Korean law firm Bae Kim & Lee has hired senior U.S. attorney David Pyun from local rival Kim & Chang, strengthening its real estate practice, particularly in cross-border investment and development deals.

Pyun joins BKL after more than seven years at Kim & Chang. He started his career at Mayer Brown and was previously a partner at Yulchon.

With experience in real estate, corporate finance and cross-border investments, Pyun represents international private equity firms and financial investors in structuring, acquisitions, financing and operations for real estate properties, development projects and investment platforms in South Korea.

He also advises South Korean asset managers and financial institutions on overseas real estate investments worldwide, including setting up subsidiaries, acquisitions, financing, development, joint ventures and dispute resolution.

Recent matters Pyun has worked on include the acquisition of logistics centres in South Korea, Europe and the United States, as well as office buildings, mixed-use properties and luxury hotels in and outside of South Korea. He has also handled workouts, refinancing, and disputes over clients' existing assets.

BKL's real estate team recently advised on the 2 trillion won ($1.5 billion) integrated entertainment resort project in Incheon by the U.S.-based Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority. The project includes a five-star hotel, shopping mall, theme park, arena and casino.

Law firms in South Korea have been actively hiring laterals, particularly from rivals, to beef up their practices amid rising demand from companies and funds for advice on transactions and disputes.