Korea Law Center 2025 Year in Review

The Korea Law Center would like to extend our sincere thanks to all members of our community for your continued support throughout the year. Thanks to the generosity and engagement of our students, scholars, partners, and friends, we have been able to continue advancing our mission to study and promote solutions to issues arising at the intersection of U.S. and Korean law.

We have put together this special end-of-year newsletter to highlight some of the amazing work, events, and milestones that we were able to accomplish together in 2025. There are so many meaningful moments this year that it is impossible to feature them all in one edition. As we reflect on this past year, we are grateful for your support and look forward to continuing our work with you in the year ahead.

Happy Holidays and best wishes for a wonderful New Year from the Korea Law Center.

Visiting Scholar Workshop with

Judge Miyon Kwon

In January, the Korea Law Center hosted a Visiting Scholar Workshop with Judge Miyon Kwon, who presented her impactful research on disability rights in insurance law in Korea and the United States. Judge Kwon shared insights into the state of disability rights and discussed potential legal solutions to ongoing arbitration issues, such as settlement practices. The workshop concluded with a Q&A session moderated by Korea Law Center Research Fellow Aiden Kim, during which Visiting Scholars and members of the community engaged in thoughtful discussion and posed questions about Judge Kwon's research and presentation.

Pro Bono Legal Clinic with the Orange County Korean American Bar Association

In February, the Korea Law Center and the Orange County Korean American Bar Association (OCKABA) held a pro bono legal clinic at Community Legal Aid SoCal in Santa Ana. Attorneys and law student volunteers provided free legal assistance to Korean individuals from underserved communities, addressing a wide range of legal concerns and helping to expand access to justice.

This collaborative event reflects the Korea Law Center's ongoing commitment to community service, legal empowerment, and supporting vulnerable populations within the Korean American community.

Korean Prosecutors Association Mentorship Panel

In March, UC Irvine Law and the Korea Law Center welcomed seven members of the Korean Prosecutors Association (KPA)—Sylvia Choi, Barbara Kim, Justin Kim, Monica Kweon, Irene Lee, Josh Lee, and Alex Yi—for a mentorship panel with current students. Moderated by Korea Law Center Research Fellows Annie Hong and Yonghyung (Thomas) Chung, the discussion explored how the panelists' Korean identity has shaped their careers, the challenges and rewards of working as prosecutors, and their perspectives on the future of the profession amid emerging technologies.

We extend our sincere thanks to the KPA and its members for generously taking the time to offer our law students candid insights and thoughtful guidance on public service and legal careers.

Korean Law 101 Book Event with Jinny Suh

Also in March, the Korea Law Center welcomed attorney and author Jinny Suh for a special talk on her new book, Korean Law 101: Basic and Practiced Knowledge for Foreign Lawyers and Entrepreneurs, as well as her career as an attorney in both Korea and the United States. Jinny is a corporate attorney licensed in Korea and New York and currently serves as Associate General Counsel at McKinsey & Company. Her book provides a practical overview of the Korean legal and governmental framework, tailored for foreign professionals navigating Korea’s legal landscape.

We proudly congratulate Jinny on this exciting publication and look forward to following and supporting her continued success as a trailblazer in bridging the Korean and U.S. legal communities.

Korea Law Center 2025 Spring Symposium

In May, the Korea Law Center hosted its 2025 Spring Symposium, bringing together legal scholars, students, and community members to celebrate the achievements of the Korea Law Center's Research Fellows and to discuss special topics in Korean law. The program opened with a keynote presentation from The Honorable Richard Lee on public service and the influence of cultural values on professional life.

The symposium also featured presentations by the the Korea Law Center's Research Fellows on the career paths and contributions of Korean American lawyers, as well as afternoon sessions exploring global and constitutional perspectives, including South Korea’s political developments and issues of political accountability.

This event would not have been possible without the support of all of the speakers and attendees who took part in the symposium. We remain committed to continuing to foster these important conversations and connections at the intersection of U.S. and Korean law.

Seoul National University Graduate School of Public Administration Summer Program

In July, for the third consecutive year, UC Irvine Law was honored to host a cohort of scholars from Seoul National University's Graduate School of Public Administration (GSPA) for a summer program. Held from July 7 to July 17, the program brought together thirty scholars for a series of academic lectures led by UC Irvine faculty and distinguished guest scholars, covering topics in law, technology, and global governance. In addition to the academic program, the cohort enjoyed cultural excursions across Southern California, including visits to museums, state parks, and the Orange County Superior Court.

A special thank you to Professor Chongmin Na of Seoul National University for his leadership of this summer program. We also extend our sincere thanks to the exceptional cohort of scholars who participated in this two-week program.

Korea Law Center Scholars Program

In March, the University of California, Irvine School of Law and the Korea Law Center were very excited to announce the launch of the Korea Law Center Scholars Program. This new scholarship initiative is designed for exceptional incoming law students who are passionate about exploring legal issues facing the Korean American community and who wish to give back and make a difference in their communities.

In August, we were thrilled to announce that incoming first-year J.D. student Shawn Kim and Anna Nahm were named as the inaugural Korea Law Center Scholars at the University of California, Irvine School of Law. They were selected through a competitive process for their academic accomplishments, demonstrated commitment to community engagement, and interest in legal issues affecting the Korean American community.

