Cloning pioneer Hwang Woo-suk says his stem cell research is 'sacred and honorable' work aimed at developing cures for terminal and incurable diseases.

Hwang, who also expressed the hope to apply the technology to all of mankind, made the remarks on Tuesday in an interview with the New York Times.

On criticism surrounding the controversial research, the Seoul National University professor said that he does not destroy any life in the research process, pointing out that the donated human eggs used in his work are hollowed out, containing no genetic materials. Hwang added that he never fertilizes the eggs nor produce embryos.

Additionally, Hwang said that he has never attempted human cloning, expressing concern about the prospect of a world in which cloning would be acceptable.