Hwang Woo-suk
Ex-Seoul National University professor
By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
The government has tentatively decided to disapprove human stem cell
research by former Seoul National University professor Hwang Woo-suck,
who had shocked the nation in 2006 over his fabricated report on stem
cell cloning.
Kim Soung-hee, minister of Health, Welfare and Family Affairs said
Thursday, ``The matter concerns trustworthiness. The one performing it
should be sincere and honest enough to lead it,'' indicating Hwang is
not entitled to the research.
The ministry will announce its final decision on Aug. 1.
Suam Bioengineering Research Institute in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province,
asked the government to approve its research on human embryonic somatic
cells last year.
However, the National Bioethics Deliberative Council recently decided
to reject Hwang's request and delivered it to Minister Kim, who is most
likely to follow the council's suggestion. The Presidential advisory
body members reportedly decided unanimously that Hwang is not the
appropriate person to pursue the work as he is still on trial for his
fabrication and embezzlement charges and that giving him another chance
at this stage could be very risky.
``The members thought the approval could lead to another international embarrassment,'' a source inside the council revealed.
The ministry's movement is drawing attention since approval could draw
criticism for indulging an unethical scientist while disapproval could
infuriate Hwang's supporters who still believe he is the only one to
make advances in stem cell cloning once again.
After the initial report, the ministry building was guarded by riot
police against the possible ``attack'' from the Hwang supporters.
Currently there are groups of such supporters holding protests to
``save'' Hwang everyday at the ministry.
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allagys (71.231.44.144)
08-01-2008 08:33
Please do not insult others; this is not a forum.
Given the chance, let us see if Mr. Hwang can redeem himself.
jewboy (71.136.208.204)
08-01-2008 06:49
Ecodrive
is a fool. He does not realize that it is precisely someone like
Professor Hwang who tarnishes reputation of Korea and Koreans. The real
issue should be not whether Professor Hwang should be allowed to return
to stem "cell" research but how soon and for how long he should be
locked up in his prison "cell".
archaeologist2 (125.140.241.88)
08-01-2008 06:16
people
can't automatically expect a second chance just because they are
qualified in their field. there is a process that must be done and it
must be done sincerely and honestly or it mocks the very system that
banished the person.
seoulstar (65.100.205.230)
08-01-2008 05:53
eco...is
there something you missed, maybe? Check that first paragraph again and
note the phrase "fabricated report". He's a liar, pure and simple.
seoulstar (65.100.205.230)
08-01-2008 02:14
The govt has made a proper decision concerning this charlatan.
