Gov’t to Disapprove Hwang’s Stem Cell Research

The National Bioethics Committee decided to disapprove human stem cell research by former Seoul National University professor Hwang Woo-suk.

The presidential advisory body, entrusted with the decision by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Family Affairs, recently convened a meeting to discuss the issue and reached a conclusion that the Suam Bioengineering Research Institute led by Hwang should not be allowed to pursue its research on human stem cells.

Most members of the government agency reached a consensus that the former Seoul National University professor should not be allowed to resume his research, given that he once engaged in unethical misdemeanors and abandoned his conscience as a chief researcher of human stem cell cloning.

Roh Jae-gyeong, chairman of the committee, said, “Although the council confirmed its position, the final decision depends on the health minister. We plan to deliver our meeting minutes to the Health Ministry after reviewing the log.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Health, Welfare and Family Affairs Kim Soung-yee said Thursday, “What is involved in this issue is the qualification and reliability of the researcher. Therefore, we are carefully examining what to do with the resumption of the research.” He added, “This matter should be viewed in consideration of law and order, not on some temporary consideration.”

The ministry is expected to officially announce its final conclusion regarding Hwang’s human cell research today.

likeday@donga.com