Professor Tae-Ung Baik Appointed Ambassador for South Korea to the OECD

HONOLULU, Hawaiʻi (March 19, 2026) — President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea appointed Professor Tae-Ung Baik as the Ambassador for South Korea to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), recognizing his decades-long leadership in human rights scholarship, international law, and public service.

“I am delighted to bring the insights I have developed during my tenure as a professor at the William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, to the OECD, in my commitment to serving the global community,” Professor Baik said.

Professor Baik, a globally respected scholar of international human rights and comparative law, has been a member of the Richardson Law faculty since 2011. His appointment marks a significant milestone for the Law School and underscores the global impact of its faculty.

“Professor Baik’s appointment as an ambassador is a tremendous honor for him and for our entire community,” Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Troy J.H. Andrade said. “Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice, human rights, and democratic governance. His expertise and moral leadership will serve the people of Korea and the international community well.”

Before joining the faculty in Hawaiʻi, Baik taught for several years at the University of British Columbia and served as director of the Korean Legal Studies Program there. At Richardson, he has taught courses in international human rights law, international criminal law, comparative law, and Korean law, while mentoring students interested in global justice and public service.  He also served as the Director of the University’s Center for Korean Studies.

Professor Baik is widely recognized for his work on transitional justice, human rights systems in Asia, and international accountability mechanisms. From 2015 to 2022, he served as an independent expert with the United Nations Human Rights Council Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, where he held leadership roles as Vice-Chair and later Chair-Rapporteur. In that capacity, he worked with governments, civil society organizations, and families of victims to investigate and address cases of enforced disappearance worldwide.

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About William S. Richardson School of Law

The William S. Richardson School of Law is a collaborative, multicultural community preparing students for excellence in the practice of law and related careers that advance justice and the rule of law. We develop highly qualified, ethical professionals through excellence in teaching, scholarship, and public service. We embrace Hawai‘i’s diversity and values and recognize a special responsibility to our state and the Pacific region.

MEDIA CONTACT

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