Public Notary System in Korea: Document Authentication Guide (EN/中文/日本語/Español)

🌐 Language / 語言 / 言語 / Idioma: English 中文 日本語 Español 📋 Korean Law Insight | Korean Legal System By Attorney NOH UJIN | HANBYOL LAW LLC, Seoul Public Notary (공증) System in Korea: A Complete Legal Guide to Document Authentication for Foreign Individuals and Businesses Korea's notarization system — operating under the Notary Public Act (공증인법) and the Civil Procedure Code's provisions on notarial deeds — differs significantly from common-law notary systems familiar to many foreign businesspeople and individuals. Understanding how Korean public notaries (공증인) function is essential for anyone executing powers of attorney, loan agreements, corporate resolutions, or other documents intended for use in Korea or abroad. 1. What Is a Korean Public Notary, and How Does It Differ from the Western Notary? In common-law jurisdictions (US, UK, etc.), a "notary public" is typically a low-level official who verifies identity and witnesses signatures. I...

Startup Investment Agreements: Term Sheets Under Korean Law (EN/中文/日本語/Español)

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📋 Korean Law Insight | Startup & Investment Law

Startup Investment Agreements: Term Sheets Under Korean Law — A Guide for Foreign Investors and Founders

South Korea's startup ecosystem has emerged as one of the most vibrant in Asia, driven by a strong venture capital culture, government programs like K-Startup Grand Challenge, and global success stories from companies such as Kakao, Krafton, and Coupang. Foreign investors looking to deploy capital into Korean startups — and foreign founders establishing ventures in Korea — must understand how investment agreements and term sheets operate under Korean law.

This guide explains the structure of Korean startup investment term sheets, key legal provisions, regulatory considerations, and practical traps that international parties frequently encounter.

1. Overview of Korean Startup Investment Structures

Korean startups typically receive investment through one of three structures:

  • Equity investment (주식투자) — the investor subscribes to new shares in a Korean corporation (주식회사, "jusik hoesa")
  • Convertible notes / SAFE (전환사채, 조건부지분인수계약) — debt or right that converts to equity upon a future financing round
  • Stock options (주식매수선택권) — grants to employees or early investors, governed by the Commercial Act

2. The Term Sheet: Legal Status and Binding Effect

In Korea, a term sheet (텀시트) is typically a non-binding letter of intent outlining the key commercial terms of an investment. However, certain clauses in a term sheet may be legally binding under Korean law, particularly:

  • Exclusivity clauses (협상 독점 기간) — the company commits not to negotiate with other investors for a fixed period
  • Confidentiality clauses (비밀유지 조항) — usually binding regardless of whether the deal closes
  • Break-up fee provisions — enforceable if the company or investor wrongfully terminates discussions

Korean courts (대법원) have held that where parties indicate clear intent to be bound by specific provisions, those provisions will be enforced even within a nominally non-binding term sheet. Foreign investors should carefully label each section as "binding" or "non-binding" to avoid unintended legal consequences.

3. Share Structure: Common vs. Preferred Shares

Korean startups typically issue preferred shares (우선주) to institutional investors and common shares (보통주) to founders. Korean preferred shares under the Commercial Act (상법) can include:

  • Liquidation preference (잔여재산 분배 우선권) — investors receive proceeds before common shareholders upon exit
  • Anti-dilution protection (주식희석화 방지) — weighted average or full-ratchet adjustments on down rounds
  • Participating preferred (참가적 우선주) — investors receive their preference AND participate pro-rata in remaining proceeds
  • Cumulative dividend preference (누적적 배당 우선주) — unpaid dividends accumulate
  • Conversion rights (전환권) — the right to convert preferred to common shares

4. Key Investment Agreement Provisions

Once a term sheet is agreed, the parties proceed to a definitive investment agreement (투자계약서). Key provisions include:

4.1 Pre-emption Rights (우선매수권)

Existing investors typically have the right to participate pro-rata in future financing rounds to maintain their ownership percentage. Under Korean corporate law, shareholders already have statutory pre-emption rights (신주인수권) on new share issuances, but investment agreements typically expand these rights.

4.2 Right of First Refusal (우선매수청구권) and Co-Sale Rights (동반매도참여권)

If a founder intends to sell shares to a third party, investors typically have ROFR (right of first refusal) — they can purchase at the same price offered to the third party. Co-sale (tag-along) rights allow investors to sell their shares alongside the founder at the same price and terms.

