Woo Suk Hwang Stripped of Top Science Award After 22 Years; Revocation Finalized by Presidential Approval

Award Revocation Finalized After Stem Cell Paper Fabrication Controversy
Cancellation Confirmed Following 2023 Supreme Court Ruling

The cancellation of the Republic of Korea’s Highest Scientist Award (Presidential Award) given to Woo-suk Hwang, former professor at Seoul National University, who was embroiled in controversy over fabricated stem cell research papers, has been finalized after 22 years.

According to relevant ministries on July 15, the Ministry of Science and ICT requested the Ministry of the Interior and Safety to revoke Hwang’s Highest Scientist Award in March this year. President Lee Jae-myung gave final approval for the cancellation on July 14, officially confirming the revocation. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety is expected to publish this decision in the official gazette soon.

Professor Woo-suk Hwang, former Seoul National University. The Asia Business Daily DB

The Republic of Korea’s Highest Scientist Award is a presidential prize presented to researchers who have made significant contributions to the advancement of science and technology in Korea. It is one of the most prestigious awards in the field and both the awarding and revocation require presidential approval.

Professor Hwang received the award and a prize of 300 million won in 2004 in recognition of his achievements in human embryonic stem cell research. However, after the stem cell paper fabrication was revealed, he was dismissed from Seoul National University in 2006, and that same year, the government revoked his status as Highest Scientist. The Order of Science and Technology Merit (Changjo Medal) awarded to him was also canceled.

At the time, however, there was no clear regulation allowing for the revocation of the Republic of Korea’s Highest Scientist Award, so he retained his status as an awardee. After a revision of relevant policies, the government made its first decision to cancel the award in 2020.

However, Hwang filed an administrative lawsuit, claiming the government’s action was unlawful. The court ruled that the government had failed to observe due process, such as not providing him with an opportunity to submit his opinion in advance. In April 2023, the Supreme Court upheld this lower court decision, rendering the initial cancellation void due to procedural flaws.

In response, the Ministry of Science and ICT followed proper procedures pointed out by the court and requested cancellation again from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety in March this year. After receiving presidential approval, the award’s cancellation was finalized.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.