Meet the Candidate
Statement of Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea
He has demonstrated the highest level of professionalism, integrity, impartiality and independence … The Republic of Korea reaffirms its unwavering support for the ICJ and its critical work by endorsing the candidacy of Judge Paik in the 2026 election to the Court.
H.E. CHO Tae-yul
Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea
Endorsements
Statement of Jugde and Professor JIN-HYUN PAIK
Outstanding Expertise in International Law
I have been a Professor of Public International Law for over 35 years, researching and publishing on a broad spectrum of topics. In 2015 I was elected an Associate Member and in 2021 a Titular Member of the Institut de Droit International, which is widely recognized as one of the most authoritative academies of international law.
As a scholar, I have collaborated closely with experts in other disciplines as well. This interdisciplinary approach has deepened my understanding of global affairs and allowed me to contextualize legal disputes within broader geopolitical frameworks, enhancing my ability to approach the peaceful settlement of international disputes with an even more comprehensive perspective.
Extensive Experience as Judge and Arbitrator
I had the privilege of serving as a Judge on the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for over fourteen years, including three years as its President. I have also dealt with inter-state disputes at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) as an arbitrator. During my tenure, I successfully resolved numerous challenging disputes, restoring amicable relations between the parties involved and promoting lasting peace.
In my capacity as a judge and arbitrator, I have always stood firmly in applying and interpreting the law in a rigorous manner, while collaborating with colleagues to find broad-based solutions to contentious issues, keeping an open mind and being willing to be persuaded by different views. I believe this balance – upholding legal principles and fostering collegiality – has been a key factor in the successful resolution of complex and sensitive disputes.
Building Bridges through International Law
One area to which I am particularly committed is the capacity-building of developing countries in international law and dispute settlement. I am particularly proud that, as President of ITLOS, I was able to initiate and implement a high-level annual Legal Advisers’ Workshop.
Moreover, it is a source of great satisfaction for me that during my tenure as President of the Asian Society of International Law (2015–2017), I worked hard to expand the Society’s membership to include Central and West Asia, fostering greater engagement with international law across the entire region. It is still my firm belief that enhancing access to legal knowledge and training across different regions and generations will make a difference in our collective endeavors towards peace and justice.
If elected, I would bring to the Court my expertise, experience, and commitment to the highest standards of intellectual rigor.
I would listen attentively to the parties and participants in the proceedings,
and apply international law with the utmost conscientiousness and fairness.
Guided by a spirit of collegiality,
I would collaborate with distinguished colleagues to ensure that the Court's decisions are worthy of the greatest respect.
Above all, I will remain independent and impartial in all my actions.
Curriculum Vitae
Jin-Hyun Paik was Professor of Public International Law at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy (1990–1997) and at Seoul National University, Korea (1997–2023). He is currently Senior Adviser at the Center for International Law of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy. He has lectured on a wide range of international law topics at renowned institutions around the world, including the Hague Academy of International Law.
He served as a Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) from 2009 to 2023, including as its President from 2017 to 2020.
He has also acted as an arbitrator in inter-State disputes at the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Judge Paik is a Titular Member of the Institut de Droit International and served as President of the Asian Society of International Law from 2015 to 2017.
Judge Paik has published extensively on public international law, including the law of the sea, international environmental law, international dispute settlement, and international security. He holds an LL.B. from Seoul National University (1980), an LL.M. from Columbia Law School (1983), and a Ph.D. in international law from the University of Cambridge (1989). He has received an honorary doctorate in law (Dr. iur. h.c.) from the University of Hamburg and was awarded the Order of Service Merit (Red Stripes) by the Korean government.