World renowned stem cell scientist Hwang Woo-suk has hinted at joint stem cell research with North Korea.

In an interview with Radio Free Asia, the Seoul National University professor responded positively to the possibility of joint research with the North. He said stem cell research may be a subject of joint study after 'reasonable' government consideration.

Regarding the North's reported success in cloning a rabbit, Hwang said he had read the North Korean research paper but was not sure whether it could pass international muster. He added that while the paper was missing some critical data, the research technicalities seemed to demonstrate an adequate scientific basis.