YOON&YANG
H. K. Helen Sohn Senior Foreign Attorney
손혜경 외국변호사.jpg
  • TEL 82 2 6182 8501
  • FAX 82 2 6003 7806
  • E-MAIL
H.K. Helen Sohn is a senior foreign attorney at Yoon & Yang LLC and her main areas of expertise include corporate law, aviation, and finance/capital markets.
Ms. Sohn has advised major financial institutions on international financial transactions, e.g. inducement of foreign capital, aircraft finance, issuance of overseas bonds and financing for overseas development project, etc. and foreign financial regulations. In particular, she has in-depth expertise in aircraft finance.

Experience

  • 2022-present Yoon & Yang LLC
  • 1995-22 Lee & Ko LLC

Education

  • 1995 Brooklyn Law School, J.D.
  • 1990 University of California (UCLA), B. A. in Political Science

Representative Matters

[Aircraft Finance/Investment (Including Finance Lease, Operating Lease, SLB, PDP, Secured Loan, and Deals for Sale and Purchase)]

  • Advised on finance lease of two B787-9 for Korean Air, SMBC and MUFG (2023~2024)
  • Advised on extension lease of two A321-231 for ICBC Leasing and Asiana Airlines (2023~2024)
  • Advised on finance lease of two A321-NX for Korean Air and LBBW (2022~2023)
  • Advised on multiple LIBOR Transition transactions for Korean Air (2023)
  • Advised on contract to purchase A321-Neo for Korean Air (2023)
  • Advised on finance lease of four B737-8 for KDB, BOCOMM and Jeju Air (2022~2023)
  • Advised on creation of Aircraft mortgage for KEXIM (2022~2023)
  • Advised on operating lease of two B737-800 for T'way Air and SMBC AC (2023)
  • Advised on operating lease of one B737-800 for T'way Air and ACG (2023)
  • Advised on operating lease of two B737-800 for T'way Air and AERCAP (2023)
  • Advised on operating lease of two A330-300 for T'way and DAE (2023)
  • Advised on operating lease of two B737-8 for T'way and CDB Aviation (2023)
  • Advised on lease extension contract for two B737-800 for T’way Air and AERCAP
  • Advised on lease extension contract for one B737-800 for T'way Air and AVOLON (2023)
  • Advised on operating lease of aircraft engine for Jeju Air and Willis (2023)
  • Advised on operating lease of two B737-800 for Jeju Air and SMBC AC (2023)
  • Advised on operating lease of one B737-800 BCF for Jeju Air and Aviator (2023)
  • Advised on operating lease of Asiana Airlines's aircraft engine for Rolls-Royce Finance Partners (2023)
  • Advised on operating lease of one B737-800 for BOCA, EASTAR Jet (2023)
  • Advised on finance lease of one A321-272NX for Korean Air (2022-2023)
  • Advised on novation of lease of two B737-800 for T’way Air (2022)
  • Advised on delivery of one B737-8 for T’way Air (2022)
  • Advised on short-term finance lease of two B737-8 for Korean Air and NATIXIS (2022)
  • Advised on US EXIM-backed finance lease of two B737-8 for Korea Air, US EXIM, NATIXIS and TD BANK (2022)
  • Advised on US EXIM-backed finance lease of one B737-8 for Korean Air, US EXIM and ING CAPITAL (2022)
  • Advised on sublease of one B737-8 for Korean Air and Jin Air (2022)
  • Advised on extension of lease of two A321-231 for ICBC Leasing (2022)
  • Advised on extension of lease of three A320 for ICBC Leasing (2021)
  • Advised on novation of lease of one B737-NG for T’way Air and BOC AVIATION (2021)
  • Advised on operating lease of three AERCAP A330 for T’way Air (2020~2022)
  • Advised on novation of lease of one AERCAP B737-NG for T’way Air (2019~2020)
  • Advised on finance lease of one B787-9 for Korea Air, LBBW and KDB (2019)
  • Advised on senior, junior loans secured by aircraft and creation of mortgage on one B777-300ER for Korean Air, KEXIM and KEB Hana Bank (2019)
  • Advised on PDP financing and sale & leaseback of five A350-900 and sale & leaseback of five A321Neo for ICBC Leasing (2018-2019)
  • Advised on PDP financing and sale & leaseback of two A350-900 for Asiana Airlines (2018-2019)
  • Handled portfolio investment in 18 aircraft owned by DAE for Meritz Securities (Project Kestrel) (2018)
  • Handled investment in two B777-300ER leased by Air France (Project Normandie) (2018)
  • Advised on senior financing of two aircraft leased by Turkish Airlines from Intrepid (2018)
  • Advised on Japanese Operating Lease (JOL) for three aircraft leased by Air Canada (2018)
