On the 31st, Law Firm YK proudly announced the induction of Professor Kim Hwa-jin from the prestigious Seoul National University School of Law. Renowned for his profound expertise in corporate governance and ESG, Professor Kim assumes the role of an advisor, enriching the firm's proficiency in these critical areas.
김화진 법무법인 YK 고문 [사진=법무법인 YK]
Professor Kim stands as a pioneering academic in the realm of corporate law in Korea, merging theoretical acumen with practical consultancy expertise. His academic journey commenced with a degree in Mathematics from Seoul National University, followed by a Master of Laws from the esteemed Harvard Law School, culminating in a Doctorate in Law from the University of Munich, Germany. His influence extends globally, having imparted knowledge on corporate governance at prestigious institutions like the University of Michigan, Stanford University, Tel Aviv University, and New York University. His scholarly contributions are featured in leading journals from Oxford and Cambridge. Currently, he holds significant positions as the Chairman of the Board at Samsung Securities and a Senior Outside Director at Hyundai Mobis. His influential publications, such as "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, serving as seminal texts in the study of governance.
Professor Kim's extensive participation in institutional design and policy consultation is evident through his roles as Chairman of the Governance Improvement Advisory Committee of the National Pension Service and Chairman of the Voting Rights Committee of the Korea ESG Standards Institute, alongside serving as a public director of the Korea Financial Investment Association. His current focus is on addressing pivotal challenges like board functionality, internal controls, ESG regulation adaptation, and implementing shareholder protection strategies at Samsung Securities and Hyundai Mobis. 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, commemorating the 20th anniversary of Asan Chung Ju-yung, leading to the publication of "Asan Chung Ju-yung Legacy" (2021) at Seoul National University, capturing widespread interest.
During a seminar held on the 11th, centered on amendments to commercial law and co-sponsored by YK and the Korea In-house Counsel Association, Professor Kim delivered a presentation titled "The Future of Korean Corporate Governance and Amended Commercial Law." He articulated, "While the directions of ESG, shareholder protection, and commercial law amendments are commendable, we must critically evaluate our capacity to manage these changes effectively."
At Law Firm YK, Professor Kim is anticipated to offer tailored advice on crucial issues. These include navigating disputes arising from shareholder meetings, addressing damages lawsuits post-commercial law amendments, safeguarding general shareholders amidst management rights sales, refining board operations and internal controls, and formulating corporate strategies amidst the evolution of ESG frameworks.
Reflecting on Professor Kim's addition, YK expressed, "His integration into our team at this pivotal moment, marked by the prominence of commercial law amendments and ESG regulations, is of significant importance. We anticipate that his rich academic background and practical field experience will translate into valuable insights for our corporate clients, aiding them in overcoming institutional challenges."