In September, we were proud to share that Korea Law Center Scholars Shawn Kim and Anna Nahm were awarded the Choi Family Endowed Law School Scholarship. This scholarship was made possible through the vision and generosity of Carol and Eugene Choi, whose leadership was instrumental in establishing the Korea Law Center at UC Irvine Law. We express our deepest gratitude to the Choi family for their support of the Korea Law Center Scholars, the Korea Law Center, and UC Irvine Law.

Visiting Scholars Reception with Dean Austen Parrish

Also in September, Korea Law Center faculty, staff, and students gathered to welcome the Visiting Scholars at a welcome reception hosted by UC Irvine Law Dean Austen Parrish. The reception provided an opportunity to celebrate the scholars' arrival, learn more about their work, and affirm the Korea Law Center's commitment to supporting our Visiting Scholars and fostering collaboration and community.

International Association of Korean Lawyers Conference in Seoul

The Korea Law Center traveled to Seoul in September to attend the International Association of Korean Lawyers (IAKL) 2025 Conference. The conference brought together legal professionals of Korean descent, as well as those with an interest in Korea, from around the world to build professional relationships and promote social justice.

Korea Law Center Faculty Director Professor Sung Eun (Summer) Kim, alongside Professor Hwang Lee of Korea University, Professor JaeWon Kim of Sung Kyun Kwan University, Kenneth Hong of H&H Lawyers, and Sophie Paeng of Squire Patton Boggs, presented on a panel titled “The Braiding of Legal Education and Legal Professions Across Multiple Jurisdictions.” The speakers explored how changes in legal education and professional practice have shaped and influenced Korean lawyers across the U.S., Australia, and Korea.

Tune in Tuesdays

This fall, the Korea Law Center launched a three-session mindfulness series for law students, co-facilitated by Professor Summer Kim and Chancellor's Professor of Law Song Richardson.

Tune In Tuesday sessions took place early on Tuesday mornings before classes, giving students a chance to practice mindfulness through journaling, breathing exercises, and reflective activities.

We thank the students for sharing their time and presence with us, and we hope students were able to take valuable insights and moments of reflection from these sessions.

Visiting Scholars Co-Working Sessions

Also in the fall, the Korea Law Center hosted co-working sessions for our Visiting Scholars, providing a dedicated space for focused research and collaborative engagement. In August, Research Fellow Thomas Chung and Faculty Director Professor Summer Kim welcomed scholars to a supportive environment where they could connect and work alongside one another. The second session, held in October, was led by Professor Kim and Research Fellow Annie Hong, with Visiting Scholar Professor JungYun Han from National Taiwan University joining the session.

These co-working sessions offered scholars an opportunity to focus on their research while building connections with other Visiting Scholars. We thank all who participated and look forward to continuing to support our Visiting Scholars through future sessions.

Chuseok Celebration at University Hills

In October, the Korea Law Center community gathered at Vista Bonita Park in University Hills to celebrate the Chuseok holiday. The celebration brought together Visiting Scholars and their families, UC Irvine Law community members including J.D. and LL.M. students, and friends of the Korea Law Center for an afternoon of food, music, and community. The event also featured a lively performance by Hansori at UCI, a student-run organization at UC Irvine, which performed traditional Korean drumming known as pungmul and samulnori.

Superior Court of California, Riverside County Courthouse Visit

In November, members of the Korea Law Center community, including Visiting Scholars and Research Fellows, had the special opportunity to visit the chambers of Judge Sophia Choi at the Riverside Historic Courthouse. During the visit, Judge Choi provided an overview of the United States courtroom structure and shared her personal path to the bench.

The visit offered participants a meaningful opportunity to deepen their understanding of the American judicial system and to engage directly with a distinguished member of the judiciary. The Korea Law Center thanks Judge Choi for welcoming our group and sharing her time and insights.

Professor Michael Robinson-Dorn Presents at the 2025 International Conference on Clinical Legal Education at Seoul National University

In December, UC Irvine Law Professor and Co-Associate Dean of Experiential Learning Michael Robinson-Dorn participated in the 2025 International Conference on Clinical Legal Education, co-hosted by the Seoul National University Law Public Interest and Legal Clinic Center (SNUPLC) and the Korean Bar Association (KBA). The annual conference brings together scholars and practitioners to examine clinical legal education, public interest law, and pro bono practice. During Session II, focused on strengthening the public interest orientation of the legal profession, Professor Michael Robinson-Dorn presented on UC Irvine Law’s clinical education structure and its approach to pro bono work.

We extend our sincere thanks to Professor Robinson-Dorn for representing UC Irvine Law at the conference, as well as to our partners at SNUPLC for the invitation and for their continued leadership in advancing public interest law in Korea.

Save the Date: Lunar New Year Celebration

Monday, February 9, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

UCI Student Center and The Irvine Barclay Theatre

Join the UCI community in welcoming the Lunar New Year! This annual celebration highlights tradition and cultural heritage while bringing the community together. Enjoy lively performances and music from campus groups, including Hansori at UCI and Gió Nam Múa Lân, and savor delicious traditional foods while experiencing a festive atmosphere full of energy, connection, and joy.

We would love to connect with you! If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to the Korea Law Center at klc@law.uci.edu.

The Korea Law Center is supported by charitable gifts and contributions, if you would like to donate to the center you can do so here: Give to UCI.