Press Coverage

Any married couple has probably thought about divorce at least once. Among them, there may be people who go beyond simple thinking and search for related information directly on the Internet. However, in most cases, you only encounter unfamiliar legal terms, and it is difficult to obtain easy explanation and understanding. What types of property are subject to division? The court's position is that, in principle, property acquired through joint cooperation between the couple during marriage (so-called 'common marital property') is subject to division. Specifically, for example, things that anyone can easily think of, such as deposits, stocks, insurance, cars, and apartments, are included in the basic division targets. Furthermore, items such as cash, expensive jewelry, watches, and furniture accumulated in the house may also be subject to division. One spouse may receive money from a third party. If a couple is currently living in a rented house, the future contract holder will receive a refund of the rent deposit from the landlord, and the deposit may be included in the division. In addition, severance pay and national pension are also considered subjects of division that are easy to overlook. Even if you cannot receive it right away because there is a long period of time left until receipt, it can be divided. What about debt? In addition to the positive (+) property mentioned above (the court uses the term 'positive property'), negative (-) property (also using the term 'negative property') is also subject to division. A representative example is a home mortgage loan. Just as the house a couple lives in is subject to division, the debt incurred to buy the house must also be shared by the couple. In this way, it can be said that the property subject to division is very diverse. Even if you are well aware of what types of property are subject to division, you may encounter difficulties when following the related procedures. This is when you do not know the property your spouse owns. So how can you find out your spouse's assets? During a divorce lawsuit, the couple lists their respective assets and submits it to the court. It is difficult for non-lawyers to conceal assets through false information. This is because various documents must be attached to prove that the information stated is true. Based on this list, identify the other party's assets in detail. If you have any doubts or need information, apply for fact-finding to public institutions, banks, etc. Most of the reasons for the increase in divorce lawsuits are because the process of identifying assets is difficult and takes a long time. However, not all assets found in this way are subject to division. There is a concept called ‘unique property’. Although this is an extreme example, let's say you received an inheritance from your parents the day before you filed for divorce in court. However, if the inherited property had to be shared with the spouse, it would feel extremely unfair. Likewise, if one of the couple has property that was acquired through inheritance or gift or was held before marriage, there is a need to assert that it is 'unique property'. Since it is not property acquired through joint cooperation between the couple, it could be argued that it should be excluded from division or that these circumstances should be taken into consideration in the division ratio. Small Business Team[View full article] What is the subject of property division in divorce proceedings? (Shortcut)

A man in his 20s who assaulted and injured a fellow soldier while serving in the military received leniency from the court. According to the legal community on the 21st, the Suwon District Court postponed the sentencing of a fine of 5 million won against a man in his 20s, Mr. A, who was indicted on assault charges. Mr. A was indicted on charges of assaulting the face and shoulder of fellow soldier B in January of last year. He is also accused of biting B's finger and injuring him. At the time, the two men lost their emotions while arguing. It was investigated that Mr. A committed this crime because he became angry and could not control his anger. Mr. A admitted the charge, but appealed for leniency, saying that he committed the crime accidentally and that an agreement was reached with the victim. Both men also mentioned that they had returned to society after completing their military service. The court said, "Assault within the military unit is likely to disrupt military discipline," but added, "The defendant has been discharged from the military, so there is no risk of reoffending in a similar environment, and he has reached an amicable agreement with the victim and does not want to be punished." Attorney Kim Young-soo of Daeryun Law Firm, who was in charge of Mr. A's defense, explained, "In the case of general assault, the crime of impunity against the will is established under the criminal law, but military criminal law applies to assault in the military, so criminal punishment is imposed regardless of the victim's intention to punish." He added, "We mentioned this during the trial process and emphasized that if the victim had expressed his intention not to be punished, the case would be concluded with a decision to dismiss the indictment." “It appears that the court also accepted this and gave maximum leniency,” he said. Reporter Jeong Eui-jin (jej88@ikbc.co.kr)[View full article] “Accidentally..” A man in his 20s who assaulted a military colleague and bit his finger received a suspended sentence (link)

