The government decided yesterday to strip disgraced stem cell scientist Hwang Woo-suk and six other researchers of state medals after their once-celebrated research was found to have been fabricated.
The decision was made during a cabinet meeting presided over by Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook, the prime minister’s office said. The decision is subject to approval by President Roh Moo-hyun, which is a formality.
The six other scientists affected include four co-authors of Dr. Hwang’s paper from state-run Seoul National University ― Lee Byung-chun, Kang Sung-keun, Moon Shin-yong and An Cu-rie ― and Roh Sung-il, the chief of MizMedi hospital, who provided human eggs for Hwang’s research. The other scientist was Hwang Jeong-hye, associate obstetrics professor of Hanyang University.
Prosecutors have concluded that Dr. Hwang masterminded the manipulation of the papers published in the U.S. journal Science in 2004 and in 2005, and his junior researcher Kim Sun-jong cooperated.
Dr. Hwang is on trial on charges of fraud, embezzlement and allegedly misusing billions of won given to him by public and private donors for his research.

Compiled from wires