Arie Eernisse

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Seoul Senior Foreign Attorney

Arie Eernisse FCiarb is a senior foreign attorney at Peter & Kim and has been practicing international arbitration in Asia for the past decade.

He has acted as counsel in more than 50 commercial and investment arbitration matters governed by the rules of various arbitral institutions, such as the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), American Arbitration Association (AAA) – International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR), Korean Commercial Arbitration Board (KCAB), Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC), Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) and London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA). The subject matter of his cases spans a diverse array of industry sectors and topics, including construction, distribution agreements, heavy industry, insurance, intellectual property, military procurement, product liability and services, amongst others.

Arie is “a distinguished practitioner with a wealth of experience in international arbitration proceedings, known for his ‘clarity and precision in communication‘ and ‘diligence and dedication to his clients’” (Who’s Who Legal, 2023). He “draws widespread praise for his deep expertise in handling disputes under an array of arbitration rules,” “is extremely responsive and generous with his time,” “extremely hard-working and consistently brings excellent results,” “is a supportive leader throughout and has an exceptional work ethic” and “brings a lot of passion and dedication into his work.” (Lexology Index, 2024-25).

Arie also acts regularly as an arbitrator. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, the Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators and the Singapore Institute of Arbitrators. Further, he is listed on the KCAB INTERNATIONAL Panel of Arbitrators, the HKIAC List of Arbitrators, SIAC List of Arbitrators, the ICDR International Panel of Arbitrators, the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) List of Arbitrators and the Thailand Arbitration Center (THAC) Panel of Arbitrators.

In addition to his counsel and arbitrator work, Arie services as Co-chair of the AMCHAM Korea Legal Affairs Committee and Events Director of AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society (Asia) (ARIAS Asia). He previously served as Associate Editor of the Kluwer Arbitration Blog, leading its Asia-Pacific coverage and managing a team of ten assistant editors.

Prior to joining Peter & Kim, Arie practiced international arbitration at another law firm in Korea and, before that, served as a law clerk to a federal judge at the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York City. At Duke Law School, Arie was a staff editor of the Duke Journal of Comparative & International Law.