Executives and employees of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, who completed the business combination process that lasted about 5 years and 7 months, will receive business combination encouragement money this week. However, as there has been no specific mention of the merger incentive for LCC (low-cost carriers), which are subsidiaries of both companies, attention is focused on whether incentives will also be paid to them in the future. According to the aviation industry on the 20th, Korean Air will receive a 'business combination incentive' worth 50% of the bonus upon the completion of the merger of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines on the 21st. In the case of Asiana Airlines, the incentive money is scheduled to be paid on the 24th. Previously, Korean Air decided to pay a ‘merger approval congratulatory money’ upon the completion of the business combination through a wage and collective agreement (collective wage agreement) in May last year. It has been reported that the payment of incentives paid to executives and employees of Asiana Airlines has recently been confirmed. In a message sent to executives and employees of Asiana Airlines on the 16th, Korean Air Chairman Cho Won-tae said, “I could sense your fatigue due to the corporate combination review,” and encouraged, “We will ensure that you receive fair opportunities and compensation according to your abilities and efforts during the process leading up to the integration and after the integration.” In particular, Chairman Cho has been actively taking care of Asiana Airlines, calling it “one family.” He also became a hot topic as he departed from the United States on Asiana Airlines, not Korean Air. On the 10th, Chairman Cho flew on an Asiana Airlines flight between Incheon and LA. This is interpreted as an attempt to emphasize the image of Asiana Airlines and 'one family' both internally and externally. In fact, in his New Year's address on the 2nd, he emphasized, "Last year, there was a big change in which Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and group companies came together under the roof of Hanjin Group," and "I envision a smooth process of becoming a true family." However, there are some executives and employees of Jin Air, a subsidiary of Korean Air, and Air Busan and Air Seoul, subsidiaries of Asiana Airlines. The sound of ballmen is coming out. This is because, unlike paying incentives to executives and employees of both companies following the merger of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, no plans were announced to pay incentives to subsidiary LCCs. An industry official said, “Various procedures related to the merger are in progress within the subsidiaries, but they are completely excluded from discussions on merger incentives,” and added, “I hope that LCCs will also take care of it in order to boost the morale of employees.” The corporate combination incentive is a financial compensation paid after a company merges with another company. Although it is not a legal obligation, it is practiced customarily and is used by many companies to stabilize labor-management relations and smooth organizational integration. However, some believe that financial compensation for LCCs is also necessary as the purpose of paying incentives for business combinations is to encourage workers' motivation to work. However, some say that related discussions are premature because the merger of the three LCC companies has not yet been specifically completed. Choi Young-jin, an attorney at Daeryun Law Firm, explained, “In the case of corporate combination incentive payments, the compensation is paid after the company merges with another company.” He added, “In other words, since the integration of the three LCC companies has not been completely completed yet, even if the incentive payment is paid, it will be after a complete merger has occurred.” Reporter Seojin Ahn (seojin@mk.co.kr)[View full article] “Why aren’t we giving incentives for corporate combinations?” Chairman Cho Won-tae, who emphasized ‘one family’, will he also take care of LCC? (Shortcut)

