• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.116-129
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• 1999

The objectives of the study mainly concentrated on identifying the political implication on genetically modified crops considering production potentials and problems. It is found that the comprehensive evaluation of the genetically modified crops could not be concluded and compromised in a word on account of the polarization and parallelism of the positive and negative benefits of genetically modified crops just like as the rail way. The genetically modified crops will be contributed to solving the food shortage problems in the world, when the issues such as food safety, ecological disturbance and loss and degradation of biodiversity can be guaranteed in transparency. And when the trade morality of the multi-national enterprises be accepted by the genetically modified crops consumers, the potentiality of genetically modified crops will be realized greatly. By the way, the first problems will be expected to be solved by scientific development. If the food safety of the genetically modified technology be verified in transparency, it will be greatly contributed to solve food problems of human beings in the world. But the second problem could not be expected to be easily solved from the view point of capital property. In conclusion, the genetically modified technology will be made a severe sense of incongruity and a seed of fire on it will be remained persistently. According to the results based on the analysing the genetically modified crops potentiality and problems, it was identified that the ex-ante preparation of counter-measures and actions on it should be necessary. Accordingly this study has recommended that how and what the R&D policy on genetically modified crops be established and suggested how to carried out the industrial and economic policy together with international negotiation, and organizational and institutional rearrangement and etc.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.185-193
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• 2020

The number of commercially approved gene-edited crops is gradually increasing, and in South Korea, it has led to intense investment in gene-edited crop development to increase international competitiveness. However, as with genetically modified crops, the safety of gene-edited crops regarding unexpected risks for humans and the environment is subject to an ongoing debate. In particular, unintentional "off-target effects" have become the center of controversy. In this review, we discuss typical plant characteristics (including somatic variation and ploidy), the extent of various off-target effects in genetically modified crops generated via horizontal transfer in nature, and the off-target effects in commercial genetically modified crops. We conclude that most off-target effects possibly occurring in gene-edited crops are not expected to be critically harmful to humans or the environment. Therefore, existing regulation for genetically modified crops should be enough for the risk assessment of gene-edited crops.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.23-29
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• 2008

Development of genetically modified crops using modern biotechnology is regarded as a promising way to combat with ever-increasing human population. Korea attempted to develop its own genetically modified crops essentially for the past 20 years, however no example of commercialization has been announced. Here, I briefly summarized current status of development and risk assessment of genetically modified crops in Korea. Then, I attempted to identify a death valley in the process of commercialization. Based on experience of risk assessment of 15 different genetically modified organisms, I suggested that lack of the screening of elite events may serve as a death valley.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.215-220
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• 2016

The global cultivation area of genetically modified crops (GM crops) has been increasing every year. Cultivation of GM crops is not only beneficial to the economy but also has positive effects on the environment in decreasing the use of agrochemicals, chemical fertilizers, and agricultural machinery. However, there have been controversies about the admixture of GM crops and non-GM crops and the unintentional release of GM crops to the environment. Especially in Korea, where consumption of agricultural products is import-dependent, the economic importance of GM crops has been a significant issue. The Act on import and distribution of GM crops was established in 2001 to start the management of GM crops in Korea. Recently, the imported amount of GM crops to Korea has reached over 10 million tons and is increasing very rapidly; consequently, the potential environmental impact of GM crops is becoming a big issue in Korea. In Japan, the discovery of imported GM canola plants around ports in 2005 raised awareness of the unintentional release of GM crops. In Korea, GM maize plants were also found in port and feed factory surroundings from 2005 to 2007. It is now necessary to monitor imported GM crops by tracing distribution, transport process for practical environmental risk assessment. Possible gene transfer from GM crops to non-GM crops should also be investigated in the cultivation area and the surroundings as well.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.17
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• pp.185-188
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• 2001

Genetically modified foods and food additives are derived from organisms that have been inserted foreign genetic materials by recombinant DNA techniques to improve the quality or any other pur-poses. The problems such as toxicity, allergenicity and antibiotics resistance in the safety of genetically modified foods are usually concerned. In Korea, the safety of foods is ensured by the Food Sanitation Act. Although there is no specific provision regarding the genetically modified foods in it, any foods that might cause negative effect(s) on public health or human life are prohibited to sell in the market. In order to systematically evaluate safety of genetically modified foods, the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) promulgated "Guidelines regarding review of safety assessment data for genetically modified foods and food additives (KFDA Notification 1999-46)". The objectives of these guidelines are to ensure safety of genetically modified foods and food additives. In order to evaluate the safety of genetically modified foods. KFDA operates a special expert committee composed by experts from government, universities, research institutes. and consumer's unions. Recently. manufacturers and consumers are interested in the issues on safety and labeling of genetically modified foods, because of increment of imported genetically modified crops and processed foods. Since government and consumers unions have different viewpoints, their positions regarding the issue are different each other. Therefore, the regulation of labeling on genetically modified foods is prepared and should be enforced at July 2000 in Korea. in Korea.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.1051-1065
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• 2021

