Bae, Kim & Lee LLC (Managing Partner Kim Sang-gon) said on the 18th that it was selected for the "2026 Asia ESG firms to watch" list released by Asian Legal Business (ALB), a global legal trade publication. This is the third time Kwangjang has made the list, following 2023 and 2024.
ALB, a Thomson Reuters-affiliated outlet, selects top ESG law firms across the Asia-Pacific by evaluating expertise, market reputation, and client feedback for major firms and attorneys. ESG stands for environment, social, and governance.
Kwangjang operates an ESG group that integrates ESG-related work in environment, industrial safety, compliance, advisory for corporations, and labor. The ESG group has taken part not only in advisory for corporations but also in policy design and the development of greenhouse gas reduction measures.
Kwangjang supported the design and pilot rollout of the "Korean green chemistry system" for the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, and served as an advisor in developing a methodology for greenhouse gas reduction projects in agriculture using methane-reducing microbial technology. It also handled ESG finance advisory such as green bond issuance, supply chain and human rights due diligence, and responses to greenwashing investigations.
Green bonds are bonds issued to raise funds needed for environmental improvement projects such as responding to climate change or developing renewable energy. Greenwashing refers to representing or promoting something as more environmentally friendly than it actually is.
Managing Partner Kim Sang-gon said, "It seems our efforts to lead in helping corporations achieve sustainable growth, based on integrated advisory capabilities and diverse project experience, have resulted in the honor of a record three awards in Korea," adding, "We will continue to provide top-tier ESG solutions in step with evolving regulatory environments and market demands."