  • Advised on finance lease of one B737-800 for Jeju Air and SCB (2018)
  • Advised on senior, junior secured loans and creation of mortgage on one B787-9 for Korean Air, KEXIM and NH Investment and Securities (2018)
  • Advised on JOL of two B767-300ER and one A321-200 for KEB Hana Bank, Air Canada and JP Lease Products & Services (2018)
  • Advised on refinancing of one B787-9 for Korean Air and Bocomm (2018)
  • Advised on operating lease of one B737-800 for Avolon (2018)
  • Advised on junior financing and secured loans for introduction of one B777-300ER for Korean Air, KEXIM and Kiwoom Securities (2018)
  • Advised on finance lease of one B777-300ER for Korean Air and AFIC (2018)
  • Advised on operating lease of two B737-8MAX for GECAS (2018)
  • Advised on operating lease of one B737-MAX-8 for AerCap (2018)
  • Advised on novation of lease of one B737-800 for SMBC and Aircastle (2018)
  • Advised on junior financing for introduction of B777-300ER for Korean Air and ICBC (2018)
  • Advised on finance lease of ten A200-300 (former CS300) for Korean Air and Export Development Canada (2017~18)
  • Handled investment in B787-9 leased by TUI Airways for Shinhan Securities (Project Mercury) (2017~2018)
  • Advised on loans secured by one B777-200ER, one B747-400ERF and one A330-300 for NordLB (2017)
  • Advised on novation of lease of two B737-800 for SMBC (2017)
  • Advised on operating lease of one B737-800 for Goshawk (2017)
  • Advised on extension of lease of one B737-800 for AerCap (2017)
  • Advised on loans and junior financing secured by one B787-8I for Korean Air, KEXIM and KTB Securities (2017)
  • Advised on novation of lease of two B777-200LRF for GECAS (2017)
  • Advised on sale of one Gulfstream G550 (private aircraft for LG) (2017)
  • Advised on operating lease of one A321-200 for ICBCL and Asiana (2017)
  • Advised on operating lease of one B747-400F for Air Atlanta Icelandic (2017)
  • Advised on loans secured by one B747-8I for Korean Air, KDB and Mirae Asset Daewoo Securities (2017) and sale & leaseback of two A380 for CEXIM (2017)
  • Advised on operating lease of one B787-800 for Macquarie (2017)
  • Advised on operating lease of four B737-800 and one B777-200ER between Korean Air and Jin Air (2017)
  • Advised on operating lease of one B787-800 for BOC (2017)
  • Advised on sale & leaseback of two B787-9 for Korean Air and Bank of Communications (2017)
  • Advised on refinancing and junior financing of one B474-8I for Korean Air and BOCFL (2017)
  • Advised on novation of lease of one B737-800 for Aergen (2017)
  • Advised on novation of lease of two B737-800 for DAE (2017)
  • Advised on operating lease of two B737-800 for Avolon (2017)
  • Advised on finance lease of one B787-9 for Korean Air, DVB, BNP and NordLB (2017)
  • Handled portfolio investment in twenty aircraft owned by GECAS for Meritz Securities (Project Labrador) (2016)
  • Advised on sale of four B747-400ER for Korean Air and Guggenheim Aviation Partners (AltavAir) (2016)
  • Advised on bridge financing of two B747-8F for Korean Air, Natixis and BCC (2016)
  • Advised on refinancing of one B777-300ER for BOC (2016)
  • Advised on sales & leaseback of five B777-200 for GECAS (2016)
  • Advised on engine replacement of one B747-400F for ICBC (2016)
  • Advised on bridge financing of one B747-8I for Norddeutsche Landesbank and BCC (2016)
  • Advised on PDP financing of two B787-9 for Korean Air and DVB (2016)
  • Advised on PDP financing of three B777-200LRF for Korean Air and PK Airfinance (2016)
  • Advised on PDP financing of three B777F and one B747-8I for Korean Air and MINSHENG FINANCIAL LEASING (2016)
  • Advised on bridge financing of one B777-300ER for Korean Air and BNPP (2016)
  • Advised on operating lease of two B777-F for Korean Air and Guggenheim Aviation Partners (AltavAir) (2016)
  • Advised on commercial financing of one B777-300ER for Korean Air and BOC (2016)
  • Advised on sale of four B747-400ERF for Korean Air and Guggenheim Aviation Partners (AltavAir) (2016)
  • Reviewed commercial financing of one B777-300ER and one B747-8I for Korean Air and ICBC (2015-2016)
  • Advised on investment in two BOEING 777-200ER leased by DHL for Hyundai Motor Securities (Project Cargo) (2015)
  • Advised on US-Exim backed financing of one B747-8F for Korean Air, TD Bank and KDB (2015)