4.3 Drag-Along Rights (동반매도청구권)

A majority investor may have the right to "drag" minority shareholders (including founders) into an exit transaction, compelling them to sell at the agreed price. Korean courts have enforced drag-along provisions but require that the triggering majority threshold be clearly defined and that the drag cannot deprive minority shareholders of rights below statutory minimums.

4.4 Board Composition and Investor Protective Provisions

Investors typically request one or more board seats (이사 지명권). Korean law provides robust protections for minority shareholders (소수주주 보호), including the right to call extraordinary general meetings (임시주총 소집 청구권) if holding 3% or more of shares. Investment agreements typically also include protective provisions requiring investor consent for major decisions such as:

  • Sale or merger of the company
  • Issuance of new shares or debt above a threshold
  • Changes to the company's articles of incorporation
  • Related-party transactions

4.5 Representations, Warranties, and Indemnities

Korean investment agreements include extensive reps and warranties from founders and the company, covering IP ownership, absence of litigation, tax compliance, employment matters, and financial statements. Korean law permits breach-of-warranty indemnity claims, but these must be carefully drafted — Korean courts scrutinize vague or overly broad indemnity clauses.

5. Convertible Notes and SAFE Instruments

The 전환사채 (CB, Convertible Bond) is the traditional Korean vehicle for bridge financing. It functions as a debt instrument that converts to equity upon certain trigger events. Key terms include:

  • Conversion price — either fixed or calculated with a discount (typically 10–30%) to the valuation at the next qualified financing round
  • Maturity date — typically 1–3 years, after which the principal plus accrued interest must be repaid if not converted
  • Valuation cap — ensures early investors receive a minimum equity stake even if the company achieves a very high valuation at conversion

Korea has also adopted a domestic version of the SAFE (조건부지분인수계약, CSPA), popularized since 2019 through the Korean Venture Investment Act (벤처투자촉진법). The CSPA is not debt — it is a right to receive equity upon a future event — making it less burdensome than a CB for early-stage startups.

6. Foreign Investment Regulatory Considerations

Foreign investors must consider several Korean regulatory requirements:

  • Foreign Investment Promotion Act (FIPA) — requires foreign investors acquiring 10% or more of Korean company shares to report to KOTRA/Korea Investment Promotion Agency within 15 days
  • Foreign Exchange Transactions Act (FETA) — governs the inflow/outflow of investment capital and dividend remittances. Investment funds must be remitted through designated Korean banks
  • National Security Review — investments in certain sensitive sectors (defense, telecommunications, aviation) may be subject to FDI review
  • Venture Investment Approval — investments by foreign venture capital funds may require registration as a Foreign Venture Capital Company (외국 벤처투자회사) under the Venture Investment Act

7. Exit Mechanisms

Common exit routes for Korean startup investors include:

  • IPO (기업공개) — listing on KOSPI or KOSDAQ. The KOSDAQ market is specifically designed for growth-stage companies
  • M&A / Trade sale — sale to a strategic or financial buyer
  • Secondary market sale — sale of shares to another investor
  • Buy-back (자사주 매입) — the company repurchases investor shares at an agreed price or formula

8. Practical Tips for Foreign Investors

  • Always conduct Korean-law due diligence on IP ownership, equity cap table, and employment agreements before investing
  • Ensure the investment agreement is governed by Korean law if the company is a Korean entity — courts in Korea will not easily apply foreign law to disputes involving Korean corporations
  • Specifically address whether preferred share rights survive a merger or restructuring
  • Use KCAB arbitration clauses for international investors who want neutral dispute resolution
  • Understand Korea's strict transfer pricing and thin capitalization rules if structuring via a holding company
  • Retain Korean-qualified counsel throughout the investment process, not just at signing

📌 Official References

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is a Korean term sheet legally binding?

A: Generally, a term sheet is non-binding in Korea, but specific provisions — such as exclusivity and confidentiality — are typically binding. Korean courts will enforce clearly stated binding provisions. Foreign investors should mark each clause as "binding" or "non-binding" explicitly.

Q2: What is the difference between a Korean CB (전환사채) and a CSPA (조건부지분인수계약)?

A: A CB is a debt instrument that converts to equity; it must be repaid if not converted. A CSPA (similar to a US SAFE) is not debt — it is a contractual right to receive future equity. The CSPA does not appear on the balance sheet as debt, making it more favorable for startups concerned about leverage ratios.

Q3: Can a foreign investor hold preferred shares in a Korean startup?

