Purpose: This study was done to confirm the role of NF-$kappa$B in cisplatin-induced apoptosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Materials and Methods: Five cell lines originated from different oral cancer patients were tested for the apoptosis by the treatment of cisplatin. These cells showed different degree of cisplatin-resistance and the order is OSCC-2>OSCC-3>OSCC-5> OSCC-1>OSCC-4. OSCC-2 and OSCC-4 cells were assayed for the apoptosis by measuring DNA fragmentation and TUNEL staining after cisplatin treatment. While OSCC-4 cells showed apoptosis, OSCC-2 cells showed no or very slight apoptosis by cisplatin treatment. Next, It was determined whether NF-$kappa$B activation is required in mediating cisplatin-induced apoptosis of OSCC-4. Result: The result was that elevated NF-$kappa$B activity mediated cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Conclusion: In conclusion, these findings suggest that NF-$kappa$B activation is essential to cisplatin-induced apoptosis and it may be involved in cisplatin resistance in OSCC cells.