Archbishop Cheong Jin-suk of the Seoul Diocese and stem cell research pioneer Hwang Woo-suk are likely to soon meet to discuss “life ethics.”

News of the envisaged meeting follows the archbishop’s recent statements opposing stem cell research on the grounds that it could undermine human dignity and ethics.

The Seoul Diocese said Cheong has accepted the professor’s proposal for a meeting, and wants it to occur as soon as possible upon Hwang's return from his overseas trip.

In response to opposition to his work, Hwang recently said he would respect the opinions offered by religious or civic circles and would view such dialogue as an opportunity to renew his dedication to his research.