A: Yes. Korean commercial law allows foreign investors to hold preferred shares (우선주) with various rights, including liquidation preference, anti-dilution, and conversion rights. The investment must be reported to KOTRA if it represents 10% or more of total shares.

Q4: How are drag-along rights enforced in Korea?

A: Korean courts generally enforce drag-along provisions if they are clearly drafted and the triggering majority is well-defined. However, they will not enforce drag-along rights that deprive shareholders of their minimum statutory rights under the Commercial Act (e.g., appraisal rights in mergers).

Q5: What regulatory filings are required when a foreign investor acquires Korean startup shares?

A: Key filings include: (1) Foreign direct investment report to KOTRA within 15 days of investment (if ≥10% stake); (2) Capital inflow report to the bank handling the remittance; (3) Possible sector-specific approval if investing in a sensitive industry.

Q6: Can Korean startup founders buy back investor shares?

A: Yes, through a company buy-back (자사주 매입) or a founder-level share purchase. Company buy-backs require a Board resolution and are subject to Korean Commercial Act restrictions on distributable reserves. Founders buying directly from investors require agreement on pricing methodology — Korean courts apply fair value standards in shareholder disputes.

Q7: What is KOSDAQ and how does it differ from KOSPI?

A: KOSPI (Korea Composite Stock Price Index) is the main Korean stock exchange for large-cap companies. KOSDAQ (Korea Securities Dealers Automated Quotations) is the growth market designed for tech startups, venture companies, and SMEs — with lower listing thresholds and more flexible requirements. Most Korean startups target KOSDAQ for their IPO.

📚 Related Articles

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📋 韩国法律洞察 | 初创企业与投资法

韩国法律下的初创企业投资协议与条款清单:外国投资者与创始人指南

韩国初创企业生态系统已成为亚洲最具活力的生态系统之一,由强大的风险投资文化、K-Startup Grand Challenge等政府项目以及Kakao、Krafton和Coupang等全球成功案例驱动。希望向韩国初创企业投入资本的外国投资者——以及在韩国建立企业的外国创始人——必须了解投资协议和条款清单在韩国法律下的运作方式。

1. 韩国初创企业投资结构概述

  • 股权投资(주식투자)——投资者认购韩国股份公司的新股
  • 可转换票据/SAFE(전환사채,조건부지분인수계약)——在未来融资轮次时转换为股权的债务或权利
  • 股票期权(주식매수선택권)——授予员工或早期投资者,受《商法》约束

2. 条款清单:法律地位与约束力

在韩国,条款清单通常是概述投资关键商业条款的非约束性意向书。但某些条款在韩国法律下可能具有法律约束力,特别是:独家性条款、保密条款和分手费条款。韩国最高法院判决表明,当事方表明明确约束意图的特定条款将被执行。

3. 股份结构:普通股与优先股

韩国初创企业通常向机构投资者发行优先股(우선주),向创始人发行普通股(보통주)。韩国优先股可包括:清算优先权、反稀释保护、参与优先权、累积股息优先权和转换权。

4. 投资协议的关键条款

  • 优先认购权(우선매수권)——现有投资者按比例参与未来融资轮次
  • 优先购买权和共同销售权(动반매도참여권)——保护投资者在创始人出售股份时的权益
  • 拖带权(동반매도청구권)——多数投资者可强制少数股东参与退出交易
  • 董事会组成和投资者保护条款——投资者通常要求董事席位和重大决策否决权
  • 陈述、保证和赔偿——涵盖知识产权所有权、诉讼缺失、税务合规等

5. 可转换票据与SAFE工具

转换公司债(CB,전환사채)是韩国传统的过桥融资工具,是转换为股权的债务工具。关键条款包括转换价格(通常相对于下一轮融资估值有10–30%折扣)、到期日(通常1–3年)和估值上限。

韩国还通过《创业投资促进法》采用了SAFE的本土版本(条件性股权获取协议,CSPA)。CSPA不是债务,而是未来获得股权的权利,对早期创业公司负担更轻。

6. 外国投资监管考虑

  • 《外国投资促进法》(FIPA)——外国投资者收购韩国公司10%或以上股份,须在15天内向KOTRA报告
  • 《外汇交易法》(FETA)——规范投资资金的流入/流出和股息汇款
  • 国家安全审查——对国防、电信、航空等敏感领域的投资可能须接受外商直接投资审查
  • 风险投资审批——外国风险投资基金可能须在《创业投资法》下注册为外国风险投资公司

7. 退出机制

  • 首次公开募股(IPO)——在KOSPI或KOSDAQ上市,KOSDAQ专为成长阶段企业设计
  • 并购/贸易出售——出售给战略或财务买家
  • 二级市场出售——向另一投资者出售股份
  • 股份回购(자사주 매입)——公司按约定价格或公式回购投资者股份

📌 官方参考资料

常见问题(FAQ)

Q1:韩国的条款清单具有法律约束力吗?

