The In-House Counsel Forum (IHCF) held its annual general meeting and year-end party on 17 December at the Shilla Seoul, attracting nearly 300 participants who came together to network and mark the close of 2025.
“The IHCF had continued to grow throughout 2025, with the interest and support of its members and sponsors,” said Won-Young Jung, the current and 13th president of the IHCF, in her opening speech. “We had made every effort to ensure membership fees and sponsorships are used responsibly, and that this event is prepared with care to offer attendees a moment of appreciation and a positive lasting impression.”
Hong-Sik (Justin) Chung, deputy minister for international legal affairs at South Korea’s Ministry of Justice, delivered a congratulatory speech.
Chung said that while the attendees serve as in-house counsel at their companies, his team is serving as in-house counsel to the government, sharing many of the same challenges.
He said that he was firmly convinced that the forward-looking advice of in-house counsel, particularly in anticipating risk, ultimately safeguards both companies and the government, and he pledged to continue working alongside IHCF members in the coming year to support their practical needs.
Soon-Youl Jo, the president of the Seoul Bar Association, said that is South Korean companies want to strengthen their standing on the global stage, “they have to build trust, as well as maintain strong compliance and ethical management; and in-house counsel play a central role in these efforts.
“The Seoul Bar Association will continue to provide full support to the IHCF members as they carry out their responsibilities.”
The event presented the organisation’s financial statements, which received an unqualified audit opinion, followed by a celebratory musical performance, a dinner reception, and a lucky draw.
Other guests included Miyang Wang, president of the Korean Women Lawyers Association; Jaehwan Lee, president of the Korean In-house Counsel Association and general counsel at Musinsa; Tak K Hong, vice president of the International Association of Korean Lawyers; and Pui-Ki Emmanuelle Ta, secretary general of the Korean Commercial Arbitration Board International.
