When it was revealed that Hwang Woo Suk's article on stem cell research had been a fabrication, our scientific community fell into despair. But it also felt a small sense of pride. It was our scholars who found the truth and put the article on trial, so the pride had reason. The world's academic community recognized that Korea had the ability to clean up its own act. These days, however, the scientific world is losing that small sense of pride, because Seoul National University (SNU) is handing out punishments that are too light.
The disciplinary committee approved a proposal for disciplinary action on March 20, and SNU president Chung Un Chansoon has to decide whether to accept the committee's recommendation or not. Should he reject it, the committee can appeal to the education ministry. Chung said he has listened to what people have to say through various channels. He is going to call a staff meeting soon and listen to everyone's opinion one last time.
The whole of the scientific community has already issued its judgment. This is, to begin with, a case that goes way beyond SNU. It was a national incident in that it was a case of fraud committed against the people of the world, and that is why the world is watching to see what disciplinary action is taken. People have said that it is because of Korean scholarship's highly developed ability to police itself that it will not suffer consequences around the world. However, disciplinary action that is too light will make that assessment meaningless. Also, when questions were being asked about whether the articles by Hwang and his team of researchers were fabrications, SNU did nothing to try and find the truth. The college of veterinary science has an ethics committee, but it kept issuing him indulgences. If SNU issues only light penalties, it will be hard for the school to restore its reputation. Finally, Korea as a country is suspected of hiding the truth about the fabrications and aiding in the process. This therefore is an issue involving international confidence.
The opportunity to do it right still exists. The country remembers how Chung, in his apology to the nation, promised to deal with the case in a painfully strict and unwavering manner. We have no hope if the university abandons truth and justice.
The Hankyoreh, 27 March 2006.
[Translations by Seoul Selection]
[Editorial] SNU President Must Reject Disciplinary Proposal |
