South Korean cloning pioneer Hwang received eggs from scientists at his lab

Two junior scientists working for South Korean cloning pioneer Hwang Woo-suk gave their own eggs for use in his research, the Health Ministry said Thursday.

However, the ministry said the donations weren't in violation of ethics guidelines because they were made voluntarily, spokesman Choi Hee-joo told a news conference.

The previously alleged donations by scientists at his lab have cast Hwang's groundbreaking work under a cloud of controversy in recent weeks and led to U.S. partners pulling out of collaboration with him, AP reports.

A. A.