Technology transforms the world, while law balances that transformation. Though they may seem to stand at opposite ends, these two disciplines are more closely intertwined than almost any others. By influencing one another, they have helped make the world we live in a better place.

In this article, we explore the story of Professor Kyungjin Kim, who has experienced both fields firsthand. After majoring in engineering and working as a patent attorney at Samsung Electronics, she entered Sungkyunkwan University’s Law School and pursued a career as a lawyer. Now, having walked a path of diverse challenges, she has returned to SKKU this March—this time as a professor. Let us take a closer look at her journey.

| It’s a pleasure to meet you. Could you briefly introduce yourself?

Hello, I am Professor Kyungjin Kim, newly appointed to teach patent law at the Law School of Sungkyunkwan University. I graduated as part of the first class of SKKU’s Law School and later worked at Yulchon LLC and Lee & Ko LLC, where I was part of the intellectual property (IP) team. My work primarily involved patent litigation and trials, trade secret infringement cases, and IP strategy. In particular, I represented numerous patent infringement cases for global pharmaceutical companies and leading domestic chemical firms.

* IP (Intellectual Property): intangible assets created through human intellect and the rights that protect them.

| You earned both your undergraduate and master’s degrees in science and engineering. What kind of student were you at the time?

Until high school, I was a student who had a strong interest in science, so it felt natural to choose a science and engineering major when entering university. Even while working at a law firm, I continued to handle patent-related matters, and I still maintain a deep interest in science and engineering.

My childhood dream was actually to become a scientist. Looking back now, I sometimes find it surprising that I eventually became a lawyer and a professor at a law school.

| You worked as a patent attorney at Samsung Electronics before enrolling in SKKU Law School. What led you to pursue a legal career?

My interest in law began when I was preparing for the patent attorney examination during my university years and later working as a patent attorney. As I studied law, I found it to be a highly logical discipline, and I also enjoyed applying legal knowledge to real-life situations.

While preparing for the exam, my interest in civil law and patent law gradually expanded into a broader interest in law as a whole through my work. I also developed a desire to represent patent infringement cases at the forefront of technological disputes as a lawyer.

Around that time, I heard that law schools would be newly established in 2009. Wanting to study law more systematically, I decided to enroll in law school.

| Leaving a stable career as a patent attorney must have been a significant decision. Did you feel any fear?

I have always enjoyed trying new things and taking on challenges. When I feel a strong desire to pursue something, I believe it is better to try it, even if it does not lead to the desired outcome, so that I have no regrets.

For that reason, I did not feel significant fear or anxiety when choosing a new path. However, I do remember feeling concerned about whether I would be admitted, as I had to prepare for the law school entrance exam and the competition was quite intense.

| As a member of the first cohort of Korea’s law school system, how did it feel to take and pass the very first bar exam?

Because it was the first exam, it was difficult to predict the format of the questions or the results. The exam itself lasted for a week, which made it physically demanding.

However, since it was the first exam, the pass rate was relatively high, so I believe I was able to prepare for it with less difficulty compared to today. These days, I feel that the pressure surrounding the bar exam has increased, which is somewhat unfortunate.

▲ Professor Kim at her LL.M. graduation ceremony at Northwestern University in Chicago

| How did your background in science and engineering influence your work as a lawyer?

Since I primarily handled patent trials and litigation in the pharmaceutical and chemical fields, the knowledge I gained in chemical engineering during my university years was very helpful in my legal work.

Rather than the specific knowledge itself, I believe that my curiosity and interest in the field played an even greater role. Even without a formal background in science and engineering, I would like to emphasize that it is still possible to become an IP lawyer if one has a strong interest and curiosity in science and technology.

| Is there a particularly memorable case from your work in intellectual property law?

One of the most memorable cases was representing a global pharmaceutical company in one of the largest patent infringement litigations and trials in Korea. The case involved patents protecting blockbuster drugs*, and numerous pharmaceutical companies were attempting to enter the market, resulting in a large number of related lawsuits and trials worldwide.

Because the case was conducted simultaneously in Korea, the United States, and Europe, the legal arguments in each jurisdiction could influence one another. I remember carefully refining legal strategies by considering patent law principles across multiple jurisdictions.

* Blockbuster drug: a pharmaceutical product that generates over $1 billion in annual revenue and has significant market impact.

| There is a common view that while technology advances rapidly, the law moves relatively slowly. Have you experienced this gap in your work?

In an era of rapid technological innovation, the protection of patent rights is becoming increasingly important. Accordingly, there is a growing need for patent infringement litigation and invalidation trials in Korea to be resolved more swiftly.

However, such legal procedures tend to remain within established frameworks, and it is difficult for the system itself to change rapidly, especially when considering the importance of legal stability. In this respect, it can seem that the law inevitably moves relatively slowly.

| How does it feel to return to SKKU as a professor?

It is a great honor to return to my alma mater as a professor and have the opportunity to teach students. As I prepare my lectures, I often recall what I learned from my own professors during law school and think about how I can pass those lessons on to my students.

To be honest, it still feels somewhat unreal to be back as a professor—I still feel partly like a student. It is comforting to see that the Law Building remains the same, though the facilities have improved. Seeing students studying in the library and enjoying campus life brings back many memories.

When I was a law student, I was too busy with coursework to fully appreciate the campus. Now, after spending many years away, returning to campus has allowed me to rediscover its peacefulness and beauty.

| What kind of mindset or perspective as a legal professional would you like to share with your students?

I believe that the time spent in law school is a valuable opportunity to build a strong foundation as a legal professional. Therefore, I think it is important for students to focus on their studies. Once one enters practice, it becomes difficult to study in a steady and systematic manner.

I would also like to emphasize the importance of being proactive. Rather than thinking alone, students should actively ask questions and take on challenges. When you feel motivated to pursue something, I believe it is better to start rather than hesitate.

| Lastly, do you have a message for SKKU students facing new challenges?

I would like to encourage students to believe in themselves and embrace challenges. It is easy to feel discouraged when grades do not meet expectations or when desired outcomes are not achieved. At times, failure can make it seem as though one’s life has already been determined.

However, looking back, such moments are simply part of the process. Good grades do not necessarily guarantee success or happiness in life. Rather than being swayed by external circumstances, I hope students trust themselves and pursue a fulfilling and happy life.

Interview: Jung Suyeon