We are proud to announce the publication of the Technology Protection: A Practical Guide, developed through the collective expertise and hands-on experience of our partners.
▲Oneness Media Publication — Technology Protection: A Practical Guide (2026)
In today’s competitive landscape, innovation alone is not enough. A company’s true strength lies in its ability not only to develop technology, but to protect and sustain it as a core business asset. Technology protection is no longer optional—it is a strategic imperative. Preventing technology leakage is not about responding after the fact, but about building robust systems in advance.
This guide offers a practical and comprehensive roadmap for companies seeking to safeguard their technological assets. Starting from the identification of legally protectable information, it provides actionable guidance across key areas such as non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), access control, employee and offboarding management, joint R&D arrangements, and technology transactions and negotiations.
Importantly, while external threats such as hacking and industrial espionage often draw the most attention, our experience shows that internal risks—particularly involving current and former employees—are among the most critical. Reflecting this reality, the guide delivers step-by-step insights aligned with real-world practice, covering early risk detection, evidence preservation, initial response strategies, digital forensics, cease-and-desist measures, and both criminal and civil enforcement.
At Shin, Hwang, Yeo & Lee, we are committed to sharing our knowledge and delivering practical solutions that create real value. We will continue to stand alongside our clients as a trusted legal partner, helping them protect what matters most and grow with confidence.
Shin, Hwang, Yeo & Lee is pleased to announce that its professionals have been awarded ministerial commendations, a recognition by government authorities of the firm’s longstanding commitment to delivering practical expertise in emerging industries.
Recognized for Contributions to AI Industry Advancement and Startup Regulatory Reform
On December 31, 2025, partners at Shin, Hwang, Yeo & Lee were honored with commendations from various ministries in recognition of their contributions to the development of AI legislation and the advancement of startup regulatory innovation.
Ministry of Science and ICT | December 31, 2025
Partner Hyundong Yeo Receives Ministerial Commendation
Partner Hyundong Yeo was awarded a commendation from the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT in recognition of his contributions to the advancement of the AI industry, including his work on the task force for subordinate legislation under the AI Basic Act and the establishment of standards for high-risk AI technologies.
Ministry of SMEs and Startups | December 31, 2025
Partner Kyuho Hwang Receives Ministerial Commendation
Partner Kyuho Hwang was recognized with a commendation from the Minister of SMEs and Startups for his role in supporting regulatory reform and addressing legal challenges faced by startups, helping innovative companies overcome legal barriers and achieve growth.
Ongoing Leadership in National Policy Governance
In addition to these honors, Shin, Hwang, Yeo & Lee continues to play a leading role in national policy initiatives, including the development of AI governance frameworks and privacy protection guidelines.
Notably, Partner Kyuho Hwang has recently been appointed as a member of the second-term Public-Private AI Privacy Policy Council under the Personal Information Protection Commission, where he will contribute to shaping policies that balance data utilization and protection in the AI era.
“Shin, Hwang, Yeo & Lee goes beyond the role of legal counsel to serve as a strategic partner in shaping the standards of Korea’s emerging industries. Building on this achievement, we will continue to deliver deeper, more practical solutions to our clients.”
Shin, Hwang, Yeo & Lee remains committed to providing forward-looking legal support in the rapidly evolving digital landscape, leveraging its distinctive expertise in IT, AI, and the startup ecosystem.
▲ Partner Hyundong Yeo (first from the right) unveils the plaque alongside attendees at the ‘AI Basic Act Support Desk’ inauguration ceremony held at the Korea Software Industry Association (KOSA) on the 22 January 2026.
Partner Hyundong Yeo of Shin, Hwang, Yeo & Lee attended the unveiling ceremony of the “AI Basic Act Support Desk” held on January 22 at the Korea Software Industry Association (KOSA) in Songpa-gu, Seoul, reaffirming a strong commitment to close collaboration with the AI industry.
Launched under the auspices of the Ministry of Science and ICT and the AI Safety Institute, the Support Desk serves as a dedicated platform designed to help Korean companies proactively navigate the legal and technical regulatory landscape arising from the recently enacted “AI Framework Act” (AI Basic Act).
At the Forefront of AI Legislative Reform
As a member of the Ministry’s task force on subordinate legislation for the AI Basic Act, Partner Yeo participated not only in the ceremony but also in the subsequent roundtable discussions. There, he shared in-depth insights on strategies for the effective operation of the Support Desk going forward.
“The AI Basic Act should not function as a barrier to innovation, but rather as a milestone that enables trust-based growth aligned with global standards. Shin, Hwang, Yeo & Lee is committed to delivering practical solutions that empower Korean companies to navigate regulatory challenges while maintaining their technological edge.”
On-the-Ground Advisory and Tailored Legal Support
To mark the launch, Partner Yeo also provided approximately two weeks of on-site advisory services, addressing a wide range of inquiries and offering tailored legal guidance. The practical challenges and feedback gathered during this period are expected to serve as valuable inputs in shaping future enforcement decrees and detailed guidelines.
Shin, Hwang, Yeo & Lee remains dedicated to being a trusted partner for its clients, leveraging its distinctive expertise in AI and IT to help them thrive in an ever-evolving digital regulatory environment.