I brandished my cell phone at my lover because I thought he was cheating on me... 1st trial ‘10 months in prison’ appeal trial “Efforts to restore relationships… taking into account amicable agreements” A man in his 30s who injured his lover by swinging an object while on probation received a reduced sentence at the appeals court. On November 29 last year, the 5-3 Criminal Division of the Suwon District Court overturned the original trial that sentenced Mr. Sentenced to two years. He was also ordered to perform 80 hours of community service and take 40 hours of violence treatment classes. Mr. A was suspected of injuring his lover, Mr. B, by swinging objects, including a cell phone, in May 2023, suspecting him of an affair. As a result, Mr. B suffered injuries to his face and body, and was diagnosed at a hospital that he needed about 4 weeks of treatment. During the investigation, Mr. A was sentenced to probation for violating the Road Traffic Act in the past, and it was during this period that he committed a crime. It was revealed that the first trial sentenced Mr. A to 10 months in prison. The court stated the reason for the prison sentence, saying, “The injuries suffered by the victim were not light,” and “The defendant committed the crime again despite being on probation.” Mr. A filed an appeal on the grounds of unfair sentencing. Mr. A explained that he could not control his anger and committed the crime accidentally. At the same time, he emphasized that he tried to restore his relationship with Mr. B after the incident. The appeals court accepted Mr. A's claim. The court said, “The nature of the crime is not good considering the circumstances and content of the crime, the risk, and the extent of the victim’s injuries,” but said, “The defendant tried to restore the relationship with the victim after the crime and did not use any more violent words or actions.” He then stated the reason for sentencing, saying, “The defendant also admitted to the crime and was reflecting on his mistakes, and took into account the fact that he reached an amicable agreement with the victim.” Attorney Kim Tae-hwan of Daeryun Law Firm (Limited), who is Mr. A’s legal representative, said, “If you commit a crime again during the probation period, you cannot receive probation,” he explained. “However, if the sentence is passed after the entire period has elapsed, you can receive probation.” He added, “In this case, the crime was committed during the probation period, but the original and appellate court sentences were issued after the period ended.” He added, “We were able to receive a reduced sentence by emphasizing that the relationship between the two is amicable at the present time along with Mr. Reporter Kim Jong-cheol (jckim99@sportsseoul.com)[View full article] A man in his 30s who injured his lover while on probation had his sentence commuted on appeal (link)

A man in his 20s who was put on trial for molesting a middle school student he met through a chat app was acquitted in the first trial and also in the appeal trial. Criminal Division 4-2 of the Seoul High Court (Chief Judges Kwon Hyeok-jung, Hwang Jin-gu, and Ji Young-nan) dismissed the prosecution's appeal and declared him not guilty at the sentencing hearing for Mr. A (27), who was indicted on charges of violating the law on sexual protection of children and adolescents (forced molestation) on the 11th of last month. The original judgment was upheld. Mr. A is accused of molesting Ms. B (then 16 years old) on two occasions after putting her in a vehicle in November 2022. Mr. A got to know Ms. B through a mobile chat app, and it was confirmed that the date of the incident was their second meeting. During the investigation, Ms. B was found to have made a statement to the effect that ‘Mr. A forcibly touched important parts of her body even though she refused several times.’ The prosecution requested a fine of 10 million won for Mr. A based on Ms. B's statement. At the trial, Mr. A's legal representative pleaded not guilty based on the fact that the victim's statement was inaccurate and inconsistent. In addition, the vehicle's black box, which recorded the scene at the time of the incident, was submitted as evidence. After reviewing the black box transcript and the contents of the statement, the first trial court decided that it was difficult to say that Mr. A molested Ms. B. The court declared the victim not guilty, saying, "The victim's statement was overturned several times before reaching this court, and the evidence submitted did not contain anything that could lead to inference whether molestation had occurred." Attorney Oh Gyeong-hoon of Daeryun Law Firm (Limited), who is Mr. A's legal representative, said, "In this case, the victim's claims kept changing from the investigation stage, and it was difficult to view the contradictions in the victim's statement as simply a mistake due to the passage of time or a difference in the detailed description method," and "Especially at the time of the incident." “When compared with the file recorded in the black box, there were parts that were different from the facts. Based on this, we were able to prove that Mr. A had not molested the victim and was acquitted.” Reporter Hwang Jeong-won (jwhwang@mt.co.kr)[View full article] “The black box saved my life”... Man in his 20s found not guilty on charges of molesting a middle school student (Click here)

There were rumors that director Hong Sang-soo (65)'s girlfriend, actress Kim Min-hee (43), was pregnant. Entertainment media outlet Dispatch reported on the 17th that Kim Min-hee had a child with director Hong Sang-soo and was due to give birth this spring. According to reports, the two found out they were pregnant last summer and reportedly visited an obstetrician/gynecologist together until recently. Director Hong and Kim Min-hee, who were embroiled in dating rumors in 2016, acknowledged this fact the following year. Director Hong married A, a woman of the same age, while studying abroad in the United States in 1985, and they have a daughter. He filed an application for divorce mediation against Mr. A in 2016, but it was canceled because Mr. A actually refused to receive the relevant documents. Afterwards, the divorce suit filed by Director Hong was dismissed in 2019 following the court's judgment that Director Hong was primarily responsible for the breakdown of the marriage. It was reported that Director Hong did not appeal this and they are legally maintaining their marital relationship. Since dating Director Hong, Minhee Kim has only appeared in his films. Meanwhile, issues regarding birth registration regarding Kim Min-hee's pregnancy remain. Lawyer Daeryun Law Firm, who spoke to Segye Ilbo on the 17th, explained that if you register a birth, you will be registered as a child in the family relationship register. If Hong Sang-soo's future child is recognized as his biological child, he can be registered as a new child in Hong Sang-soo's family relationship register. A parental relationship with a child is established regardless of whether the couple is married. However, with the introduction of the family relationship register system, only direct relationships such as parents and children are displayed, so if the family relationship register of Hong Sang-soo's wife, Mr. A, is issued, the children to be born are not visible. Reporter Lee Dong-jun (blondie@segye.com)[View full article] The second child born out of wedlock in the entertainment industry? Director Hong Sang-soo's girlfriend Kim Min-hee's pregnancy rumor: "Scheduled to give birth this spring" (link)

Learning accumulated data such as legal information… Daeryun Law Firm (Limited) announced on the 16th that it will lead the legal tech market by introducing artificial intelligence (AI)-based legal services. The plan is to do its best to improve customized legal services by actively utilizing generative AI, such as providing fast and accurate legal information to clients 24 hours a day and allowing prompt consultation with affiliated lawyers. Legal ‘Legal Tech’, which combines services and cutting-edge technology, is currently spreading rapidly in many overseas countries and causing changes in the legal market. In nearby Japan, AI lawyers are providing free phone consultations, and AI-based lawyer apps have also been released in the United States and France. Daeryun also plans to introduce AI legal services in line with this global trend and lead a change in the domestic legal industry paradigm. The scope of Daeryun AI services is not limited to simple delivery of legal information. Its characteristic is that it analyzes and reviews users' questions, summarizes optimal information in a short period of time, and provides necessary answers. For example, when a user inputs a specific situation, such as a civil or criminal problem or legal dispute, AI provides similar legal information and precedents. A system has also been built to review the AI's answers. Daeryun plans to support the convenience of users by providing a window where they can have a direct conversation with a lawyer after the consultation with AI is completed. In this process, a general review and supplementation of Daeryun AI's answers is carried out, including whether they are legally appropriate and whether they contain false information. In particular, the AI ​​is attracting attention as it was created based on the vast amount of data Daeryun has accumulated over a long period of time, including legal information and precedents. Our professional lawyers participated in writing answers during the AI learning process, further increasing accuracy and reliability. Daeryun Kim Kuk-il, CEO of Daeryun, said, "Legal Tech is an important key to opening the future of the legal market. Daeryun will pursue public social contribution through the introduction of AI services and provide quality legal services by presenting customized solutions to customers." He continued, "According to the regulations of the Korean Bar Association, advertising AI services requires approval from the Korean Bar Association. “Daeryun will comply with this and lead the innovation of domestic legal services by informing the public of the introduction of AI services and the positive impact that LegalTech will have on the legal market.” Reporter Kim Nam-ha (skagk1234@dailian.co.kr)[View full article] Dailyan - Daeryun Law Firm introduces AI legal service... Leading the LegalTech market (Go here) ZD Net Korea - [ZD SW Today] KISIA, recruiting information security talent training trainees in 2025, etc. (Go here) Law Leader - Daeryun Law Firm introduces AI legal services..."We will lead the development of legal tech" (Shortcut) Maeil Business Newspaper - [Exclusive] Will it become the ‘second AI continent’? Bar Association reviews disciplinary action against ‘Daeryun AI’, a 24-hour free AI legal consultation service (Go here) Tax and Finance News - Daeryun Law Firm introduces AI legal service... Providing the optimal answer (direct link)

Daeryun Law Firm (Limited) (CEOs Kuk-il Kim and Byeong-jun Ko) announced on the 16th that they will recruit lawyers who were former judges and prosecutors and strengthen their expertise in criminal cases, including violent crimes. First, Attorney Shin Min-soo has a special history of experience in both the court and prosecution organizations. He graduated from Seoul National University Law School and served as a prosecutor in numerous prosecutors' offices, including the Ulsan District Prosecutors' Office and the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office. Afterwards, he was appointed as a judge and served as a judge at Daegu District Court, Incheon District Court, and chief judge at Ulsan District Court. In particular, he has accumulated over 20 years of experience in the legal field, handling cases in various fields, including violent crimes such as sexual violence and property crimes, as well as labor and medical care. Attorney Shin said, “I personally led the entire process from the investigation of the case to the trial,” and added, “As I have experience as both a prosecutor and a judge, I think I can be of great help in carrying out cases in the future.” After being appointed as a prosecutor at the Seongnam Branch of the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office in 2000, Attorney Seok-Ju Yoon worked as a deputy chief prosecutor at the Anyang Branch of the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office, the Goyang Branch of the Uijeongbu District Prosecutors' Office, the Pohang Branch of the Daegu District Prosecutors' Office, and the Chief Prosecutor of the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office. He has been involved in the prosecution organization for a long time and has handled major criminal cases such as taxes, tariffs, and drugs, and has even received a commendation from the Prosecutor General. Attorney Yoon said, “I am happy to be a member of Daeryun,” and added, “I will use all of my experience as a prosecutor to handle the case thoroughly, from initial action to type analysis and follow-up management.” Attorney Shin works at the Daegu headquarters branch office, and Attorney Yoon works at the Jeonju branch office. Based on their expertise, they will carry out and supervise not only local violent crimes and cases, but also criminal cases coming from all over the country. Kim Kook-il, CEO of Management, said, “We expect that the recruitment of the two lawyers will revitalize the criminal response group,” and added, “We hope that each of them will use their capabilities to the fullest to resolve various criminal cases, including sexual crimes, corporate embezzlement and breach of trust, and the environment.” Reporter Oh Hyo-jin (editor@venturesquare.net)[View full article] Venture Square - Daeryun Law Firm Recruits Attorneys Shin Min-soo and Yoon Seok-ju (Click here) Segye Ilbo - Daeryun Law Firm recruits attorneys Shin Min-soo and Yoon Seok-ju, both former judges and prosecutors (link) Legal News - Daeryun Law Firm recruits former Chief Judge Shin Min-soo and former Chief Prosecutor Yoon Seok-ju (Go here)

According to the results of the '2024 1st School Violence Survey' announced by the Ministry of Education in September last year, 2.1%, or 65,000 people, of the 3.25 million students in the 4th grade of elementary school to the 3rd grade of high school across the country answered that they have experienced school violence. What was most notable in the survey results was that elementary school students had the highest victim response rate. 4.2% of students responded that they were victims of school violence this year, which was confirmed to be the highest figure since 2013 (3.8%). This is why school violence is no longer dismissed as children's fights. The level of punishment also appears to be strengthening. According to statistics from the National Police Agency's youth protection activity platform 'Youth Polnet', the number of school violence offenders arrested by the police in 2023 was approximately 15,000, a 7% increase compared to the previous year. This means that when you commit school violence, you can not only be subject to disciplinary action at the education office level but also criminally responsible. As 'sensitivity' to school violence increases, various conflicts arise in the field. In particular, as parents' intervention becomes more frequent, a considerable number of so-called 'counter-reports' are being made by those who have been identified as perpetrators. In a survey released last year by the Green Tree Foundation, a school violence prevention organization, 40% of 380 parents responded that they had been reported by both parties. In fact, there is also a case that the author has experienced. Ms. A, who was attending a local elementary school, was harmed by her classmate, including having her hair pulled and being cursed at. Her parents reported the damage, but what they got back was not an apology but a counter-report. Because of this, Ms. A was also pointed out as a perpetrator and was suspended from attending school. Accordingly, Ms. A's parents requested legal assistance. At the School Violence Countermeasures Review Committee held later, the author emphasized that Ms. A did not commit any acts of violence and asked that action be taken in consideration of the offending student's unrepentant attitude, such as filing a false accusation. The Office of Education's School Violence Response Review Committee acknowledged the actions of the offending student and took measures such as school volunteer service and special education. Additionally, the School Violence Review Committee made it clear that Ms. A did not commit any acts of school violence as claimed by the perpetrator. Thanks to the quick response, Ms. A was able to resolve her injustice. As can be seen from the above example, 'timely response' in school violence cases can be said to be the most important key to resolving the problem. Even if you are a victim, you can be accused of being a perpetrator, and if you do not properly explain the situation at the time and the damage caused by it, proper disciplinary action cannot be taken. The same is true when you are in the position of an offending student. If you do not respond properly during the school violence committee process, you may be subject to harsher punishment than what you actually committed, or you may have to bear heavier criminal liability or civil liability for damages. Therefore, once you are involved in school violence, you need to quickly find a legal expert, get help, and go through all the procedures like any other criminal case. Small and Medium Business Team[View full article] 'Reports' are also frequent due to increasingly serious school violence... What is the appropriate response? (Shortcut)

Explanation of each company's patent strategy and related precedents, including evergreen strategy. Pharmaceutical and bio industry workers can attend for free... Apply through the Daeryun website until the 21st As interest in the value of patents has increased as the patent law amendment related to the duration of pharmaceutical patents has recently passed the National Assembly, online and offline seminars will be held for those in the pharmaceutical and bio industry. Daeryun Medical Pharmaceutical Group, a law firm, announced on the 14th that it will hold a seminar on the topic of 'Understanding Evergreening Patent Strategy' in the conference room of its headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul at 3 p.m. on the 24th. At this seminar, Lee Il-hyung (7th time on the bar exam), who is qualified as a pharmacist and patent attorney, will be the presenter. Lee is a former in-house lawyer at Celltrion and is an expert who has represented three large domestic pharmaceutical companies in patent litigation. He also has experience winning a case against Pfizer, a global pharmaceutical company. This lawyer will introduce pharmaceutical patent-related precedents and present patent strategies currently being prepared by each pharmaceutical and bio company. In particular, the discussion on the so-called 'evergreening patent strategy' will be focused on. Evergreening patent strategy refers to a strategy to enjoy permanent profits through follow-up patent applications after the expiration of a material patent. The seminar to be held on the 24th is free for anyone involved in the pharmaceutical and bio industry, and applications can be made through the Daeryun website (https://www.daeryunlaw.com/) until the 21st. Reporter Jaejoong Yeom (yjj@joseilbo.com)[View full article] Jose Ilbo - Daeryun Law Firm holds a seminar on pharmaceutical patents on the 24th (Go here) Medical Tribune - Daeryun Law Firm’s 24th Pharmaceutical Patent Seminar (Go here) Law Leader - Daeryun Law Firm held a pharmaceutical patent strategy seminar on the 24th (link) Legal Times - [Law Firm iN] Daeryun holds ‘Evergreening Patent Strategy’ seminar (Go here) Venture Square - Daeryun Law Firm holds a seminar on ‘Understanding Evergreening Patent Strategy’ (Go here) SNN - Pharmaceutical and bio industries open to discuss patent strategies... ‘Evergreening Patent Strategy’ Seminar (Go here) Startup Daily - Representative Choi Bo-yoon holds pharmaceutical and bio patent strategy seminar (link) Food Today - Representative Choi Bo-yoon holds pharmaceutical and bio patent strategy seminar (link) Medipharm Health - Rep. Bo-yoon Choi holds pharmaceutical/bio patent strategy seminar (link) Medical Observer - [Event] Rep. Bo-yoon Choi holds pharmaceutical/bio evergreening patent strategy seminar (Go here) Medi4News - Representative Choi Bo-yoon holds pharmaceutical and bio patent strategy seminar (1/24) (Go here) Hit News - Rep. Bo-yoon Choi holds seminar on Evergreening patent strategies that practitioners need to know (Go here) Pharmacist public opinion - Rep. Choi Bo-yoon holds pharmaceutical/bio ‘patent strategy seminar’ on the 24th (link) Medical Herald - Rep. Bo-yoon Choi holds ‘Pharmaceutical/Bio Patent Strategy Seminar’… Explanation of ‘patent strategies and related precedents for pharmaceutical and bio industry workers’ (link)