KO & MARTIN CERTIFIED INTERPRETERS AND TRANSLATORS Specializing in Korean and Chinese languages

한국어   For Korean

(213) 999-7848

soomi@komartin.com

中文版   For Chinese

(310) 634-5365

lingling@komartin.com
Soomi Ko

Soomi Ko

Certified Korean
Interpreter/Translator
English to Korean,
Korean to English

Credentials

  • California State Certified Court Interpreter #300732
  • U.S. Federal Court Approved Interpreter
  • Professional Conference Interpreter
  • Certified Translator
  • Registered with the U.S. District Court, Central District of California
  • Registered with the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County
  • Registered with the Superior Court of California, Orange County
  • Registered with U.S. Department of Justice
  • 17 years of experience as a professional interpreter and translator
  • Instructor at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Extension:
    Legal Interpretation and Translation Certificate Program of
    English and Korean Languages in Consecutive Interpretation
  • Instructor at LA Translation Institute: Consecutive Interpretation

Notable Cases –
Korean Interpretation and Translation

Certain Communications or Computing Devices and Components Thereof, ITC Inv. No. 337-TA-925: Enterprise Systems Technologies v. Samsung Electronics, et al.

Hired as interpreter for deposition of Samsung employees for 2 days in San Francisco.

Certain Communications or Computing Devices and Components Thereof, ITC Inv. No. 337-TA-925: LG Electronics Inc., LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc., and LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A., Inc.

Hired as interpreter for deposition prep and as check interpreter for 10 days of depositions in Seoul, Korea.

E-Watch, Inc. and E-Watch Corporation v. LG Electronics, Inc.

Provided interpretation for deposition of LG Electronics witnesses in Seoul, Korea.

Curocom Energy LLC v. Woolim Resources, et al. – Hired as principal interpreter for trial and depositions.

Provided 11 days of trial interpretation in Houston, TX and over 200 pages of certified translation.

Exxon Mobile et al. v. Southern California Bulk Sale Litigation.

Provided interpretation for 5 days of deposition held in Los Angeles.

Softview v. Apple Inc., AT&T Mobility LLC, Dell Inc, HTC Corp, Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, et.al. – Patent Infringement on mobile web browser features– Hired as principal Korean interpreter for the case.

Provided interpretation for 2 days of deposition in Suwon, Korea, 2 days in Chicago, and 1 day in Washington D.C.

Apple vs. Samsung Patent infringement case re mobile and tablet– Translated more than 1,500 documents for Samsung.

Extradition of Kyung Joon Kim – A high profile investment embezzlement case

Provided translation reviews of more than 300 pages of documents and translated more than 100 pages of documents for the United States of America. Worked as a primary interpreter for depositions in Los Angeles, California.

Yoon Man Choi v. Hyundae Health Center, Inc., et al.

Hired by both parties for trial interpretation for 33 days.

International Reformed University and Seminary v. John Eun Whang aka Eun Young Whang, et al.

Provided interpretation for 5 days of deposition in Los Angeles. Provided certified interpretation for 70 pages of documents.

Innovation Tools S.A. de C.V. et al vs. Turbo Ion Inc. et a.l

Provided certified translation of over 500 pages of evidence and provided interpretation for 5 day of deposition in Los Angeles.

Eden Prayer Mission v. Pensco Trust Company, LLC

Hired by all 3 parties to provide interpretation for 5 days of trial. Provided over 150 pages of certified translation.

Curocom Energy LLC v. Woolim Resources, et al.

Hired as principal interpreter for trial and depositions. Provided 11 days of trial interpretation in Houston, TX and over 200 pages of certified translation.

P.T. Dayup Indo v. IMEX Industries

Provided certified translation of over 180 pages of documents.

Munhwa Broadcasting Corp, et al. v. Doo Hyun Song, et al.

Provided certified translation of over 50 pages of exhibits.

Speedway USA, Inc. v. JP International Air & Sea Corp

Provided interpretation for depositions.

Sotela v. Forever 21

Provided interpretation for 3 days of deposition.

Certified translation of exhibits re: SM Entertainment

Provided 50 pages of certified translation of exhibits.

Universal Electronics, Inc. v. Universal Remote Control, Inc.

Provided trial interpretation for 3 days in Los Angeles and provided certified translation and translation review of 200 pages of documents.

