Korean Legal Firm SEUM Emerges as a Premier Partner for Startups, Garnering Top Rankings

SEUM, a distinguished law firm based in South Korea, has solidified its position as a premier legal partner for startups, receiving accolades and top rankings from reputable institutions across various sectors. In a landscape where startups play a pivotal role in driving innovation and economic growth, SEUM’s comprehensive legal services serve as a cornerstone for startups navigating the complexities of the business realm.

Founded by attorneys from Korea’s top firms, SEUM is a boutique law firm headquartered in Seoul that provides comprehensive corporate and litigation services across a diverse array of practice areas. However, it’s SEUM’s unparalleled dedication to startups, technology companies, and venture capital funds that genuinely set it apart in the legal realm.

Founding Principles and Client Focus

SEUM’s client roster reads like a who’s who of the startup world, boasting a diverse mix of Korean and international clients. From investment funds like 500 Startups, Legend Capital, and Mirae Asset to industry giants such as Hanwha, Naver, and Kakao Mobility, SEUM’s clientele underscores its reputation as a trusted advisor in the startup community.

SEUM has played a pivotal role in shaping the success stories of numerous startup companies, including Zipdoc, Fly & Company, MangoPlate, and Stradvision. Its involvement in these ventures reflects its deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that startups face their journey to success. With a stellar track record and a commitment to professionalism, SEUM has solidified its position as a premier legal partner for startups, garnering top rankings and accolades from reputable institutions across various sectors.

Accolades and Industry Recognition

2023 M&A League Table: SEUM secured the sixth place based on the number of transactions in the 2023 in the Bloomberg M&A League Table, ninth place according to The Bell (based on Announced deals), and ninth place in Dealogic, achieving a spot in the top 10 for 7 consecutive years.

In the investment and M&A market of 2023, termed as an ‘investment winter’ due to an almost 50% decrease in big deals and investment amounts compared to the previous year, SEUM provided significant advisory services for a wide range of transactions throughout the year.

These included the acquisition of Sidus by WYSIWYGSTUDIO, the Series B investment in Lbox worth 18 billion won ($13 million), the Series A investment in Wrtn Technologies worth 15 billion won ($11 million), the Series B investment in Mobilint worth 20 billion won ($15 million), the investment from Krafton in Fast Track Asia, the strategic investment in Carbazo by PRND & Company, and the establishment of a JV between Hashed and Thailand’s SCB X Public Company Limited.

Asialaw Profiles 2024: SEUM’s consistent recognition as a ‘Highly Recommended Firm’ in the ‘Technology and Telecommunications’ sector of the ‘Asialaw Profiles 2023/24’ underscores its unwavering commitment to excellence in legal services. Selected as a prominent legal publication representing Asia, SEUM has maintained this prestigious ranking for four consecutive years, solidifying its position among major law firms such as Bae, Kim & Lee, Yoon & Yang, and Yulchon.

Asialaw Profiles conducts annual comprehensive evaluations of law firms across Asia and the Pacific region, meticulously analyzing transactions, disputes, and significant cases handled throughout the year. SEUM’s recognition extends beyond the ‘Technology and Telecommunications’ sector and has also been acknowledged in the areas of ‘Consumer Goods and Services,’ ‘Corporate and M&A,’ and ‘Private Equity’ by Asialaw Profiles.

Particularly noteworthy is SEUM’s emphasis on client relations, with clients praising its direct communication and the active involvement of senior partners in projects. This client-centric approach sets SEUM, apart from its peers, ensures high levels of client satisfaction and outcomes.

Furthermore, SEUM’s attorneys have received individual accolades, with Hoseok Jung being recognized as a ‘Leading Lawyer’ in the Corporate and M&A sector for four consecutive years. Jung’s active role in the market and positive feedback from peers and clients highlight SEUM’s commitment to excellence at both the firm and individual levels. Similarly, Jungok Yun and Seungkyu Byun have garnered positive evaluations from the client reviews, further solidifying SEUM’s reputation for exceptional legal expertise and client service.

Chambers Asia-Pacific 2024: SEUM got recognition for its exemplary performance in the Corporate/M&A sector in South Korea, in the Chambers Asia-Pacific 2024 edition, a globally recognized legal media outlet. Chambers Asia-Pacific conducts an extensive and rigorous research process over approximately six months to assess the legal landscape in the Asia-Pacific region. This process involves firm submissions, interviews with key clients and partners, and data analysis by Chambers’ researchers.

SEUM’s strengths, highlighted by Chambers Asia-Pacific, include its excellence in the tech sector, expertise in investment and M&A transactions, and proficiency in advising private equity funds and investment companies. SEUM’s attorney, Hoseok Jung, has been named as an outstanding lawyer in the Corporate/M&A sector for the second consecutive year, further affirming the firm’s commitment to providing top-tier legal services.

Contributions to Legal Discourse and Industry Events

Attorney Seung Kyu Byun of SEUM has been recognized as a ‘Rising Star’ in the ‘M&A·PE·FUND’ category in the ‘2023 JoongAng Ilbo Attorney Evaluation,’ conducted jointly by JoongAng Ilbo and the Korean In-house Lawyers Association (KICA). Alongside, Attorney Hoseok Jung was acknowledged as the ‘Best Lawyer’ in the ‘AI·Fintech·Virtual Assets’ category. SEUM Law itself achieved Tier 2 recognition in the ‘ALB ASIA M&A RANKINGS 2023’ by Asian Legal Business, solidifying its stature as a leading law firm in corporate acquisitions and mergers, particularly in South Korea.

Attorney Jung’s active participation as a moderator in ‘COMEUP 2023,’ South Korea’s largest startup event, and as a panelist in the National Assembly Symposium on ‘Challenges and Prospects of the Enforcement of the Virtual Asset User Protection Act’ highlights SEUM’s commitment to fostering discussions and sharing insights in emerging legal areas.

Additionally, SEUM attorneys Hoseok Jung, Geon-uk Shim, and Seungmin Lee have contributed significantly to legal discourse through articles, symposiums, and seminars, earning recognition in prestigious legal directories like Chambers Global Guide and Chambers FinTech Guide, as well as being named as one of the “Firms to Watch” in the Fintech and Financial Service Regulatory practice area by The Legal 500.

SEUM’s Commitment to Excellence

The firm’s unwavering dedication to professionalism, client satisfaction, and industry leadership reaffirms its status as a preeminent legal advisor for startups in South Korea and globally.

As South Korea’s startup ecosystem continues to thrive, SEUM remains at the forefront, offering unparalleled legal expertise and unwavering support to startups of all sizes. With its deep industry knowledge, commitment to client satisfaction, and dedication to innovation, SEUM continues to pave the way for startups to realize their full potential in an increasingly competitive world.

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