Yulchon LLC Launches Overseas Defense Industry Team 

with the Appointment of Defense Legal Veteran Nan Hyung KIM

Yulchon - Yulchon LLC proudly announces the appointment of Nan Hyung Kim, a former Legal Affairs Officer at the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), as Partner in its newly launched Overseas Defense Industry Team. With over 20 years of distinguished legal service in military, government, and international organizations, Ms. Kim brings unparalleled experience in domestic and global defense procurement, military law, and international compliance strategy.

Ms. Kim’s appointment marks the official launch of Yulchon’s Overseas Defense Industry Team, a specialized group formed to respond to the growing demand for legal expertise in international defense procurement, export controls, and security cooperation. Leveraging her extensive government and UN experience, Ms. Kim will spearhead advisory work for domestic and foreign defense contractors navigating cross-border compliance, negotiations, and strategic partnerships.

“Ms. Kim’s insight into both domestic defense procurement and international military cooperation, particularly her legal leadership in engagements with the United States and the United Nations, will greatly enhance our ability to support clients operating in the increasingly complex global defense environment,” said Nam Ho KIM, Head of Real Estate & Construction.

A graduate of Dongguk University (LL.B.) and Indiana University Maurer School of Law (LL.M., Cum Laude), Ms. Kim has served in numerous high-ranking legal roles across the military and international institutions. Notably, she was:

•Legal Affairs Officer at DAPA, where she provided legal oversight for guided weapons systems, C4IRS technologies, and cutting-edge AI and drone procurement projects.

•Military Legal Expert at the UN Secretariat, contributing to global policy on sexual exploitation and abuse in peacekeeping operations.

•Legal Advisor to the Korean Embassy in Washington D.C., facilitating FMS and DCS contract negotiations including the F-35 procurement deal; and

•Staff Judge Advocate at the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command, advising on international law and armistice compliance.

Ms. Kim has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Presidential Commendation on the 74th Armed Forces Day and multiple awards from the Army and Joint Chiefs of Staff.

“It is a privilege to join Yulchon at such a pivotal moment,” said Ms. Kim. “The Overseas Defense Industry Team will serve as a legal hub for both Korean companies expanding abroad and global defense firms entering Korea. I look forward to guiding clients through the legal complexities of cross-border defense initiatives that drive innovation and strengthen global security.”

With Ms. Kim’s arrival, Yulchon’s Overseas Defense Industry Team further strengthens its cross-border capabilities and legal insight across complex procurement environments. Her arrival also enhances collaboration across Yulchon’s National Defense/Public Contracts Team, and the Space & Aerospace Team, enhancing a fully integrated approach to advising on high-stakes defense and aerospace projects at both national and international levels.

Looking ahead, the Overseas Defense Industry Team aims to become a strategic legal partner for both Korean defense clients seeking to expand globally and foreign defense companies entering or operating in the Korean market. By combining deep regulatory knowledge with international project experience, the team is well positioned to deliver seamless support across outbound and inbound defense transactions, joint ventures, and regulatory compliance matters.