Attorney CHOI, Jin Hyuk graduated from Kyunghee University Law School and passed the bar exam in 2013. He is currently a partner at Barun Law LLC. As an undergraduate, he studied at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), majoring in computer science, and received his master’s degree in computer science in 2001, after which he worked for more than 10 years at major IT companies, including SK Telecom and NHN, gaining valuable hands-on experience concerning IT technology and corporate culture. In addition, he also has experience working at an overseas law firm, as he was seconded to Quahe Woo & Palmer LLC, a law firm in Singapore, from 2018 to 2019. Recently, he also has experience working at Krust Universe Pte, which is an affiliated company of Kakao Corp., specializing in blockchain development.

Based on his knowledge he has gained from studying computer science in university and working with large IT companies, Mr. Choi has handled various advisory and litigation cases concerning IT business, such as patent right disputes, copyright infringement due to illegal use of software, dummyinfringement of intellectual property rights and trade secret matters, including matters related to license agreements signed between a Korean company and an overseas company, creation of online gambling system, creation of online shopping mall by an overseas company, use and conversion of game money, and consulting on blockchain. He is one of the rare types of lawyers in Korea, who is equipped with the level of expertise to analyze source codes. Utilizing his experience gained from working at IT companies for over 10 years, he has successfully carried out numerous cases involving management rights disputes, mergers and acquisitions between various types of companies, from construction companies to venture companies, and other labor-related and general corporate advisory matters, and today, he provides high-quality legal services to clients, always aiming to meet their needs, in handling various cases for individuals and companies in financial transactions in Korea and abroad, including foreign direct investments and conducting due diligence.

Mr. Choi is always ready to provide expert legal services in various legal matters, including intellectual property rights, corporate matters, labor, foreign direct investment, and financial transactions in Korea and abroad.

Fourth Industry

- Advised on various contracts needed to conduct blockchain business, including simple agreement for future tokens (SAFT) and contracts for tokens swap, tokens grant, and various other services and investments

- Advised on corporate and business structures in Korea and abroad (Singapore, Abu Dhabi) for blockchain business

- Prepared a legal memo on the securitization of a foreign blockchain company and advised on overseas licensing

- Advised on relocation of a Korean blockchain company overseas, shareholders’ agreement and employee stock ownership plans (ESOP)

- Advised on security token offerings (STO) of stable coins and their business viability in Korea

Information Technology

- Advised a broadcasting company on big data business

- Advised an overseas company on creating and operating an online shopping mall

- Advised company K, a credit card payment agency

- Provided corporate advisory service to broadcasting company K, home shopping company H and a local broadcasting company C

- Advised on technology development agreements and protection of personal data

IP Advisory and Litigation

- Advised on response measures against claims on illegal infringement of software

- Advised on a license agreement between an overseas company and a Korean company

- Advised on response measures against Company D’s infringement of design right and represented in the related lawsuit

- Represented in a copyright infringement lawsuit over the use of an IT system software

- Represented in a copyright infringement lawsuit between a well-known YouTube channel C and an animation company

- Represented in a lawsuit involving a claim for damages against illegal use of software

Trdae Secrets

- Represented in a case involving a claim for damages due to infringement of trade secrets by a subcontractor of a chemical company

- Represented in a case involving a claim for damages due to infringement of trade secrets by an employee of an auto parts exporter

Management Rights Disputes

- Advised company P, an asset management company on management rights disputes

- Provided advice to and represented the company that operates golf club course B with respect to defending management rights

- Provided advice to and represented scrap metal company D with respect to defending management rights

- Advised civil engineering and

- Advised local broadcasting company C on defending management rights

M&A/Corporate Governance

- Provided advice to Sambu Engineering & Construction on M&A

- Provided advice to cement company D on M&A

- Provided advice with respect to a merger between a global logistics company and its subsidiary

- Provided advice with respect to assignment of assets between a renowned global clothing and accessories company C and a Korean franchise company L

Cross-Border Trade/Investment

- Provided advice on cross-border investment in real estate

- Provided advice on direct investment in a Singapore entity

- Provided advice to company M on the incorporation of a branch office overseas and investment

- Conducted due diligence on overseas private equity funds in Italy and Britain, etc

- Provided advice on foreign exchange-related foreign direct investments, stock acquisition reports, etc.