Han v. Han & Brothers, LLC

Provided 3 days of deposition interpretation in Seoul, Korea.

Lee v. New Star Realty

Provided trial interpretation and certified translation of exhibits.

Fitness International – Private Utilities Easement

Provided translation and interpretation services to negotiate private utilities easement with property owner and Fitness International.

Jin Mi Ryung v. TJ Media USA, Inc. and TJ Media Co., Ltd.

Provided certified translation, translation review and verbal translation.

Ju Hun Min, Hyub Choi, et al. v. Joong Ang Daily News

Provided interpretation for 6 days of deposition in Irvine.

Michelle Ju, et al. v. West Bethel Presbyterian Church, et al.

Provided certified translation of 60 pages of documents and interpretation for 5 days of deposition.

Da Hoon Chung v. Jay Yoo, DBA Smart Education

Provided interpretation for 2 days of deposition and 7 days of trial in Los Angeles. Provided certified interpretation of exhibits.

Holy Hill Community Church v. Western California Presbytery

Hired by both parties to provide interpretation for 7 days of trial and certified translations of the exhibits.

Susan Lee v. Sangsin Brake, et al.

Provided interpretation for 3 days of deposition in Los Angeles and provided certified translation of exhibits.

Kumho Tires

Provided certified translation of over 100 pages of documents.

Kim, et al. v. Woonjin Coway USA, Inc.

Provided interpretation for 4 days of deposition in Los Angeles and on conference calls.

Kangjin Choi v. Sung-soo Park, Kyung Mee Park, Hepahope Inc., et al.

Provided certified translation of over 80 pages of exhibits.

FTC Decision re: Collusion of Unfair Price-fixing by 4 Ramen Manufacturers and Distributors

Provided certified translation of over 200 pages of document.

Holy Hill Community Church v. LA Sarang Community Church

Hired by both parties for trial interpretation for 5 days.

Western California Presbytery, et al. v. Dong Sub Bang, et al.

Hired as principal translator and interpreter for the case. Provided certified translation of over 300 pages of exhibits and interpretation services for 1 days of deposition and 2 days of trial.

Sung Dae An and Hanna Park v. Fabianna Lee

Provided interpretation for 4 days of deposition.

Ji v. Sung

Hired as principal Korean interpreter for the trial, for 8 days. Provided certified translation and translation review of 50 pages of exhibits.

Hanmi Bank v. Hong

Provided interpretation for 4 days of deposition held in Los Angeles.

Yangson Smith v. Ryang Hong and Julie Hong, et al.

Hired as language expert and provided translations of written declarations, opinions on translation disputes, and expert witness testimony.

Exxon Mobile et al. v. Southern California Bulk Sale Litigation

Provided interpretation for 5 days of deposition held in Los Angeles.

Softview v. Apple Inc., AT&T Mobility LLC, Dell Inc, HTC Corp, Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, et.al.

Patent Infringement on mobile web browser features– Hired as principal Korean interpreter for the case. Provided interpretation for 2 days of deposition in Suwon, Korea, 2 days in Chicago, and 1 day in Washington D.C.

Bonoble USA v. Daesang Corp.

Hired as principal interpreter for 8 day arbitration and provided over 250 pages of translation of exhibit, including Korean judgments and declarations.

The Oriental Mission Church v. Hyung Jim

Hired as language expert and provided translations of written declarations, opinions on translation disputes, and expert witness testimony.

Artcite LLC v. 2700 Wilshire, LLC et.al.

Provided certified translation of over 200 pages of purchase, sales, and ownership agreements.

Apple vs. Samsung Patent Infringement Case – Re: Mobile and Tablet

Translated more than 1,500 documents for Samsung.

ITRI (Industrial Technology Research Institute) vs. LG Display and LG Electronics et. al. – Patent Infringement Case

Initially hired as the check interpreter and was involved in prepping the witness for the defendants. However on the day of the deposition, both parties agreed to use me as the primary interpreter.

U.S.A. vs. AU Optronics Corporation et. al. – Antitrust case, Re: TFT-LCD (Thinfilm Transistor-Liquid Crystal Display)

Hired as the language expert for the Department of Justice provided translation of more than 350 pages and reviewed more than 200 pages of translation from the defense side. Defended the translation as a language expert whenever there was an issue regarding translation.

