior roles have encompassed serving as an outside director and Chairman of the ESG Committee at HD Hyundai and participating in the Hyundai Memorial Project Committee, which commemorated the 20th anniversary of Asan Chung Ju-yung with the publication of "Asan Chung Ju-yung Legacy" (2021) at Seoul National University, capturing widespread attention.
During a seminar held on the 11th, organized by YK in collaboration with the Korea In-house Counsel Association, Professor Kim delivered an insightful presentation titled "The Future of Korean Corporate Governance and Amended Commercial Law." He underscored the importance of pursuing ESG objectives, enhancing shareholder protection, and amending commercial law, while also emphasizing the critical evaluation of whether current capacities are adequate to manage these developments effectively.
As Professor Kim steps into his advisory role at YK, he is anticipated to offer nuanced guidance on a range of issues. These include strategies for managing disputes and damages lawsuits arising from commercial law amendments, safeguarding general shareholder interests during management rights transfers, refining board processes, and crafting corporate strategies amidst the institutionalization of ESG practices.
Law Firm YK expressed that the inclusion of Professor Kim is particularly timely given the increasing prominence of commercial law amendments and ESG regulations. His arrival is seen as pivotal in equipping corporate clients to navigate these institutional challenges effectively. The firm conveyed their optimism, noting that Professor Kim's vast academic and practical experience will be invaluable in providing actionable advice to inform corporate decision-making processes.