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Lawyer Park Min-chul Leaves Kim & Chang After 18 Years to Start Own Firm

Attorney Park Min-chul, widely known for his appearances on the JTBC reality program Divorce Deliberation Camp, has left Kim & Chang after 18 years at the prominent South Korean law firm, according to a video published September 3,…

Attorney Park Min-chul, widely known for his appearances on the JTBC reality program Divorce Deliberation Camp, has left Kim & Chang after 18 years at the prominent South Korean law firm, according to a video published September 3, 2026, on his YouTube channel "Attorney Park Min-chul’s Crazy." Park, who spent 22 total years commuting to Gwanghwamun, announced that he is departing the major firm to establish his own independent practice.

Departure From Kim & Chang After Nearly Two Decades

According to his YouTube announcement released on September 3, 2026, Park described his exit from Kim & Chang not merely as a change of employment, but as a parting with a major chapter of his life. He called joining the firm’s Technology, Media, and Telecom (TMT) team one of the best choices he ever made. During his final farewell gathering, Park expressed deep emotion alongside junior colleagues, who praised him as an unconventional yet quintessential lawyer. On his final day, Park personally greeted junior attorneys, building janitorial staff, and cafeteria cooks before taking a walk around the Gwanghwamun district to reflect on his 18-year tenure.

Launching an Independent Law Firm

Rather than accepting external recruitment offers from other corporate organizations, Park chose to launch an independent practice under his own name. According to his statements in the video, he decided on independence because he grew tired of listening to others and following external directives after 22 years in the legal profession. With this solo venture, Park intends to shift his professional focus away from the TMT sector and toward divorce cases, entertainment law, and general litigation, stating an explicit desire to stand beside individuals rather than corporations.

Navigating Client Trust and Broadcast Media

Addressing the uncertainties of running a solo practice, Park noted that an attorney cannot completely control the outcome of a case despite giving their absolute best effort. He emphasized that building trust with clients—ensuring they understand and accept outcomes even when expectations aren’t met—is critical. Alongside his legal career transition, Park continues an active television and digital media presence. He gained mainstream public recognition through Divorce Deliberation Camp and subsequently appeared on programs such as tvN’s You Quiz on the Block, SBS’s Same Bed, Different Dreams 2 – You Are My Destiny and My Little Old Boy, JTBC’s Knowing Bros, and KBS2’s Malja Show.

About the author: Marcus Liu - Business Editor

MBA and ex‑B bureau chief specializing in global finance and fintech. Marcus speaks Mandarin, Japanese, and English, and has interviewed CEOs from the Fortune 50 to Y‑Combinator unicorns. Marcus Liu delivers sharp analysis on markets, startups, and corporate strategy for investors and entrepreneurs alike.