Jin & Kim, PLC | Legal Blog

Jin & Kim, PLC is an international law firm based in Busan, South Korea, providing bilingual legal services in Korean and English for foreign companies and individuals.

This blog offers practical guidance on Korean law and cross-border matters, helping foreign clients navigate legal procedures and real-world issues.

If you are looking for an English-speaking lawyer in Busan or legal assistance in Korea, you may submit your inquiry through the Contact page of this blog.

Initial responses are FREE OF CHARGE for inquiries submitted through the Contact page.

Can Cargo Be Released Without the Original Bill of Lading in Korea?

Short AnswerPotentially, yes.In Korea, cargo is sometimes released without presentation of the original bill of lading (B/L) in situations involving LOIs (Letters of Indemnity), delayed shipping documents, telex release procedures, or ongoing commercial relationships.However, where a negotiable or transferable bill of lading structure exists, releasing cargo without proper surrender of the origi..

Can a Foreign Company Appoint a Foreign Director in Korea Without a Local Korean Director?

Short AnswerGenerally, yes.For a Korean corporation or Korean subsidiary, Korean law does not generally require a Korean citizen or Korean resident to serve as a director or representative director solely because the company operates in Korea.Accordingly, foreign-invested companies commonly appoint foreign nationals as directors or representative directors of Korean subsidiaries in Korea without..

Can Foreign Companies Conduct Internal Workplace Investigations in Korea?— What Employers Should Know About HR, Compliance, and Employee Misconduct

Short AnswerGenerally, yes.In Korea, employers may generally conduct internal workplace investigations involving:employee misconductworkplace harassmentsexual harassment allegationscompliance violationstrade-secret issueswhistleblower complaintsfraud concernsHR-related disputesIn some situations, Korean law may effectively require employers to investigate certain workplace complaints, particular..

Can Employers Legally Fire Employees in Korea? — What Foreign Companies Should Know Before Termination

Short AnswerGenerally, yes — but Korean labor law significantly restricts employee termination compared to many other jurisdictions.Unlike “at-will employment” systems recognized in some countries, employers in Korea generally cannot freely dismiss employees without a legally justifiable reason.In practice, employers usually need:a justifiable reason for dismissal,proper termination procedures,s..