On the 31st, Law Firm YK revealed its strategic move to enhance its capabilities by appointing Professor Kim Hwa-jin from Seoul National University School of Law as an advisor. Professor Kim is widely acknowledged as a leading expert in the realms of corporate governance and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues in South Korea.
김화진 법무법인 YK 고문 [사진=법무법인 YK]
Professor Kim is recognized as a pioneering scholar in Korean corporate law, combining a deep understanding of institutional frameworks with practical consulting expertise. His academic journey began with a mathematics degree from Seoul National University and continued with a Master of Laws from Harvard Law School and a Doctorate in Law from the University of Munich, Germany. He has been an influential figure in the international academic landscape, having taught corporate governance at prestigious institutions such as the University of Michigan, Stanford University, Tel Aviv University, and New York University. His scholarly work, published in journals from Oxford and Cambridge, further underscores his impact. In addition to his academic endeavors, he chairs the Board at Samsung Securities and serves as a 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 outstanding academic contributions by Korea's National Academy of Sciences and are considered essential texts in governance studies.
Professor Kim has actively engaged in the design of institutions and provided policy advice 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. His current focus includes enhancing board operations, strengthening internal controls, responding to ESG regulations, and implementing effective shareholder protection measures at companies like Samsung Securities and Hyundai Mobis. He has also previously held the role of outside director and Chairman of the ESG Committee at HD Hyundai and contributed to the Hyundai Memorial Project Committee for the 20th anniversary of Asan Chung Ju-yung, culminating in the publication of "Asan Chung Ju-yung Legacy" (2021) at Seoul National University, which attracted considerable attention.
During an event on the 11th, a seminar focused on amendments to commercial law co-hosted by YK and the Korea In-house Counsel Association, Professor Kim addressed the topic "The Future of Korean Corporate Governance and Amended Commercial Law." He emphasized that while the progression of ESG, shareholder protection, and changes to commercial law are positive steps, it is crucial to evaluate the nation's capacity to effectively implement these changes.
In his new role at YK, Professor Kim is anticipated to provide targeted guidance on various critical issues. These include navigating disputes and damage claims arising from commercial law amendments, assessing shareholder protection in the context of management rights sales, refining board operations and internal controls, and crafting corporate strategies amidst the institutionalization of ESG.
YK conveyed that Professor Kim's addition comes at a pivotal time when commercial law changes and ESG regulations are increasingly significant. This move is seen as a vital means of equipping corporate clients to meet upcoming institutional challenges. YK is optimistic that with Professor Kim's extensive academic knowledge and practical experience, he will offer valuable insights to aid in the corporate decision-making process.