  • Advised on operating lease of four B737-800, one B777-300ER and one A330-300 (2013-2014)
  • Advised on secured financing of one B777-200ER, one B747-400F and three B737-900 for Korean Air, DVB and DB (2014)
  • Advised on US Exim-backed financing of one B747-8F and one B777-F for Korean Air, JP Morgan and KDB (2013-2014)
  • Advised on sale of one Cessna 208B (2013)
  • Advised on European ECA-backed financing of one A380-800 for Korean Air (2013)
  • Advised on commercial financing of one A380-800 for Korean Air and Seoul Branch of Bank of Communications (2013)
  • Advised on commercial financing of one B777-300ER for Korean Air and SCB (2013)
  • Advised on US Exim-backed financing of one B747-8F for Korean Air, CACIB and Goldman Sachs (2013)
  • Advised on US Exim-backed financing of one B777-300ER for Korean air, Citi Bank and Bank of America (2013)
  • Advised on US Exim-backed financing of one B777-F for Korean Air, BNP Paribas and KDB (2013)
  • Advised on commercial financing of one B737-900ER for Korean Air and SCB (2013)
  • Advised on commercial financing of one B737-900ER for Korean Air and Bank of Communications (2013)
  • Advised on commercial financing of one A330-200E for Korean Air, CACIB, KfW and CIC (2013)
  • Advised on European ECA-backed financing of five A380-800 for Korean Air, CACIB, Citi Bank, KfW, SMBC and KDB (2011-2012)
  • Advised on operating lease of two B737-800 (2011-2013)
  • Advised on US Exim-backed financing of three B777-300ER for Korean Air, JP Morgan and KDB (2011)
  • Advised on commercial financing of two B737-900ER for Korean Air, Natixis, SCB and Kookmin Bank (2011)
  • Advised on purchase of three Eurocopter EC 135 helicopters (2011)
  • Advised on alteration of lease structure of three B737-800 and four B737-900 (2011) and negotiations for purchase of thirty CS300 for Korean Air (2011)
  • Advised on commercial financing of two A330-200E for Korean Air, CACIB and KDB (2011)
  • Advised on European ECA-backed financing of two A330-200 for Korean Air and CACIB (2010)
  • Advised on US Exim-backed financing of two B777-300ER for Korean Air, Citibank, BNP Paribas and KDB (2010)
  • Advised on sale & leaseback of one A330-300 for Korean Air, DVB and KDB (2010)
  • Advised on operating lease of six B777-800 for ILFC (2010)
  • Advised on sale & leaseback of one B777-200ER for Korean Air, Deutsche Bank and KDB (2010)
  • Advised on US Exim-backed financing for purchase of aircraft components for Korean Air and SocGen (2010)
  • Advised on purchase of Sikorsky S-76D helicopter (2009)
  • Advised on contract to purchase B747-8I for Korean Air (2009)
  • Advised on US Exim-backed financing of two B777-300ER for Korean Air and Calyon (2009)
  • Advised on PDP financing for Korean Air and UT Finance (2009)
  • Advised on sale & leaseback of B747-400ERF for Korean Air and DVB (2009)
  • Advised on contract to purchase six A330-200 for Korean Air (2009)
  • Advised on contract to purchase A380-800 for Korean Air (2009)
  • Advised on loans secured by B747-400 for Korean Air and SC First Bank (2008)
  • Advised on sale & leaseback of three A330-300 for Korean Air and DVB (2008)
  • Advised on alteration of lease structure of one B737-800 and seven B737-900 for Korean Air (2008)
  • Advised on sale & leaseback of five B747 for Korean Air and HSH NORDBANK (2008)
  • Advised on lease of two B747-8F and B777-300ER for Korean Air (2008)
  • Advised on alteration of financing structure of three B737-900 for Korean Air (2008)
  • Advised on alteration of financing structure of four B747-400 for Korean Air (2008)
  • Advised on sale & leaseback of B747-400F for Korean Air and Calyon (2008)
  • Advised on financing of B777-200ER for Korean Air and SocGen (2008)
  • Advised on financing of B777-200ER for Korean Air and Calyon (2008)
  • Advised on alteration of financing structure of fifteen A330-300 for Korean Air (2008-2009)
  • Advised on purchase of two leased A330-200 for Korean Air (2008)
  • Advised on purchase of Gulfstream G550 for Korean Air (2008)
  • Advised on operating lease of five B737-800 (2008-2009)
  • Advised on alteration of financing structure of three B737-800 and three B737-900 for Korean Air (2007-2008)
  • Advised on financing of three B777-200ER for Korean Air and BNP Paribas (2007)