A: 一般来说,条款清单在韩国不具有约束力,但独家性和保密等特定条款通常具有约束力。外国投资者应明确标注每个条款为"约束性"或"非约束性"。

Q2:韩国CB(전환사채)和CSPA(조건부지분인수계약)有什么区别?

A: CB是可转换为股权的债务工具,若不转换则必须偿还。CSPA(类似于美国SAFE)不是债务——它是获得未来股权的合同权利,不作为债务出现在资产负债表上。

Q3:外国投资者可以持有韩国初创企业的优先股吗?

A: 可以。韩国商业法允许外国投资者持有具有各种权利的优先股,包括清算优先权、反稀释和转换权。若持股比例达到10%或以上,需向KOTRA报告。

Q4:在韩国如何执行拖带权?

A: 韩国法院通常执行清晰起草的拖带权,但不会执行剥夺股东《商法》最低法定权利的拖带权。

Q5:外国投资者收购韩国初创企业股份时需要哪些监管申报?

A: 主要申报包括:(1)投资后15天内向KOTRA提交外商直接投资报告(若持股≥10%);(2)向处理汇款的银行提交资金流入报告;(3)若投资敏感行业,可能需要特定行业批准。

Q6:韩国初创企业创始人可以回购投资者股份吗?

A: 可以,通过公司自有股份回购或创始人直接购买。公司回购需要董事会决议,并受《商法》关于可分配储备的限制。

Q7:什么是KOSDAQ,它与KOSPI有何不同?

A: KOSPI是韩国大型公司的主要证券交易所。KOSDAQ是专为科技初创企业、风险投资公司和中小企业设计的成长型市场,上市门槛更低,要求更灵活。大多数韩国初创企业以KOSDAQ上市为目标。

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📋 韓国法律インサイト | スタートアップ・投資法

韓国法におけるスタートアップ投資契約とタームシート:外国投資家・創業者向け完全ガイド

韓国のスタートアップエコシステムはアジア屈指の活気を誇り、K-Startup Grand Challengeなどの政府プログラムや、Kakao・Krafton・Coupangといったグローバルな成功事例に牽引されています。韓国スタートアップへの投資を検討する外国投資家や、韓国で事業を設立する外国人創業者は、韓国法の下での投資契約とタームシートの仕組みを理解する必要があります。

1. 韓国スタートアップ投資の基本構造

  • 株式投資(주식투자)——投資家が韓国株式会社の新株を引き受ける
  • 転換社債/SAFE(전환사채、조건부지분인수계약)——将来の資金調達ラウンドで株式に転換される負債または権利
  • ストックオプション(주식매수선택권)——従業員または初期投資家への付与、商法に基づく

2. タームシート:法的地位と拘束力

韓国では、タームシート(텀시트)は通常、投資の主要な商業条件を概説した非拘束的な意向書です。ただし、独占交渉条項、秘密保持条項、破談手数料条項など一部の条款は法的拘束力を持ちます。大法院は、当事者が特定条款に拘束されることを明確に示した場合、非拘束的なタームシート内であってもその条款を執行すると判示しています。

3. 株式構造:普通株式と優先株式

韓国スタートアップは通常、機関投資家に優先株式(우선주)を、創業者に普通株式(보통주)を発行します。韓国の優先株式には、残余財産分配優先権、希薄化防止保護、参加型優先権、累積配当優先権、転換権などが含まれます。

4. 投資契約の主要条項

  • 優先引受権(우선매수권)——既存投資家が将来の資金調達ラウンドに按分で参加する権利
  • 先買権と共同売却権(동반매도참여권)——創業者が第三者に株式を売却する場合の投資家保護
  • ドラッグアロング権(동반매도청구권)——多数派投資家が少数株主を出口取引に参加させる権利
  • 取締役会構成と投資家保護条項——重要な決定に対する投資家の同意権
  • 表明・保証と補償——IP所有権、訴訟不存在、税務コンプライアンスなどを対象

