Ambassador Shin Kak-soo has pursued a career as a diplomat and, since his retirement in 2013, has been actively engaged in various activities, including university lectures, public speaking, media contributions, and involvement in NGOs and public interest organizations.

He joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1977 and served for 36 years in key positions, including Director of the Japan Division, Advisor to the Minister and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Director-General for Treaty Affairs, Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador to Israel and Japan, and First and Second Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Ambassador Shin earned his LL.B. from Seoul National University School of Law and obtained an LL.M. and J.S.D. in international law from the same institution. He also pursued studies at Stanford University, the University of Tokyo, Keio University, and Peking University. Additionally, he served as an instructor at the Korea Military Academy and lectured at Sogang University, Seoul National University’s Graduate School of International Studies, and Ulsan University.

Currently, he serves as Vice Chairman of the NEAR Foundation and holds various positions in the Citizens' Alliance for North Korean Human Rights, the Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG), The Human Rights in North Korea (THINK), the Korea Future Foundation, the Korea Peace Foundation, and Population and Climate, Tomorrow (PACT).