South Korea revokes top science prize awarded to disgraced stem cell researcher Hwang Woo-suk

South Korea has officially revoked the "Grand Prize for Top Science and Technology Innovator" awarded to former Seoul National University professor Hwang Woo-suk 22 years after he received it. The Ministry of Science and ICT requested the cancellation, which was approved by the president on March 14.

This marks the second attempt by the government to revoke the award. A previous cancellation in 2020 was halted by the judiciary due to procedural issues. Hwang had sued, arguing he was not given an opportunity to submit his opinions before the cancellation. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled in his favor in 2023, citing procedural flaws in the government's process.

The government then re-initiated the process, allowing Hwang to present his views. He reportedly did not offer significant objections. The revocation process was further delayed by a separate lawsuit concerning the return of the 300 million won prize money, which the Ministry of Science and ICT stated concluded last year with a decision against returning the funds.

Hwang Woo-suk, once lauded for his research on human embryonic stem cells, received the award in 2004. However, his career was derailed when his research papers were found to be fabricated in 2006, leading to his dismissal from Seoul National University. While other awards, including the "First Top Scientist" title, were also rescinded, this presidential award remained until now due to a lack of clear regulations for its cancellation.