Regulatory Policies for Life Science and Technology Crisis Management: The Comparison of Cases between Korea and Japan

Abstract

In Korea, bioethics legislation has experienced great fluctuations like a pendulum swinging. After Professor Hwang's research ethics issue, embryonic stem cell research in Korea lost its vitality. In this study, we insist that Korea needs a reference point that is not greatly shaken. We review the establishment of Korea and Japan's life science and ethics-related laws and the operation of their organizations. Then, we compare the strengths and weaknesses of Korea and Japan. Finally, we will propose Korea's strategy to improve bioscience and bioethics systems. In Japan, it is possible to make specific decisions with expertise through the participation of experts. If Korean institutions provide sufficient meeting contents and data at the same level as Japan, deviations will be prevented by making the range of research available to life science researchers predictable. In addition, it will be possible to contribute to the guarantee of Korea's bioethics and safety by increasing the professionalism of civil society to continue monitoring while continuing activities.