LG Electronics Co., Ltd. vs. ASKO and Daewoo et. al. – Patent Infringement case, Re: Direct Drive technology

Provided interpretation for deposition preparations for six deponents and served as a Check Interpreter at 7 depositions. Traveled to Seoul and Changwon, Korea.

Trinity Glass International, Right Concept Inc. vs. LG Chemical and LG America et. al. – Product Liability, Re: Engineered Plastics

Provided interpretation for more than 30 depositions as the official interpreter for both plaintiff and defendant. Provided certified translations and review for more than 400 pages of documents. Traveled to Korea (Seoul and Changwon), Seattle, and San Diego.

Click Entertainment vs. JYP Entertainment, JTune Entertainment, Ji Hoon Jung (Rain) et. al.

Breach of Entertainment Contract involving an international artist – Provided certified translations for more than 100 pages of documents, provided interpretations for witness preparations and worked as a check interpreter for depositions in Seoul, Korea and trial in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Department of Justice antitrust investigation of air cargo price irregularities of Asiana Airline Antitrust

Provided certified translations for over 40 page of documents, reviewed over 300 translated documents and provided interpretations for witness interviews in Los Angeles, California.

Positive Technologies Inc. vs. LG Phillips LCD Co., Ltd et. al. – Patent Infringement Case

Provided certified translations for over 30 pages of documents and provided interpretations for witness preparations and depositions in Seoul, Korea.

Rain Corporation vs. Ji Hoon Jung aka “Rain” et. al. – Trademark Infringement

Provided interpretations for witness preparations and worked as a check interpreter at depositions in Seoul, Korea.

L.A. Printex Industries, Inc. v. Samsung America, Inc. et. al. – Copyright Infringement involving textile print

Provided interpretations for witness testimonies at trial in Los Angeles, California.

Kyung Joon Kim vs. United States of America – Forfeiture / Penalty Case

Provided translations and translation reviews of over 300 pages of documents.

DAS vs. Kyung Joon Kim – Breach of Contract

Provided interpretations for witness preparations and depositions in Los Angeles, California.

Extradition of Kyung Joon Kim – A high profile investment embezzlement case

Provided translation reviews of more than 300 pages of documents and translated more than 100 pages of documents for the United States of America. Worked as a primary interpreter for depositions in Los Angeles, California.

In Re: Trigem America Corporation – Bankruptcy Matter

Provided translations of over 70 pages of Corporate Reorganization Plan of the First and the Second Phase. Provided interpretations at hearings and trial in Los Angeles, California.

United States vs. ROYA RAHMANI, et. al. – A high profile international terrorist Investigation

Provided translation reviews of more than 2,000 pages of documents and provided certified translations of more than 400 pages of documents.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd vs. Renesas Technology et. al. – Patent Infringement Case

Provided interpretations for witness preparations and worked as a primary interpreter for depositions in Washington D.C.

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands, B.V. vs. Samsung Electronics Company Ltd et. al. – Patent Infringement Case

Provided interpretations for witness preparations and worked as a primary interpreter for depositions in San Francisco, California.

Ericsson Inc. et . al. vs. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. et. al. – Patent Infringement Case

Provided interpretations for witness preparations, and worked as a primary interpreter for depositions in San Francisco, California.

Samsung SDI Co. vs. Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd et. al. – Patent Infringement Case

Provided interpretations for witness preparations and worked as a check interpreter for depositions in Washington D.C.

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands, B.V. vs. Samsung Electronics Company Ltd et. al – Patent Infringement Case

Provided interpretations for witness preparations and worked as a check interpreter for depositions in San Francisco, California.

Woongjin Coway vs. Wellbeing Station – Breach of Contract

Provided certified translations for over 30 pages of documents and provided interpretations for witness preparations, depositions and trial in Los Angeles, California.

