By Chung & Partners, a Korean Law Firm

If you are doing business in Korea—or simply living here—what appears to be a “local” legal issue can quickly develop into a cross-border dispute. Cargo may be released without proper documents. A Korean counterparty may demand payment under a bond you believed was limited in scope. An employment structure that seemed administratively convenient may later become a statutory wage dispute.

Below are several relatively recent decisions of the Korean Supreme Court that are particularly relevant to foreign companies, overseas investors, and expatriates in Korea. Each case is briefly summarized, followed by a practical comment on what it means for foreign parties—because in real disputes, that practical implication is what ultimately matters.

Disclaimer: This post is for general information, not legal advice. Facts matter a lot in Korean litigation. (more…)