The pioneer of stem cell research resigned

A seismic incident occurred in Korean scientific research circles. Yesterday, in Seoul, Professor Hwang Woo Suk (South Korea) announced his resignation as head of the World Center for Germ cell Research (GSCH).

Earlier one day, the Ministry of Health of Korea announced the investigation results regarding allegations of ethical violations by his germ cell research team.

The investigation confirmed that the two female members of the research group donated eggs for the study, although the assessment did not violate moral standards because they were conducted on a voluntary basis.

On the other hand, the investigation also confirmed that a doctor in the group paid for some other women to donate eggs, which Hwang previously claimed was eggs received on a voluntary basis. However, according to the investigation team, it was not illegal to assume that 'buying and selling eggs' at the end of 2003, because the law prohibiting trafficking in human eggs in Korea only took effect this year.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Professor Hwang apologized for not knowing the study had used the eggs of two female partners, although they had previously proposed and he had twice rejected their proposal. Despite the incident, Prof. Hwang continues to be considered a hero in Korea thanks to breakthroughs in the field of cloning.

TRAN DUC THANH ( According to Korea Herald, Reuters )