Simultaneous Conference Interpretation –
English into Korean, Korean into English

  • September 2014: GS Shop Global Innovation Training for HPI Group in San Francisco, CA
  • July 2014: Microsoft Workshop (Microsoft Campus, Redmond, WA)
  • June 2014: IDEO Project Presentation for executives in San Francisco, CA
  • April 2014: GS Shop Global Innovation Training for HPI Group in San Francisco, CA
  • November 2013: WASC Assessment for Shepherd University (Provided interpretation for the WASC assessment and provided certified translation of website content required for assessment)
  • August 2013: Hanmi Bank Shareholders’ Meeting (Interpreter for annual shareholders’ meeting)
  • July 2013: Disney Brand Loyalty Workshop (Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, CA)
  • June 2013: Microsoft Workshop (Microsoft Campus, Redmond, WA)
  • June 2013: K-Swiss & Eland Presentation
  • April 2013: Kumho Tires Presentation – Provided translation and interpretation of Kumho Tire presentation.
  • March 2013: BRC Imagination Arts – Amore Pacific Beautiful Life Center Project
  • 2012 G20 Summit in Los Cabos, Mexico – Hired by the Mexican Government as official Korean interpreter
  • 2012 Korea-U.S. FTA – Two Ambassadors (Honorable Sung Kim and Han, Duk Soo) Dialog (Irvine, CA)
  • 2011 Korea-U.S. FTA Conference (Los Angeles, CA)
  • 2011 Zebra Technologies Global Conference (Las Vegas, NV)
  • 2011 Korean Prosecutor’s Association First Criminal Law Forum Conference (Los Angeles, CA)
  • 2011 Korean Church for Community Development Annual Conference (Los Angeles, CA)
  • 2010 Symantec Worldwide Sales & Marketing Conference (Las Vegas, NV)
  • 1996 to 2009 (14 years) – Over 250 Monthly Bilingual (English Learners) Advisory Committee Meetings for the Los Angeles Unified School District – District 4 and District 7 – All topics relating to elementary and secondary education including special education.
  • 2000 to 2009 (10 years) – All 20 of the Bi-Annual Gifted Education Conferences “Conference of latest pedagogy of gifted students and brain research” at the Los Angeles Unified School District.
  • 1998 to 2009 (12 years) – All 12 of the Annual Parent Summits for the Los Angeles Unified School District at the Los Angeles Convention Center with more than 2,000 attendees at each conference.
  • 2000 to 2009 (9 years) – All 9 of the Korean American Teachers Annual Conferences.
  • Annual CJ CEO Vision Conference, Los Angeles, March 2007.
  • 20th Anniversary of Kwangju Uprising: L.A. International Symposium, Los Angeles, May 2007.
  • Department of Housing, Affordable Housing Conference, Los Angeles 2006-2007.
  • Web Content Symposium, Los Angeles, August 2007.
  • UCLA Extension – Emerging Trends in the Global Creative Economy, Los Angeles, August 2006.
  • UCLA Extension – Case Study Spotlight: Convergence from a Hollywood Perspective, Los Angeles, August 2006.

Education

  • University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Extension: Legal Interpretation and Translation Certificate Program of English and Korean Languages
  • University of Houston: Bachelor in Business Administration

Professional Associations

  • American Translators Association
  • National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators
  • Korean Professional Interpreters Association
  • California Federation of Interpreters

Endorsements

When you need translation between Korean and English, Soomi Ko and her team are tops. For four years, they ably handled document translation for us in our role as counsel to the lead defendant in In re Korean Ramen Antitrust Litigation, (N.D. Cal.). Soomi Ko and her team readily met what that case presented as every challenge for translators – it was a complex case, with a large volume of documents, requiring high competency and top grade professionalism, but also requiring cost-effectiveness and timely delivery. Their teamwork helped us to smoothly work through the potential documentary evidence in discovery, pre-trial and a five-week jury trial in a set of class actions seeking nearly US$500 million. The case result was a complete defense verdict, after three hours’ jury deliberation. You will be glad if Soomi Ko and her team are on your team.

Mark C. Dosker, Partner at Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP

Without hesitation I can say that Ms. Ko is the most talented Korean interpreter and translator that I have had the pleasure to retain. Intellectual property litigation is often fraught with extremely technical terminology that generally presents issues for foreign interpreters and translators. Ms. Ko’s vast vocabulary and familiarity with technical terminology have consistently permitted her to excel with precision and accuracy in interpretation and translation. As a result of her friendly demeanor and great personality, working with Ms. Ko is also a pleasure. In short, Ms. Ko has a proven track record in highly technical litigations and she is always my first choice for Continue Reading

