He was fired from the prestigious Seoul National University, lost a license to research into human cloning and was put on trial for allegedly accepting funds under false pretenses, embezzlement and illegally purchasing human eggs for research.
Still, Hwang could have continued his research into inter-species cloning because South Korea does not have any law governing that area yet, Park said. But Hwang decided to move to Thailand due to a backlash the study would draw from activists.
Park said he also studied inter-species nucleus transplants in 2002, but faced huge criticism from civic and religious groups claiming it was wrong to mix human cells with animal eggs.
"These days, the ethical yardstick is more important than judicial judgments," he said. "That's why professor Hwang went to Thailand."
--Associated Press
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