Korea

Powdered baby flesh sold to South Koreans

Michael Cook | 11 May 2012

Thousands of drug capsules made from powdered baby flesh in China have been confiscated by South Korea customs agents. They were manufactured in northern China and smuggled in as stamina boosters. There were 35 attempts since last August, involving 17,450 capsules. Customs officials said that no one had been arrested, because the material, which contained bacteria and other harmful substances, was only intended for personal use.

South Korea ramps up stem-cell research

Jared Yee | 05 May 2012

South Korea's stem cell research is bouncing back after the disgrace caused by researcher Hwang Woo-suk, whose work with stem cells proved to be fraudulent.

Korea’s obsession with cosmetic surgery

Jared Yee | 25 February 2012

The internet is fanning the flame of a cosmetic surgery obsession in South Korea, experts say.

Cloning in Korea

Jared Yee | 10 December 2011

The recent past of Korea’s cloning research is best described as dubious. Disgraced Seoul University professor Hwang Woo-suk claimed in 2004 to have cloned human embryos and developed stem-cell lines, but most of that work was exposed as fraud in 2005. Now another scientist, Park Se-pill, of Jeju National University, is aiming to clone human embryonic stem cells by 2015, a breakthrough that scientists still have not yet achieved.

Pop culture, wealthy Chinese drive booming medical tourism in Asia

Jared Yee | 15 October 2011

It’s one of the fastest-growing industries in Asia.

Organ trafficking on the rise in Korea

Jared Yee | 23 September 2011

“Everything has been screwed up. My last hope is to sell my kidney or liver. So please call me if you’re interested,” a message on a Korean website reads, along with a phone number.

Shonky stem cell company bribes Koreans with treatment

Jared Yee | 13 November 2010

Bargain prices for stem cell injections

Embryos not human, rules Korean high court

Michael Cook | 04 June 2010

Upholds mandatory disposal after 5 years