Scandal Forces Cloning Pioneer Out

(CBS/AP)  South Korean cloning pioneer Hwang Woo-suk apologized Thursday to the public in the wake of allegations of ethics violations, admitting two female scientists in his lab donated their own eggs for research.

"I am very sorry that I have to tell the public words that are too shameful and horrible," Hwang said, appearing downcast and solemn before a packed news conference. "I should be here reporting the successful results of our research, but I'm sorry instead to have to apologize."

Hwang also said he would resign as head of the World Stem Cell Hub "to atone to the public." The hub, launched last month in Seoul along with international researchers, aims to be a center seeking treatments for now-incurable diseases and had announced plans to open cloning centers in San Francisco and London.

Hwang said he would continue working on his research at Seoul National University.

"I would like to quit my research ... but to return the favors of the public support and those suffering incurable diseases, I will walk the path of a pure scientist," he said.

Hwang's apology came after the Health Ministry said earlier Thursday that an ethics investigation at the university found the two junior scientists gave their own eggs for research. However, the ministry said the donations weren't in violation of ethics guidelines because they were made voluntarily.

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