JLL (NYSE: JLL) today announced the appointment of Keehoon Lee as Head of Capital Markets, Korea, with immediate effect. Based in Seoul, Lee will lead JLL’s Korea Capital Markets platform and partner with a network of global and regional professionals to ensure clients can take advantage of opportunities in this highly competitive and attractive market.

In his expanded role, he will work closely with Taeho Yi, JLL’s Country Head for Korea and with the firm’s regional and global Capital Markets team.

“The commercial real estate market in Korea has consistently been one of the world’s strongest performers and investors have and will continue to look at the country very favourably. Our platform will be substantially stronger under Lee’s leadership,” says Yi.

Lee will be responsible for establishing business strategies and services to meet client needs, managing personnel, and overseeing the operations of JLL’s expanding Capital Markets department in Korea. In total, he brings over 20 years of Korean real estate sector experience to his expanded role, which includes investment sales of over 100 properties including Blackstone’s recent sale of marquee Seoul office asset, Arc Place.

“Korea presents a massive opportunity for international and domestic real estate investors and as a broader market it requires a depth of on-the-ground expertise and knowledge of local practices to make informed and actionable decisions. Lee’s track record in advising on many of Korea’s most visible transactions, his relationships with domestic and global investors, and a diverse understanding of the evolving inner-workings of this market will provide a considerable advantage for JLL’s clients,” says Rohit Hemnani, Chief Operating Officer, Capital Markets, Asia Pacific, JLL. 

He joined JLL’s Capital Markets team in Korea in August 2017 and has been involved with transactions totaling KRW9.3 trillion ($7.2 billion) over the past three years. Prior to joining JLL, Lee served in a variety of senior roles at MDM Asset Management Company, Hyundai Motor Investment & Securities Company, Eugene Investment & Securities Company, and Savills Korea. He began his career as a junior economist at the Bank of Korea, gaining experience in corporate analysis, research, and business strategy across various industries.

“Transactions in Korea’s commercial real estate market draw intense competition from both investors and service providers, placing a premium on innovative advisory solutions. As demand for more specialized solutions including debt advisory services grows and new investors enter the market, we need to further differentiate our platform, which backed by the support of the JLL global network, I’m confident we can achieve for our clients,” says Lee.