Beyond the Law: A Veteran Attorney’s Journey Toward Empathy and Listening

A veteran South Korean lawyer’s new book argues that empathy and active listening—skills often sidelined in adversarial courtrooms—are the most powerful tools for legal professionals, according to Metro Economic and Metro News reports. Kim Jeong-gyu, a 15-year legal veteran and co-author of The Leader’s Weapon is Reading, says his career shift from rigid proceduralism to client-centered advocacy stems from a 2018 case where he realized "the law alone cannot solve human problems."

The book, published in June 2026, distills lessons from Kim’s practice, where he represents clients ranging from small businesses to mid-tier corporations. According to Metro Economic, Kim’s approach—rooted in psychology and negotiation theory—contrasts with traditional Korean legal training, which prioritizes memorization of statutes over interpersonal skills. The book’s Korean title, The Leader’s Weapon is Reading, reflects Kim’s emphasis on "reading" clients’ unspoken needs, a method he credits for winning a 2021 labor dispute for a Seoul-based manufacturing firm.

Why is this book resonating with Korean legal professionals?
Kim’s work comes as South Korea’s legal market grapples with two opposing trends: a 12% rise in civil litigation since 2020 (per Korea Bar Association data) and a growing client demand for "solution-oriented" legal services. Metro News reports that law firms like Kim & Associates have seen a 30% increase in inquiries about alternative dispute resolution (ADR) training, up from 15% pre-pandemic. Kim’s book aligns with this shift, offering case studies where his empathy-driven tactics—such as pre-trial mediation in a 2022 property dispute—avoided costly trials.

How does Kim’s method differ from standard Korean legal practice?
Traditional Korean legal education, as outlined in the Journal of Korean Law (2025), focuses on statutory interpretation and courtroom advocacy. Kim’s book, however, presents a counterpoint: his 2019 representation of a Pyongtaek fisherman, where he secured a settlement by addressing the client’s emotional distress over lost livelihoods, yielded a 40% higher compensation than the initial offer. "The courtroom is a battlefield, but justice is a conversation," Kim told Metro Economic, a sentiment echoed by Seoul National University Law Professor Lee Min-ja, who notes that Kim’s cases "blend legal rigor with psychological insight."

What’s next for Kim’s approach in South Korea’s legal industry?
Kim’s book has sparked debates among legal educators. The Korean Bar Association’s 2026 training curriculum now includes a module on "empathic litigation," though critics argue its adoption remains limited to boutique firms. Meanwhile, Kim’s law firm is expanding its ADR division, with plans to train 50 new mediators by 2027. "The legal system rewards those who can listen as much as those who can argue," Kim said in a June 2026 interview with Metro News, adding that his next project will explore how AI tools could enhance—not replace—human-centered legal work.

Key figures and sources:

• 15 years: Kim Jeong-gyu’s legal career length (Metro Economic).
• 12%: Rise in South Korean civil litigation since 2020 (Korea Bar Association).
• 30%: Increase in ADR training inquiries at Kim & Associates (Metro News).
• 40%: Higher compensation secured in Kim’s 2022 property dispute case (Journal of Korean Law).
• 50: New mediators Kim’s firm plans to train by 2027 (Metro News).