Career details
  • Senior Foreign Attorney, Peter & Kim (2023 – Present)
  • Foreign Attorney (2014-2021) and Senior Foreign Attorney (2021-2023), Shin & Kim LLC
  • Law Clerk, U.S. Court of International Trade, New York, New York (2012 – 2013)
Education details
Degrees
  • Wesleyan University (B.A., Honors and Hhi Beta Kappa, in East Asian Studies) (2007)
  • Duke University, School of Law (J.D./LL.M. in International & Comparative Law) (2012)
Other Courses
  • Tsinghua University, Inter-University Program (Intensive Chinese Language Course) (2006)
  • Seoul National University (Intensive Korean Language Course) (2014)
  • Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Accelerated Route to Fellowship Course) (2017)
  • Singapore Institute of Arbitrators (Fellowship Assessment Course) (2022)
Experience
Construction
  • Represented an environmental and energy company against a Middle East-based subcontractor in a dispute relating to the design of a wastewater treatment facility (English law; ICC arbitration; Singapore seat)
  • Represented a construction conglomerate against a Middle East-based construction company relating to a delay and disruption claim (English law; ICC arbitration; London seat)
  • Represented a quasi-governmental ocean research organization in a dispute against a Swiss deep-sea exploration company regarding liability for delay (Korean law; ICC arbitration; Singapore seat)
Distribution Agreements
  • Appointed as sole arbitrator for a distributorship agreement dispute between a Korean medical supply manufacturer and a Brazilian distributor (Korean law; KCAB arbitration; Seoul seat)
  • Represented a US apparel designer in a dispute involving minimum purchase amounts in an exclusive distribution agreement with a Korean distributor (CISG and California law; ICC; Seoul seat)
  • Represented a Kuwaiti cosmetics distributor in a contract termination dispute against a Korean cosmetics company (Korean and Kuwaiti law; KCAB arbitration; Seoul seat)
  • Represented a Korean home goods entrepreneur in defense of contractual claims brought by a U.S. contractual counterpart (Korean law; KCAB arbitration; Seoul seat)
Finance
  • Represented an investment company against a life insurer in a shareholder dispute involving the determination of a share price for a put option (Korean law; ICC arbitration; Seoul seat)
  • Represented a chemical and auto parts manufacturer in a dispute against a finance company based in Saudi Arabia in a dispute relating to payment of amounts allegedly due under a financial agreement (English law; LCIA arbitration; London seat)
  • Represented a Malaysian car dealership in defense of claims brought by a Korean conglomerate regarding liability under credit facility agreements (Korean law; two KCAB arbitrations; Seoul seat)
Insurance
  • Represented a leading Asian reinsurer in a dispute against another Asian reinsurer involving claims of knowing misrepresentations and omissions in the retrocession of insurance policies (Thai law; ad hoc arbitration administered by SIAC, with hearing held at THAC; Bangkok seat)
  • Represented a leading Korean private equity fund in a post-M&A dispute against a European insurance major relating to life insurance liabilities (Korean law; ICC arbitration; Hong Kong seat) (co-counsel)
Intellectual Property
  • Represented a Korean video game company in separate disputes against Chinese companies regarding intellectual property infringement and other issues (Korean law or Singapore law; three ICC or SIAC arbitrations; Singapore seat) (co-counsel)
  • Represented a Norwegian music technology company in a dispute with a Korean IT company over breach of contract (California law; ICDR arbitration; Norway seat)
International Litigation
  • Represented Korean conglomerates and other clients in litigations throughout the world; represent foreign (non-Korean) clients in litigation matters in Korea
Investor-State Arbitration
  • Represented a Korean electric power generation public utility in an investment treaty dispute against the Government of India relating to the power plant in which it invested (international law; UNCITRAL arbitration; Singapore seat)
  • Represented investors in the first two investor-state treaty disputes involving Korea (international law; ICSID arbitration; Washington, DC seat) (co-counsel)
Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Represented a U.S. dealmaker in a dispute over a Hong Kong entity’s failure to pay a success fee following the closing of an M&A deal (Korean law; KCAB arbitration; Seoul seat)
  • Represented a U.S. individual in a post-divestiture payment dispute (Korean law; KCAB arbitration; Seoul seat)
  • Represented a Mauritian investor against a Korean clothing company regarding in a dispute relating to a share purchase agreement (Korean law; SIAC arbitration; Singapore seat)
Military Procurement and National Defense
  • Represented an Iraqi subcontractor against a Korean entity in a dispute relating to tax settlement and performance of a consulting agreement (Korean law; ICC arbitration; Seoul seat)
  • Represented a European defense industry client in aircraft procurement dispute against governmental entity (Korean law; KCAB arbitration; Seoul seat)
  • Represented a Korean government agency against a major European manufacturer in a naval procurement dispute involving an allegedly defective motor (Korean law; ICC arbitration; Seoul seat)
Nuclear Power / Renewable Energy
  • Represented a US nuclear power company against its Korean counterparts in a dispute relating to the interpretation of a licensing agreement concerning nuclear power plant technology (Korean law; KCAB arbitration; Seoul seat)
  • Represented a state-owned nuclear energy company in defense of claims relating to payment for replacement parts (Korean law; two KCAB arbitrations; Seoul seat)
  • Represented a wind-power generation system manufacturer in dispute against a major European component manufacturer (Swiss law; ICC arbitration; Seoul seat)
  • Represented a Korean photovoltaic inverter manufacturer in a dispute against a Thai company relating to liability for destruction of goods (Korean law; KCAB arbitration; Seoul seat)
Pharmaceutial
  • Represented a biopharmaceutical company against a Chinese developer relating to whether commercially reasonable efforts were made (New York law; ICC Arbitration; New York seat)
Product Liability
  • Represented a leading Korean metals manufacturer in defense of a product liability and indemnity claim brought by a U.S. company (CISG and Michigan law; ICC arbitration; Geneva seat)
Sale of Goods
  • Represented a supplier of secondary battery production equipment in a dispute related to the provision of such equipment to a US secondary battery manufacturer (New York law; AAA-ICDR arbitration; New York seat)
  • Represented a manufacturer of polysilicon used for semiconductors and solar cells in a payment dispute against a Chinese company relating to a consignment agreement (Hong Kong law; HKIAC arbitration; Hong Kong seat)
  • Represented an importer/exporter of vehicles and vehicle parts in a dispute against a North Macedonian company (Korean law; ICC arbitration; Seoul seat)
Services
  • Appointed as co-arbitrator for a services agreement dispute between a Singaporean marketing consultant and a Korean medical business (Korean law; KCAB arbitration; Singapore seat)
  • Represented a government agency against two U.S. companies in a dispute relating to breach of a retainer agreement (Korean law; KCAB arbitration; Seoul seat)
  • Represented a Korean real estate investment entity in a dispute over hotel management (Korean law; KCAB arbitration; Seoul seat)

Note: Representative cases include work performed prior to joining Peter & Kim.

