Summary
This documentary about Korean scientist Hwang Woo-suk’s work on cloning and scandalous fall from grace does a good job of raising questions about the ethics of his science, but it takes an annoyingly neutral view on these matters.
Here is our review of the 2023 Netflix documentary film King of Clones, released on June 23rd, 2023.
Scientist Hwang Woo-suk was once known as the “Pride of Korea.” The former professor of biotechnology and theriogenology at Seoul National University was considered an expert in stem cell research and cloning.
He pioneered the ability to clone human embryos when he publicly fell from grace in 2006. He had fabricated some of his data and obtained some of the eggs in unethical ways, and he became a pariah within the scientific community.
King of Clones Review and Plot Summary
Aditya Thayi makes Hwang Woo-suk the subject of his Netflix documentary King of Clones. In the 85-minute film, he explores Hwang’s scientific discoveries, falls from favor, and actions after the scandal.
But Thayi also spends time explaining what cloning is for those who don’t know, complete with simple animations that can help even the least STEM-oriented person understand the basic science behind it.
Thayi shows several examples of cloning to demonstrate all of the possible uses that Hwang was working towards. From recreating a beloved pet to bringing back an extinct animal, the possibilities are seemingly endless. Some personal stories of those wanting something or someone cloned are pretty touching.
On the other hand, his interview footage with Hwang himself is a bit off-putting. The scientist, two decades after the scandal that ruined his career, does not seem to have many regrets and never quite actually gives an apology for his wrongdoings, despite the documentary spelling them out for us.
But the interview clips with him sprinkled throughout the film are fascinating because they allow us to see how the man behind the science views his work and the events that brought it to a screeching halt.
The documentary also raises a lot of questions about the ethics of cloning, particularly when it comes to humans. It shows different perspectives from the debate within the scientific community and outside of it, including interviews with many experts.
Is King of Clones good or bad?
While King of Clones does a great job condensing very complicated information into a succinct documentary, I wish it took more of a stance on the complex moral issues it brings to light.
It feels like an essay with no thesis statement, which feels particularly odd when it’s letting a disgraced scientist speak for himself. The documentary’s tone neither absolves nor condemns Hwang, despite showcasing serious concerns about his academic integrity. Nevertheless, it’s still a relatively strong and well-put-together documentary.
Is King of Clones worth watching?
King of Clones is undoubtedly worth a watch if you’re interested in learning more about cloning, stem cell research, and the ethical concerns around them.
However, it’s best for an audience who doesn’t know much about the topic yet and is looking for an introduction to Hwang’s work. If you want a more nuanced take on it, making an actual argument, look elsewhere.
What did you think of the 2023 Netflix film King of Clones? Comment below.
