Sangyub (Sean) Lee

Sean currently practices at OhKims Law, where he focuses on international dispute resolution and a broad range of corporate legal matters. As a New York–qualified attorney, he has built a multidisciplinary career spanning major Korean conglomerates, The Korea Economic Daily —one of South Korea’s leading business newspapers—, and the Korean Commercial Arbitration Board (KCAB) International. Through these experiences, he has developed a comprehensive understanding of the real economy, strategic stakeholder engagement, and dispute resolution systems, positioning himself as a well-rounded practitioner in international business law.

During his tenure at KCAB International, as a senior case counsel, he handled complex international cases involving trade, construction, and shareholder disputes, assisting Korean and multinational companies in navigating the diverse legal risks they encounter in global markets. Reflecting this expertise, he has been recognized for three consecutive years since 2024 as a Leading International Arbitration Practitioner in Korea by Lexology Index (formerly Who’s Who Legal).

Beyond identifying legal risks, he focuses on delivering integrated risk management strategies that support corporate decision-making and long-term business objectives. In addition to international arbitration and cross-border dispute resolution, he advises clients on corporate governance, M&A, intellectual property, and entertainment law. He also actively engages with the broader legal and business community through government seminars, academic activities, and contributions to major economic publications.

Career

2026 OhKims Law
2018 KCAB International
2015 Korea Economic Daily
2009 Hyundai Mobis

Practice Areas

International Arbitration and Cross-Border Dispute Resolution
Corporate Advisory (Inbound and Outbound Investments)
Corporate Governance and M&A
Crisis Management and Risk Advisory
Startups, Entertainment, and Intellectual Property

Public Activities & Committee Memberships

Adjunct Professor, Department of International Trade, Underwood International College, Yonsei University (Seoul)
Visiting Lecturer on International Arbitration, including

- Keio University (Japan)

- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

- Korea Maritime and Ocean University

Member of the Legal Counsel Selection Evaluation Committee, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO)
Special Advisor on International Arbitration, Korean In-House Counsel Association (KICA)
Advisor, Korea New & Renewable Energy Association (KNREA)
Advisor, Journalists Association of Korea (JAK)
Ombudsman, Korea Communications Commission Media Foundation

Lectures & Publications

Speaker and panelist at seminars organized by Korean government agencies and related institutions, including the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Korea Overseas Infrastructure & Urban Development Corporation (KIND), and the SME Training Institute
Speaker at international legal seminars hosted by organizations such as Legal Plus and the Society of Construction Law (SCL)
Columnist and Contributor to domestic and international publications, including columns such as “Arbitration Inside” (Korea Economic Daily) and “Easy Commercial Arbitration” (SME News)

Education

2013 Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University (NY) / Juris Doctor (J.D.)
2005 Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Exchange Program
2001 Yonsei University, College of Commerce and Economics / Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
2001 Dankook University High School

Qualifications & Awards

U.S. Attorney, Member of New York Bar (2015)
Lexology Index (formerly Who’s Who Legal) - Leading International Arbitration Practitioner in Korea (2024, 2025, 2026)

Languages

Korean, English, Japanese