Prof. Hwang Woo-Suk of Seoul National University

Amid growing controversy over authenticity and ethical aspects of his stell cell research Prof. Hwang Woo-Suk of Seoul National University cancelled his press conference, a local Yonhap news agency reported Dec. 3, 2005.

On the day Roh Sung-Il of Miz Medi Hospital said that Prof. Hwang's press conference would be delayed several days later on Hwang's request. Roh serves as president of the hospital where eggs were collected for Prof. Hwang's research.

Roh said that Prof. Hwang postponed his press meeting because he needed "internal coordination" within his stem cell research team headed by Hwang.

The exact day of Prof. Hwang's press conference will be announced later after internal discussion, Roh added.

Prof. Hwang announced that he would explain details at 2 p.m. Dec. 4, 2005 about all the questions about his research raised by local network TV MBC, journalists.

Roh said that the next press conference will be conducted by one of Prof. Hwang's research team. Roh serves as president of Miz Medi Hospital where Prof. Hwang collected eggs for his stem cell research.

Prof. Hwang, a pioneer of stem cell research, has been avoiding media contact since his research was questioned by MBC over ethical issues and even tampering with his research data.

Prof. Hwang has been staying in a remote Buddhist temple, according to local news reports. He is a devoted Buddhist.