[Issuance of Overseas Bonds]

  • Advised Korean Air on issuance of USD 400M public bonds (2019)
  • Advised Korean Air on programming and issuance of USD 350M ABS (2018)
  • Advised KEB Hana Bank on update of USD 10B GMTN (2018)
  • Advised KEB Hana Bank on issuance of CHF 100M public bonds (2018)
  • Advised KEB Hana Bank on issuance of USD 425M Formosa Bond (2018)
  • Advised Korean Air on programming and issuance of USD 40M ABS (2016, 2018)
  • Advised Korean Air on programming and issuance of USD 200M ABS (2016)
  • Advised Korean Air on issuance of USD 100M FRN (2016)
  • Advised Korean Air on programming and issuance of JPY 400M ABS (2013)
  • Advised KEB on MTN update and takedown (2012, 2013)
  • Advised Korean Air on programming and issuance of JPY 200M ABS (2011)
  • Advised Korean Air on programming and issuance of USD 300M ABS (2011)
  • Advised KEB on MTN update and takedown (2010)
  • Advised Korean Air on issuance of USD 60M FRN (2010)
  • Advised Korean Air on programming and issuance of JPY 400M ABS (2010)
  • Advised KEB on MTN update and takedown (2009)
  • Advised Korean Air on programming and issuance of JPY 20B ABS (2008)
  • Advised KEB on MTN update and takedown (2007)


[General Financing]