Professional Affiliations
Fellowships
  • Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (2017 – Present)
  • Fellow, Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators (2022 – Present)
  • Fellow, Singapore Institute of Arbitrators (2023 – Present)
International Affiliations
  • Member, KCAB INTERNATIONAL Panel of International Arbitrators (2021 – Present)
  • Member, HKIAC List of Arbitrators (2022 – Present)
  • Member, SIAC List of Arbitrators (2023 – Present)
  • Member, ICDR International Panel of Arbitrators (2025 – Present)
  • Member, DIAC List of Arbitrators (2025 – Present)
  • Member, THAC Panel of Arbitrators (2025- Present)
  • Specialist Mediator, Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC) (2018 – Present)
Arbitral Committees
  • Co-Chair, Legal Affairs Committee, AMCHAM Korea (2024 – Present)
  • Events Director, ARIAS (Asia) (2024 – Present)
  • Member, KCAB Next Steering Committee (2021 – Present)
  • Regional Ambassador, HK45 (2022 – Present)
  • APAC Member, YSIAC Council (2023 – Present)
Editorial Positions
  • Associate Editor, Kluwer Arbitration Blog (2022 – 2023)
  • Assistant Editor (East and Central Asia), Kluwer Arbitration Blog (2019 – 2021)
Publications
  • South Korea (chapter in Edward Elgar desk book on the practice of international arbitration across various jurisdictions) (forthcoming)
  • Interviews with Our Editors: In Conversation with Datuk Sundra Rajoo, Director of the Asian International Arbitration Centre, Kluwer Arbitration Blog (December 2023) (co-authored)
  • South Korea: An Introduction to Dispute Resolution: Arbitration, Chambgers and Partners (DEcember 2023) (co-authored)
  • Interviews with Our Editors: In Conversation with Ban Jiun Ean, Chief Executive of Maxwell Chambers, Kluwer Arbitration Blog (August 2023)
  • Korea, GAR Know-how Commercial Arbitration 2023 (June 2023) (co-authored)
  • Interviews with Our Editors: Professor Hi-Taek Shin, Chairman of KCAB INTERNATIONAL, Kluwer Arbitration Blog (May 2022)
  • The Path Forward for IP Arbitration in Korea (with Lessons from Hong Kong and Others), Korean Arbitration Review (May 2022)
  • Arbitration Tech Toolbox: Interview with Dr. Gordon Blanke on the New CIArb Technology Guideline, Kluwer Arbitration Blog (January 2022)
  • A Tale of Two Maritime Hubs: The Rise of Regional Maritime Arbitration Centers in Asia, Kluwer Arbitration Blog (November 2021) (co-authored)
  • The Use of Virtual Hearings in Korea-Seated Arbitration Proceedings: Are There Risks to Enforcement, Korea Arbitration Review (April 2021) (co-authored)
  • Arbitration Tech Toolbox: What’s in Your Toolbox?, Kluwer Arbitration Blog (April 2021)
  • 2020 in Review: Reflections on a Year of Steady Progress in East and Central Asia, Kluwer Arbitration Blog (January 2021) (co-authored)
  • International Law Talk Podcast and Arbitration: In Conversation with Chiann Bao, Kluwer Arbitration Blog (December 2020)
  • Interviews of Our Editors: “What Does Kluwer Arbitration Blog Mean to You?”, Kluwer Arbitration Blog (May 2020) (co-authored)
  • Interviews with Our Editors: China Insights from Dr. Li Hu of CIETAC, Kluwer Arbitration Blog (April 2020)
  • Innovating arbitration through technology, IBA Arbitration News (March 2020)
  • Is it true that enforcing an international arbitral award under the New York Convention is easier than enforcing a judgment, IBA Arbitration News (March 2020)
  • 2019 in Review: Noteworthy Developments in East and Central Asia, Kluwer Arbitration Blog (January 2020) (coauthored)
  • Legal finance in Korea: Lawyers weigh in, Burford Quarterly, (Autumn 2019) (interview)
  • Korea, Getting the Deal Through – Investment Treaty Arbitration 2019 (October 2018) (co-authored)
  • Seoul IDRC Lecture Series: “Arbitration in the Time of One Belt One Road”, Arbitration Review of the Korean Commercial Arbitration Board (2017) (co-authored)
  • SIAC Investment Arbitration: Rule Innovations Are Only the First Step (2016 YSIAC Essay Competition)
  • Banking on Cooperation: The Role of the G-20 in Improving the International Financial Architecture, 22 Duke Journal of Comparative & International Law 239 (2012)
  • The Great Currency Debate, China Business Review, at 36 (May-June 2008) (co-authored)
Accolades/rankings
  • Lexology Index for South Korea – Arbitration: Recommended (2025)
