Welcome to South Korea. Whether you are new to the country or an experienced teacher settled here, I hope your time in Korea has been rewarding and meaningful.
As a bilingual attorney licensed in both Korea and the U.S. (New York), I have over 30 years of experience representing clients on a wide range of legal matters, including employment claims and labor disputes. I am uniquely positioned to advise native English teachers navigating Korea’s legal system, ensuring that their rights and options are protected under Korean labor and employment law.
You have the right to a safe and respectful work environment. I work to ensure your rights are protected and your voice is heard.
Expertise
Unfair Dismissal
Under the Labor Standards Act, termination of employment must be supported by “just cause” and provided with at least 30 days’ prior written notice. I advise clients in cases of unlawful dismissal, advising on disciplinary procedures and constructive dismissal, and I pursue remedies such as reinstatement or monetary compensation through the Labor Relations Commission or the courts.
Employment Contract Cancellation
Employment contracts may be lawfully cancelled under specific grounds, either for "just causes" (e.g., serious misconduct) or authorized causes (e.g., redundancy or school closure). I advise teachers on the lawful cancellation of employment contracts, ensuring compliance with notice and documentation requirements.
Unpaid Wages, Severance Pay, and Benefits
Teachers are entitled to receive all remuneration and benefits prescribed by law and their employment contract, including wages, severance pay, overtime compensation, paid leave, and related benefits. I assist in recovering unpaid compensation and enforcing your contractual and statutory rights.
Workplace Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Harassment
I advise and represent clients in matters involving workplace discrimination or harassment, including sexual harassment or discrimination based on gender, disability, race, age, religion, or sexual orientation.
Workplace Safety and Health
I advise on matters related to industrial accident compensation insurance, workplace safety standards, and access to national health insurance coverage.
Employment Contracts
Before signing a contract, it is essential to ensure compliance with Korean labor standards. I review and explain employment agreements, clarify your legal rights and obligations, and advise on key provisions such as working hours, overtime, and severance pay.
Discrimination Outside the Workplace
I represent native English teachers who have experienced discrimination, harassment, or other violations of their human rights outside the workplace based on their gender, religion, disability, age, social status, regional, national, or ethnic origin, and physical condition.
Qualifications
Korea Bar Association
Seoul Bar Association
New York State Bar Association
Education
Southwestern University School of Law - J.D.
University of Washington - LL.M
Yonsei University - LL.B
Languages
Korean and English
Memberships
• Advisor | KOSDAQ Listed Companies Association
• Arbitrator | Korean Commercial Arbitration Board
• Committee Member | Councils for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Publications
• “Official Report on the Regulation of Corrective Advertising” (Korea Fair Trade Commission, 1998)
• “Independence of Arbitration from the Court in the U.S. Arbitration System” (Korea Arbitration Research Institute, 1996)
• “Regulation of Advertising Business in Korea” (1994)
Contact
For any inquiries or legal assistance, please contact me at leeyepee@naver.com
When sending your email, please include the following information to assist you in more detail:
• Description of the issue
• Location where the issue occurred
• Date (or time period) the incident or events that occurred
• Names of relevant parties
• Supporting documents (employment contract, termination notice, emails, text messages, etc.)
Once I receive your inquiry, I will contact you to guide you through the consultation process.