  • Advised on Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited-KEB Hana Bank, Singapore Branch SGD 50 Million Loan Facility (2023)
  • Advised on Sustainability Linked Loan in the aggregate amount of USD 300 Million between Kookmin Bank as borrower and Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation and Agricultural Bank of China, Singapore Borrwer as finance parties (2022)
  • Advised on AUD 50M bilateral facility between ANZ and Hana Bank (2022)
  • Advised on USD 300M syndicated facility between WELLS FARGO and Hana Bank (2022)
  • Advised GarantiBank on creation of security by means of transfer for bailed articles in Korea (2019)
  • Advised on JPY 3,000,000,000 bilateral loan between Tokyo Branch of KDB (2019)
  • Advised on USD 50,000,000 bilateral loan between ANZ and Shanghai Branch of KDB (2019)
  • Advised on USD 50,000,000 bilateral loan between ANZ and Dubai Branch of Shinhan Bank (2019)
  • Advised on USD 250,000,000 bilateral loan between Mizuho Bank and KEB Hana Bank (2018)
  • Advised on USD 30,000,000 bilateral loan between LBBW and Singapore Branch of Shinhan Bank (2018)
  • Advised on USD 20,000,000 bilateral loan between LBBW and London Branch of Shinhan Bank (2018)
  • Advised on JPY 5,000,000,000 bilateral loan between ANZ and Kookmin Bank (2018)
  • Advised on USD 50,000,000 bilateral loan between ANZ and Shinhan Bank (2018)
  • Advised on USD 50,000,000 bilateral loan between ANZ and KEB Hana Bank (2018)
  • Advised on USD 24,000,000 syndication loan between KDB and Korean Air (2018)
  • Advised on USD 400,000,000 syndication loan between Mizuho Bank and Kookmin Bank (2017)
  • Advised on USD 30,000,000 syndication loan between KDB and Korean Air (2017)
  • Advised on USD 200,000,000 bilateral loan between WFB and KEB Hana Bank (2016)
  • Advised on USD 55,000,000 bilateral loan between WFT and Woori Bank (2015)
  • Advised on USD 90,000,000 syndication loan between Commerzbank and Woori Bank (2015)
  • Advised on USD 30,000,000 bilateral loan between SG and Suhyup Bank (2014)
  • Advised on USD 40,000,000 syndication loan between Commerzbank and Suhyup Bank (2014)
  • Advised on USD 50,000,000 syndication loan between KDB and Korean Air (2014)
  • Advised on JPY 4,500,000,000 between SCB and Suhyun Bank (2013)
  • Advised on JPY 9,000,000,000 syndication loan between SCB and Suhyup Bank (2013)
  • Advised on JPY 4,000,000,000 bilateral loan between SMTB and Suhyup Bank (2013)
  • Advised on USD 50,000,000 bilateral loan between WELLS FARGO and KEB (2013)
  • Advised on USD 50,000,000 syndication loan between KDB and Korean Air (2013)
  • Advised on EUR 75M loan agreement between Royal Bank of Scotland and Shinhan Bank (2012)
  • Advised on USD 110M and JPY 15B syndicated loan agreements between Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. and KEB (2012)
  • Advised on JPY 2B loan agreement between Nova Scotia Bank and Jeonbuk Bank (2010)
  • Advised on EUR 150M facility agreement for Shinhan Bank (2010)
  • Advised on EUR 90,000,000 syndication loan between Commerzbank and Shinhan Bank (2009)
  • Advised on uncommitted credit line between BAYERNLB and KEB (2008)
  • Advised on USD 50,000,00 term credit facility between Nova Scotia Bank and Kwangju Bank (2008)
  • Advised on EUR 250,000,000 syndication loan between BAYERNLB and Shinhan Bank (2008)
  • Advised on USD 50,000,000 term loan between DBS and Woori Bank (2007)
  • Advised on JPY 14,450,000,000 syndication loan between SCB and PF Financial Korea (2007)
  • Advised on USD 200,000,000 syndication loan between BAYERNLB and KEB (2007)

Awards

  • Leading Practitioner, Banking; Transport, Who's Who Legal (2024)
  • Notable Practitioner, Banking, Capital Markets : Structured finance and securitisation, Project finance, FLR1000 (2019, 2021~2023)
  • National Leader, Aviation Finance, Who's Who Legal (2012~2023)
  • Leading Lawyer, asialaw (2016-2022)
  • Capital Markets Deal of the Year 2018 for Project Kestrel, Airline Economics (2019)
  • Finance Lease Award, AirFinance Journal Inaugural China Awards (2018)
  • Innovative Deal of the Year 2017 for Project Labrador, Airline Economics (2017)
  • Editor's Deal of the Year 2017 for Project Labrador, AirFinance Journal (2017)
  • 6th China Air Finance Awards (2017)
  • Asian Deal of Year: Korean Air's Securitization of Credit Card Receivable in the U.S. Region, IFLR (2012)

Insights