Colon cancer is the 3(rd) common malignancy and 4(th) common cause of cancer death in Korea. Recent studies have shown that abnormal inflammatory response plays a critical role in colon carcinogenesis. A striking example of connection between inflammation and cancer is NF-κB, in which key regulator of inflammation and immune response is associated with target for colon cancer treatment. Constitutive NF-κB expression in colon cancer is 40-80% in vivo as well as in vitro, and the inactivation of IKKβ subunit can reduce tumor multiplicity. The possible mechanisms by which NF-κB can contribute to colon carcinogenesis include the activator of antiapoptotic gene expression, enhanced cell survival and proliferation, regulation of angiogenesis and promotion of metastasis of cancer cells. Recent insights into the role of NF-κB involved in colon cancer development as well as their relevance as therapeutic targets are herein discussed. (Korean J Gastroenterol 2011;57:3-7)