Mark J. Kelson, co-chair of GreenbergTraurig (GT) and widely recognized as the “merger and acquisition genius” in multinational corporations, is well acquainted with LA’s Koreatown.
“As we begin the interview, I plan to relish a lunch of Kalguksu with some friends in Koreatown,” shared Kelson, setting a friendly tone for the conversation.
Kelson further explained, “We view GT as an abbreviation for ‘Go-To,’ a reflection of our 30 years of expertise in mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Our global footprint and impressive success rate solidify this perception.”
GT, established six decades ago in Miami, Florida, has expanded its operations to encompass 45 offices across 12 countries. With 580 partners and nearly 2,700 associates, the firm offers legal services in over 60 languages. In Korea, GT maintains an office in Sejong-ro, Seoul, with a team of six lawyers handling diverse cases for esteemed clients such as Hyundai Mobis, HSBC, and Citibank.
Within the United States, GT has lawyers based in 36 major cities, including Los Angeles (LA) and Orange County (OC). The firm serves Korean American clients, allowing them to tap into GT’s understanding of corporate culture.
Chambers USA has recognized Kelson as a leading lawyer in the field of mergers and acquisitions, and in 2019, he received the Leaders in Law accolade from the LA Business Journal in the corporate law category.
Kelson holds a unique perspective on the Korean Wave and Korea’s development. “Given my close relationships with Korean lawyers at GT and the local Korean community, I am well aware of the successes of Blackpink, Gangnam Style, and BTS. It is a natural outcome of exceptional creativity, and we in the U.S. are incredibly fortunate to be able to enjoy it.”
He also appreciates Southern California’s robust Korean American population of 500,000, which contributes to a vibrant economy and thriving Korean American businesses.
Inspired by last year’s conference, the Korea Daily inquired about the long-term value of the Korea Conference. “Over the years, the Korean American community has grown, diversifying its fields of expertise and expanding business and investment on a larger scale, even venturing into Europe. The conference will serve as a catalyst for this development. It is truly rare and valuable to have the opportunity to gather successful entrepreneurs in one place, allowing for in-depth conversations and the exchange of stories.”
Kelson is particularly excited about meeting more Korean entrepreneurs at this year’s conference. “I believe the Korea Conference is the only event where you can casually meet Korean entrepreneurs who have made significant strides in Asia and Europe. Larger conventions like CES are often so massive that you exchange business cards and move on. However, I anticipate that this conference will provide a platform for deeper connections and opportunities. Once Korean American entrepreneurs become aware of the event’s content and attendee list, I am confident they will eagerly participate.”
The Korea Conference, renowned as a forum for exchanging information and fostering connections between Koreans (including Korean and Korean American entrepreneurs) and American entrepreneurs, will take place in Los Angeles on August 16 and 17.
The VIP dinner on August 16 will be hosted aboard the FantaSea One yacht in Marina del Rey Harbor, while the main event on the following day will be held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, running from 10 am to 4 pm.
BY BRIAN CHOI [choi.inseong@koreadaily.com]
