The police will provide VIP-protection for Professor Hwang Woo-suk’s staff, including Lee Byeong-cheon, Kang Seong-geun and Ahn Kyu-ri of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Seoul National University.

Police officials say the measure is needed to safeguard the professors, who have the world's top bioengineering technology at their fingertips.

Each of the staff has impressive credentials. Lee helped Hwang deliver the cloned dog, “Snuppy” Kang played an important role in producing BSE (mad cow disease)-resistant cattle and sterilized piglets for organ transplantation and Ahn is a central player in the team's efforts to channel embryonic stem cell research into new treatments for incurable diseases.

The staff members will not be with their security detail everyday, but can request police protection when they feel their personal safety is compromised.

Meanwhile, Hwang has been receiving 24-hour protection since May on the orders of President Roh Moo-hyun.