A seismic event has occurred within the South Korean scientific research community. Yesterday, in Seoul, Professor Hwang Woo Suk announced his resignation as the head of the World Stem Cell Research Center (GSCH).
Just a day prior, the South Korean Ministry of Health released the findings of an investigation related to allegations of ethical violations by his stem cell research team.
The investigation confirmed that two female members of the research team had donated eggs for the study, although it was determined that this action did not violate ethical standards as it was carried out on a voluntary basis.
On the other hand, the investigation also confirmed that a doctor in the team had paid several other women to donate eggs, which Professor Hwang had previously asserted were received voluntarily. However, according to the investigative team, this so-called “egg buying” at that time (late 2003) was not illegal, as the law prohibiting the sale of human eggs in South Korea only went into effect this year.
In a press conference yesterday, Professor Hwang apologized for not being aware that the research had utilized eggs from the two female colleagues, despite their requests and his refusal of their offers on two occasions. Despite the controversy, Professor Hwang continues to be regarded as a hero in South Korea due to his breakthroughs in the field of cloning.
TRAN DUC THANH (According to Korea Herald, Reuters)
