[Law Firm Now] YK Launches 'Future Mobility Policy Research Forum' in Preparation for Autonomous Driving

Discussion on Legal and Institutional Challenges in Passenger Transportation Amid the Spread of Autonomous Driving
Lee Yongjae Appointed as Representative Standing Committee Member
Kang Kyunghoon: "Proposing Alternatives to Resolve Structural Bottlenecks in the Passenger Transportation Industry"

YK Law Firm (Managing Partners Kang Kyunghoon and Kim Beomhan) has launched a forum to proactively respond to the rapidly changing mobility environment and the industrial transformation driven by the spread of autonomous driving.

On the 23rd, YK announced that it had launched the "Future Mobility Policy Research Forum" (hereinafter referred to as the Forum) the previous day at the JW Marriott Hotel in Seoul.

On the 22nd, at the JW Marriott Hotel in Seocho-gu, Seoul, Kim Seongsu, Director of Public Policy Research at YK Law Firm (left), and Lee Yongjae, professor at Chung-Ang University appointed as the forum's representative standing committee member, are taking a commemorative photo at the launch ceremony of the "Future Mobility Policy Research Forum" hosted by YK Law Firm. YK Law Firm

Recently, autonomous driving technology has entered the commercialization stage for passenger transportation services such as taxis and shuttles worldwide, leading to a rapid expansion of the related market. According to Samjong KPMG Economic Research Institute, the global autonomous vehicle market is expected to grow at a steep annual rate of 41%, reaching approximately 1.12 trillion US dollars (about 1,500 trillion Korean won) by 2035. In major countries such as the United States and China, there are already cases of paid and regular operation of autonomous taxis.

This forum was established to proactively address these changes by assessing the industrial environment and engaging in in-depth discussions on institutional, policy, and structural challenges.

The launch ceremony began with an introduction to the forum, followed by a welcoming speech, the presentation of appointment letters to forum committee members, congratulatory remarks, and a commemorative photo session. The forum members shared their thoughts and opinions on the future operation of the forum, building a sense of consensus.

On the 22nd, at the JW Marriott Hotel in Seocho-gu, Seoul, Sungsoo Kim, Head of Public Policy Research at YK Law Firm, delivered a welcoming speech at the launch ceremony of the "Future Mobility Policy Research Forum" hosted by YK Law Firm. YK Law Firm

In his welcoming speech, Kim Seongsu, Director of Public Policy Research at YK Law Firm, stated, "Although the government is pursuing regulatory easing with the goal of commercializing Level 4 autonomous driving by 2027, the current passenger transportation system is so constrained by rigid regulations and existing interests that it is difficult for new technologies to function fully." He added, "Through this forum, we aim to seek practical solutions for technology adoption, institutional innovation, and consumer-centered structural reform."

At the launch ceremony, Lee Yongjae, Professor at Chung-Ang University, was appointed as the Forum's Representative Standing Committee Member, while Ahn Gijeong, Research Fellow at the Seoul Institute, and Kim Hyeoncheol, Professor at Yonsei University, were each appointed as Standing Committee Members. Kwon Yongju, Professor at Kyung Hee University, and Kim Dongyeong, Senior Research Fellow at the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, will participate as guest members.

Following the appointment ceremony, Kang Kyunghoon, Managing Partner at YK, delivered congratulatory remarks, highlighting the industrial transformation brought about by the introduction of autonomous driving and emphasizing the "coexistence" of unmanned and manned transportation modes.

Kang stated, "The role of manned transportation remains important, such as in adverse weather conditions or for supporting transportation-disadvantaged groups," and added, "It is time to consider realistic institutional designs to resolve the structural bottlenecks in the current passenger transportation industry, based on the premise of coexistence between unmanned and manned modes."

He further expressed his hope that "the balanced alternatives proposed by the forum will serve as a driving force for regulatory reform."

With the launch of this forum, YK plans to operate a platform for policy discussions and legal reviews in the field of future mobility, including autonomous driving. The firm also intends to continuously strengthen its research and advisory capabilities to meet legal needs related to policy, administration, and regulation.