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Lawyer recognized for outstanding international arbitration by Asian Legal Business
Kang Min-hwa / Courtesy of Yoon & Yang
By Lee Kyung-min
Yoon & Yang lawyer Kang Min-hwa was the only lawyer from Korea to be included in Asian Legal Business's (ALB) prestigious “Asia 40 Under 40 2025” list, the firm said Tuesday.
The annual ranking recognizes 40 of the most accomplished lawyers under the age of 40 across the Asia-Pacific region who demonstrate exceptional professional achievements and leadership.
Kang’s selection underscores both her outstanding success in high-stakes international arbitration and the law firm’s growing influence in cross-border dispute resolution.
Among more than 500 candidates, Kang stood out for her significant contributions to major international arbitrations before the International Chamber of Commerce, the London Court of International Arbitration, the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, the Singapore International Arbitration Centre and the Korean Commercial Arbitration Board (KCAB).
She has represented multinational corporations, financial institutions and public entities in complex disputes concerning construction, energy and finance.
Kang’s notable achievements included representing a Korean public enterprise in a joint-venture dispute where all claims by opposing Singaporean and Korean companies were dismissed, and instead winning a 24 billion won ($16 million) counterclaim award.
She also secured a KCAB arbitration ruling that recognized the right to price adjustment when conditions are revised under turnkey contracts.
She contributed to Korea’s first successful Investor-State Dispute Settlement case, defending the government against a U.S. investor under the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement.
She graduated fromSungkyunkwan University before obtaining a degree at Seoul National University School of Law.
Kang joined Yoon & Yang in 2016 and currently serves as a junior partner in the firm’s international arbitration and litigation team.
She handles complex cross-border disputes, including international product liability litigation concerning global manufacturers.
“I am deeply honored to be among Asia’s top young lawyers,” she said. “This reflects not only my efforts but also my firm’s teamwork and dedication to delivering exceptional outcomes. I will continue to enhance the quality of my work and strengthen long-term relationships with clients.”