  • Chambers Global/Asia: “Up and Coming” for Dispute Resolution: Arbitration (2022 – 2025)
  • Lexology Index: “Global Elite Thought Leader” for Arbitration: Under 45 – Partners (2024 – 2025)
  • Who’s Who Legal (WWL): “Future Leader – Partner” for Arbitration (2023)
  • Legal Times (Korean Legal Magazine): “Rising Star” (2024)
  • Chambers Global/Asia: “Associates to watch” for Dispute Resolution: Arbitration (2020 – 2021)
  • The Legal 500: “Rising Star” for International Arbitration (2020 – 2021); “Next Generation Lawyer” for International Arbitration (2018 – 2019)
  • Finalist, 19th Annual Kyung-Hee University Korean for Foreigners Speech Contest (2016)
  • Finalist, 2nd Annual Young SIAC Essay Competition (2016)
Speaking Engagements
Speaking Engagements
  • Lecturer, “Notable U.S. Litigation Issues for Asia-based Practitioners” (Peter & Kim Seminar, Seoul, June 2025)
  • Moderator, “When Arbitration Needs a Helping Hand: Leveraging the Courts for Interim Relief, Discovery & Enforcement” (Hybrid AMCHAM Korea Legal Affairs Committee / ICDR event, Seoul, April 2025)
  • Presenter, “8 Things to Be Aware of When Responding to US Litigation” (Peter & Kim / Kellogg Hansen Joint Seminar, Seoul, December 2024)
  • Presenter, “Attorney-Client Privilege and Related Concepts: A U.S. Perspective” (Korean In-House Counsel Association Legislative Conference, Seoul (National Assembly), November 2024)
  • Presenter, “Can Arb-Med-Arb Take Root in Korea?” (Asia-Pacific Mediation Conference, Seoul, December 2023)
  • Panelist, “AI in ADR: Opportunities and Challenges” (Thailand ADR Week, Bangkok, November 2023)
  • Moderator, “Wine and Dine + 7 Questions with SIAC Registrar” (Seoul Arbitration Festival, Seoul, October 2023)
  • Facilitator, “Young Practitioners and our Future” (focus on digital technology) (ICCA Congress, Edinburgh, September 2022)
  • Presenter, “Overview and Comparison of Litigation and Arbitration in South Korea” (British Chamber of Commerce of Korea Breakfast Panel, Seoul, July 2022)
  • Moderator, “AMCHAM Fireside Chat Webinar with Barbara Weisel, Former Assistant USTR for Southeast Asia and the Pacific” (AMCHAM Korea event hosted by the Trade & Customs Committee, Online, January 2022)
  • Presenter, “Enforceability of Awards for Cases Involving Virtual Hearings in Korea” (CIArb Korea Chapter Monthly Breakfast Series, Online, April 2021)
  • Panelist, “ADR World Tour: Asian Perspectives on ISDS Reform” (CIArb YMG, Online, January 2021)
  • Panelist, “IBA Arb40 Workshop: Arbitrator Challenges and Conflicts of Interest” (IBA Annual Conference, Seoul, September 2019)
  • Presenter, “Time to Be More Open? Adopting a More Proactive Approach to Publication of Awards” (Inaugural CIArb Asia-Pacific Regional Conference, Singapore, April 2019)
  • Discussant, “Current Mediation Developments in the Asia Pacific Region” (2nd Asia Pacific Mediation Conference, Seoul, November 2018)
  • Facilitator, “Drafting and Handling Early Dismissal Applications” (SIAC Academy, Seoul, June 2018)
  • Presenter, “To be or not to be: Publication of Arbitral Awards” (ICC Young Arbitrators Forum (YAF), Seoul, May 2018)
  • Discussant, “Investment Treaty Protections” (ISD Masterclass Seminar co-hosted by Shin & Kim LLC, Seoul, May 2018)
Community Involvement
  • Vestryman, Seoul Anglican Cathedral English Mission (Seoul, 2025 – Present)
  • Member, Seoul Foreign School Autonomous Discipline Committee (Seoul, 2025 – Present)
  • Mentor, CIArb East Asia Branch (East Asia region, 2025 – Present)
  • Facilitator, Young ICCA Mentoring Programme (East Asia region, 2023 – 2024)
  • Quiz Master, KCAB Next Pub Quiz (Seoul, November 2023)
  • Moot Arbitrator, Pre-Vis East Moot Arbitration Competition (Seoul, February 2016, 2018, 2022, 2023, 2025 (final round))
  • Reviewer, PwC / Maxwell Chambers Expert Witness Cross Examination Moot (September 2020)
  • Rapporteur for Arbitration Committee Panels, IBA Annual Conference 2019 (Seoul, September 2019)
  • Rapporteur, SIAC-KCAB Seoul Conference 2019: “Cross-Border Construction Disputes in 21st Century Asia” (Seoul, September 2019)
  • Participant/Actor, KCAB International Arbitration Tutorial Video (Seoul, August 2016)
  • Moot Arbitrator, FDI Moot Asia-Pacific Regional Rounds (Seoul, August 2016, 2019)