Jamie B. Beaber, Partner at Mayer Brown LLP

I have personally used Ms. Ko’s services in three cases tried in the federal courts of Nevada, Hawaii, and Texas. The Texas case was a multi-million dollar patent litigation involving complex technology for the circuit driving of LCD panel televisions. Ms. Ko effortlessly mastered the technical descriptions and was able to effectively communicate the oral testimony of several witnesses during depositions in Seoul. In addition to the infringement testimony, there were also detailed examinations related to computation of damages from international sales of integrated components, and the financial structure of corporate conglomerates. The Nevada and Hawaii cases were much simpler, involving trademark infringements and entertainment Continue Reading

Jonathan Brackett “Jon” Crocker, IP Senior Counsel at Holland & Knight LLP

Don’t think twice when considering the right interpreter and translator for your complex case involving the Korean language,hire Soomi Ko. In my product liability matter involving tens of millions of alleged damages, the parties jointly retained Ms. Ko. The case involved the complex science of polymer engineering and failure analysis, but Ms. Ko quickly managed the technical terms and industry jargon, and was able to clearly and accurately translate hundreds of hours of deposition testimony to the satisfaction of a room full of Korean speakers from both sides. Ms. Ko also translated hundreds of pages of technical documents for both sides, on a demanding timeline, Continue Reading

Todd Rosencrans, Perkins Coie LLP

Soomi does outstanding work as both an interpreter and translator. She is especially wonderful at trial. She has done countless depositions for me and is always accurate. I know I can count on her to provide accurate interpretation under stressful conditions either at trial or in depositions. Then too, she does outstanding translation work and is always dependable. Personally, I use Soomi for all of my big and complex cases as I know I can count on her to do accurate work under the most stressful conditions. She is very professional and I might add she is also very honest and ethical.

Christopher Kim, Partner at Lim Ruger & Kim LLP

Hands down, Soomi is the best Korean interpreter around. There are no other interpreters I know who can handle Korean-speaking witnesses at trial like Soomi.

Ekwan Rhow, Partner at Bird, Marella, Boxer & Wolpert

Ms. Ko is simply the best Korean interpreter available in Southern California, no matter the context. She has interpreted numerous depositions for me, both taking and defending depositions. Her skill and experience, her command of legal and business terms, and her cultural sensitivity (especially to business executives) make her particularly valuable in preparing clients for testimony and counseling them during legal proceedings.

David Parker, Partner at Parker Shumaker Mills LLP

As a prosecutor for over 15 years, I have witnessed a broad range of interpreters in the courthouse. Most Korean interpreters are competent and some troubling. I know because I do speak the language. Soomi’s prior work as court certified Korean translator was impeccable. Her work extends beyond accuracy and affordability. It is about her professionalism and demeanor which facilitates positive results. She is absolutely the best in her field.

Jerry Baik, Supervising Assistant City Attorney at Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney

Soomi Ko is at the top of her profession. As an attorney who regularly uses Korean language interpreters, our experience with Soomi has been nothing short of excellent. Her services during depositions and during trial have yielded excellent results for our cases. She is always prompt, professional and always ready to give extra effort for any project she is handling. We give Soomi our highest commendation and assure anyone using her services that they will be more than satisfied, and like our office, put Soomi at the top of their list of Korean interpreters.

Henry M. Lee, Owner of Lee Law Corporation

Ms. Ko is highly skilled, extremely hard working, knowledgeable, and personable. She interpreted effectively for us in six straight days of depositions in Seoul in a highly technical federal court case that demanded the utmost concentration and accuracy. Several of the deposition sessions—which were video taped without a court reporter pursuant to FRCP 30(b)(3)(A)—lasted ten hours or more. Because there was no stenographic reporter present, Ms. Ko had no transcript that she could refer to as the depositions proceeded. The questions and answers were often lengthy and complex. Ms. Ko’s skill, patience and good humor with the witnesses (and lawyers) was remarkable. Her speed was Continue Reading

Hall Baetz, Partner at BaetzLamka LLP

There is no other service that we would use than Ko & Martin Certified Interpreters. Lingling and Soomi are, without a doubt, the best in the business. We use them whenever we have a case needing Chinese or Korean translation services — they are smart, helpful, professional, and immediately put our clients and witnesses needing their services at ease. They have been a huge part of our trial successes — and it is no coincidence that when we use them, we obtain a record verdict. You can’t convince a jury if they don’t get the client’s story. Using these amazing translators ensures that even if your client or witnesses do not speak English, the jury will understand every facet and emotion of the story of the case.

Deborah Chang, Esq. at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP