KEY People
KEY President
Philippe Li (이준) is a citizen of France and Korea. He is a lawyer at the Paris Bar and at Kim&Chang (the premier law firm in Korea), where he leads the European practice. He mainly works in M&A and corporate matters, but also in restructuring and dispute matters in various sectors (aerospace and defense, automotive, chemical, construction and infrastructure…).
He was born into a Korean family that contributed in many aspects to the rise of Korea. His father was Professor Li Ogg (이옥), a specialist in ancient Korean history and founder of the Korean Studies Section at the University Paris 7. His paternal grandfather Yi In (이인), was a prominent lawyer who played a key role in the resistance against the Japanese occupation and later served as Minister of Justice in the first Republic of Korea.
Philippe Li was educated in France and studied law in Paris (University Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne). His legal practice has allowed him to work successively in Paris and Seoul. As such, he was the first lawyer of Korean origin to be admitted to the Paris Bar in 1989 and the first lawyer licensed in a European bar to work in a Korean law firm. He has focused his practice on business law, enabling many multinationals, including most of the CAC 40 French companies, to establish a presence in Korea. He also advises Korean groups and companies in their activities in Europe and other countries. In addition to his legal expertise, his background allows him to have a global and precise vision of the markets and proactive interface capabilities, enabling him to play an advisory role for governments and institutions.
Throughout his career, Philippe Li has not only been involved in his legal practice, but he has also been active in various economic and business circles. He chaired the French Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) between 2005 and 2011.
A frequent speaker in conferences and seminars organized in Korea and Europe, he has moderated several summits held with the participation of Prime Ministers and Presidents of the Republic of France and Korea.
He is the author of several books, articles and publications, including "Maintenant c'est l'Europe", (Kyobo Publishing), "Guide des Affaires en Corée du Sud" (CFCE) and "Agir en mode Delivery" (Eyrolles). He often writes columns and was featured in media like Le Figaro, Le Monde, Les Echos, Challenges, Le Point, Libération, Chosun Ilbo, Korea Economic Daily, BFM TV, France 2, France Culture, France 24, KBS, MBN TV, MBC…
Philippe Li is a Knight of the French National Order of Merit, and Honorary Citizen of the City of Seoul.