5. 転換社債とSAFE

転換社債(CB、전환사채)は韓国の伝統的なブリッジファイナンス手段で、転換されなければ元利合計を返済する義務があります。CSPA(조건부지분인수계약)は韓国版SAFEで、負債ではなく将来の株式を受け取る権利です。バランスシートに負債として計上されないため、初期スタートアップにとって有利です。

6. 外国投資規制上の考慮事項

  • 外国人投資促進法(FIPA)——10%以上取得の場合、投資後15日以内にKOTRAへの報告が必要
  • 外国為替取引法(FETA)——投資資金の流入/流出と配当送金を規制
  • 国家安全保障審査——防衛・通信・航空等の敏感なセクターへの投資は審査対象

7. 出口メカニズム

  • IPO(기업공개)——KOSPIまたはKOSDAQ上場(スタートアップはKOSDAQが一般的)
  • M&A/トレードセール——戦略的または財務的買主への売却
  • セカンダリーマーケット売却——他の投資家への株式売却
  • 自社株買い(자사주 매입)——合意価格または算定式での投資家株式の買戻し

📌 公式参照資料

よくある質問(FAQ)

Q1:韓国のタームシートは法的拘束力がありますか?

A: 一般的にタームシートは非拘束的ですが、独占性・秘密保持などの特定条款は通常拘束力があります。各条款を「拘束的」または「非拘束的」と明記することを推奨します。

Q2:韓国のCB(転換社債)とCSPA(조건부지분인수계약)の違いは何ですか?

A: CBは転換されなければ返済が必要な負債です。CSPAは負債ではなく将来の株式を受け取る権利で、バランスシートに負債として計上されません。

Q3:外国投資家は韓国スタートアップの優先株式を保有できますか?

A: はい。韓国商法は外国投資家の優先株式保有を認めており、清算優先権、希薄化防止、転換権などを含むことができます。10%以上の取得はKOTRAへの報告が必要です。

Q4:韓国でのドラッグアロング権はどのように執行されますか?

A: 明確に起草された場合、韓国裁判所はドラッグアロング権を執行しますが、商法の最低法定権利を剥奪するものは執行しません。

Q5:外国投資家が韓国スタートアップ株式を取得する際に必要な規制申告は何ですか?

A: 主な申告:(1)10%以上取得の場合、投資後15日以内にKOTRAへのFDI報告;(2)送金を扱う銀行への資金流入報告;(3)敏感なセクターの場合は業種別承認。

Q6:韓国スタートアップの創業者は投資家の株式を買い戻せますか?

A: はい。会社の自社株買いまたは創業者による直接購入が可能です。会社の買い戻しは取締役会決議が必要で、商法の配当可能利益制限に服します。

Q7:KOSDAQとKOSPIの違いは何ですか?

A: KOSPIは大型企業向けの主要証券取引所です。KOSDAQはテックスタートアップ、ベンチャー企業、中小企業向けの成長市場で、上場基準が低く要件が柔軟です。ほとんどの韓国スタートアップはKOSDAQ上場を目指します。

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📋 Perspectiva Jurídica Coreana | Derecho de Startups e Inversión

Acuerdos de Inversión en Startups: Term Sheets bajo la Ley Coreana — Guía para Inversores Extranjeros y Fundadores

El ecosistema de startups de Corea del Sur ha emergido como uno de los más vibrantes de Asia, impulsado por una fuerte cultura de capital riesgo, programas gubernamentales como K-Startup Grand Challenge, y casos de éxito globales como Kakao, Krafton y Coupang. Los inversores extranjeros y fundadores deben entender cómo funcionan los acuerdos de inversión y los term sheets bajo la ley coreana.

1. Estructuras de Inversión en Startups Coreanas

  • Inversión en acciones (주식투자)——el inversor suscribe nuevas acciones en una sociedad anónima coreana
  • Notas convertibles/SAFE (전환사채, 조건부지분인수계약)——deuda o derecho que se convierte en capital en una futura ronda
  • Opciones sobre acciones (주식매수선택권)——concedidas a empleados o inversores iniciales bajo el Código Comercial

2. El Term Sheet: Estatus Legal y Efecto Vinculante

En Corea, un term sheet es típicamente una carta de intención no vinculante, aunque ciertas cláusulas sí tienen efecto jurídico: cláusulas de exclusividad, confidencialidad y honorarios por ruptura. Los inversores extranjeros deben etiquetar cada sección como "vinculante" o "no vinculante" explícitamente.

