'The germ cell case': Mr. Hwang Woo Suk received 2 years in prison

The Seoul District Court (South Korea) on October 26 announced that scientist Hwang Woo Suk committed misdemeanor charges, bought illegal human eggs and received a two-year prison sentence and three years of trial.

Hwang became famous in 2004 when he announced in the prestigious scientific journal Science that he was the first to create a human embryonic germ cell. The statement drew the attention of the world because the results of his research could open the way for treatment of cancers, diabetes and Alzheimer's . Many Koreans even considered him a brother. Hero.

Hwang Woo Suk scientist - Photo: Korea Times

In 2006, after being accused, the scientist admitted to falsifying scientific reports on stem cell research. According to prosecutors, thanks to this fake study, he received 2 billion won (about 2.1 million USD) from private donors. They also accused him of embezzling 800 million won in private and state research grants.

Hwang, now 56, later apologized to the public and said 'will be responsible for the whole incident'. Prosecutors offered him a four-year prison sentence, but the Seoul District Court only declared him for two years because he "confidently reported the crime".

Hwang is currently working on animal asexual reproduction at a local research institute.