Professor Ahn Cu-rie, a co-researcher of cloning pioneer Hwang Woo-suk, returned home Saturday afternoon after visiting the United States.

When asked if she had met with a South Korean researcher who had reportedly made a comment critical of her team's research, Ahn told reporters that the international cooperation team assisting Hwang would soon release its position on the matter.

Ahn also said her fellow researchers would continue their stem cell research because they had made a commitment to patients.

Regarding the escalating controversy over the validity of stem cells used in Hwang’s study, Ahn said that the verification by the journal Science should be respected, adding that any further verification will require a careful examination.

Ahn, however, avoided making any comments on Professor Hwang and his former American partner, Gerald Schatten.