3. Estructura de Acciones: Comunes vs. Preferentes

Las startups coreanas emiten acciones preferentes (우선주) a inversores institucionales y acciones comunes (보통주) a fundadores. Las preferentes pueden incluir: preferencia de liquidación, protección antidilución, participación preferente, preferencia de dividendos acumulativos y derechos de conversión.

4. Disposiciones Clave del Acuerdo de Inversión

  • Derechos de tanteo (우선매수권)——inversores existentes participan proporcionalmente en futuras rondas
  • Derecho de primera opción y derechos de co-venta (동반매도참여권)——protección cuando el fundador vende acciones a terceros
  • Derechos de arrastre (동반매도청구권)——el inversor mayoritario puede obligar a accionistas minoritarios a participar en una transacción de salida
  • Composición del consejo y disposiciones protectoras——asientos en el consejo y derechos de veto en decisiones importantes
  • Declaraciones, garantías e indemnizaciones——cobertura de propiedad intelectual, litigios pendientes, cumplimiento fiscal

5. Notas Convertibles e Instrumentos SAFE

El bono convertible (CB, 전환사채) es el vehículo coreano tradicional para financiación puente y se convierte en capital en eventos desencadenantes. El CSPA (조건부지분인수계약) es la versión coreana del SAFE — no es deuda, sino un derecho contractual a recibir acciones futuras, menos gravoso para startups en etapa temprana.

6. Consideraciones Regulatorias para Inversión Extranjera

  • Ley de Promoción de Inversión Extranjera (FIPA)——reportar a KOTRA en 15 días si se adquiere ≥10% de acciones
  • Ley de Transacciones de Divisas Extranjeras (FETA)——regula flujos de capital e inversión y remesas de dividendos
  • Revisión de Seguridad Nacional——inversiones en sectores sensibles pueden estar sujetas a revisión

7. Mecanismos de Salida

  • OPI (기업공개)——cotización en KOSPI o KOSDAQ (la mayoría de startups apunta a KOSDAQ)
  • M&A/Venta comercial——venta a comprador estratégico o financiero
  • Venta en mercado secundario——venta de acciones a otro inversor
  • Recompra (자사주 매입)——la empresa recompra acciones del inversor a un precio acordado

📌 Referencias Oficiales

Preguntas Frecuentes (FAQ)

P1: ¿Es legalmente vinculante un term sheet coreano?

R: Generalmente no, pero las cláusulas de exclusividad, confidencialidad y honorarios de ruptura suelen ser vinculantes. Se recomienda etiquetar cada cláusula como "vinculante" o "no vinculante" explícitamente.

P2: ¿Cuál es la diferencia entre un CB coreano y un CSPA?

R: El CB es deuda convertible que debe reembolsarse si no se convierte. El CSPA (similar al SAFE estadounidense) no es deuda — es un derecho contractual a recibir acciones futuras, sin aparecer como pasivo en el balance.

P3: ¿Puede un inversor extranjero poseer acciones preferentes en una startup coreana?

R: Sí. La ley comercial coreana permite a los inversores extranjeros poseer acciones preferentes con preferencia de liquidación, protección antidilución y derechos de conversión. Se requiere notificar a KOTRA si se adquiere ≥10%.

P4: ¿Cómo se ejecutan los derechos de arrastre en Corea?

R: Los tribunales coreanos generalmente ejecutan las disposiciones de arrastre claramente redactadas, pero no ejecutarán las que priven a los accionistas de sus derechos mínimos legales bajo el Código Comercial.

P5: ¿Qué registros regulatorios se requieren cuando un inversor extranjero adquiere acciones de una startup coreana?

R: Presentaciones clave: (1) Informe de inversión extranjera directa a KOTRA en 15 días (si ≥10%); (2) Informe de entrada de capital al banco correspondiente; (3) Posible aprobación sectorial si es una industria sensible.

P6: ¿Pueden los fundadores de startups coreanas recomprar acciones de inversores?

R: Sí, mediante recompra de acciones propias por la empresa o compra directa del fundador. Las recompras empresariales requieren resolución del consejo y están sujetas a las restricciones del Código Comercial sobre reservas distribuibles.

P7: ¿Qué es KOSDAQ y en qué se diferencia de KOSPI?

R: KOSPI es la bolsa principal de Corea para empresas de gran capitalización. KOSDAQ es el mercado de crecimiento diseñado para startups tecnológicas, empresas de riesgo y pymes, con requisitos de cotización más bajos. La mayoría de startups coreanas apunta a KOSDAQ para su OPI.

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