Recent times have seen sustained increases in genetically modified (GM) crops not only for cultivation but also for the utility of food and feed worldwide. Domestically, commercial planting and the accidental or unintentional release of living modified (LM) crops into the environment are not approved. Many detection methods had been devised in an effort to realize effective management of the safety of agricultural genetic resources. In order to develop event-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) markers for LM crops, we analyzed the genetic information of LM crops. Genetic components introduced into crops are of key importance to provide a basis for the development of detection methods for LM crops. To this end, a total of 18 varieties from four major LM crop species (maize, canola, cotton, and soybeans) were subjected to an analysis. The genetic components included introduced genes, promoters, terminators and selection markers. Thus, if proper monitoring techniques and single or multiplex PCR strategies that rely on selection markers can be established, such an accomplishment can be regarded as a feasible solution for the safe management of staple crop resources.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.69-77
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• 2003

The ornamental industry encompasses cut flower, pot plant, turfgrass and nursery stock production and is an important part of the agricultural sector. As internationally traded commodities, cut flowers and plants are an integral part of the economy of a number of developing countries in South America, the Caribbean and Africa. Genetic modification (GM) is a tool with great potential to the ornamental horticulture industry. The rapid progress in our knowledge of plant molecular biology can accelerate the breeding ornamental plants using recombinant DNA technology techniques. Not only is there the possibility of creating new, novel products the driver of the industry but also the potential to develop varieties requiring less chemical and energy inputs. As an important non-food agricultural sector the use of genetically modified (GM) ornamental crops may also be ideal for the intensive farming necessary to generate pharmaceuticals and other useful products in GM plants. To date, there are only a few ornamental GM products in development and only one, a carnation genetically modified for flower colour, in the marketplace. International Flower Developments, a joint venture between Florigene Ltd. in Australia and Suntory Ltd. of Japan, developed the GM carnations. These flowers are currently on sale in USA, Japan and Australia. The research, development and commercialization of these products are summarized. The long term prospects for ornamental GM products, like food crops, will be determined by the regulatory environment, and the acceptance of GM products in the marketplace. These critical factors will be analysed in the context of the current legislative environment, and likely public and industry opinion towards ornamental genetically modified organisms (GMO's).

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Plant Biotechnology Conference
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• 2003.04a
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• pp.39-48
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• 2003

The ornamental industry encompasses cut flower, pot plant, turfgrass and nursery stock production and is an important part of the agricultural sector. As internationally traded commodities, cut flowers and plants are an integral part of the economy of a number of developing countries in South America, the Caribbean and Africa. Genetic modification (GM) is a tool with great potential to the ornamental horticulture industry. The rapid progress in our knowledge of plant molecular biology can accelerate the breeding ornamental plants using recombinant DNA technology techniques. Not only is there the possibility of creating new, novel products the driver of the industry but also the potential to develop varieties requiring less chemical and energy inputs. As an important non-food agricultural sector the use of genetically modified (GM) ornamental crops may also be ideal for the intensive farming necessary to generate pharmaceuticals and other useful products in GM plants. To date, there are only a few ornamental GM products in development and only one, a carnation genetically modified for flower colour, in the marketplace. International Flower Developments, a joint venture between Florigene Ltd. in Australia and Suntory Ltd.of Japan, developed the GM carnations. These flowers are currently on sale in USA, Japan and Australia. The research, development and commercialisation of these products are summarised. The long term prospects for ornamental GM products, like food crops, will be determined by the regulatory environment, and the acceptance of GM products in the marketplace. These critical factors will be analysed in the context of the current legislative environment, and likely public and industry opinion towards ornamental genetically modified organisms (GMO's).

• Journal of Families and Better Life
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.89-102
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• 2002

Genetically modified foods may be defined as the foods deemed as safe by current technology among the many kinds of agricultural and stockbreeding products that are now under research and development using contemporary gene-modification techniques. This study examines hotly debated arguments, both for and against genetically modified- foods, in various countries. This study also investigates consumers'rights and responsibilities. Countries that are developing and exporting genetically modified organisms(GMO) have maintained that GMO can help produce more crops while reducing labor and other production-related costs, and that the genetically modified foods signify ″the second green revolution,″ which will solve future food and environmental problems by strengthening specific nutritive substances and extending shelf-life. But consumer groups, environmental organizations. and food-importing countries are more cautious about importing and consuming those foods because the potential dangers of GMO to human bodies and the environment have not been tested thoroughly yet. South Korea, following suit with others such as EU, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, introduced a law on 'Labeling of Genetically Modified Foods', which went in effect in March, 2001, on the basis of customers'rights to make informed choices. The law takes the ″precautionary principle″ into consideration, rather than stopping at insuring ″substantial equivalence″ in developing and consuming GM foods. The actual impact of the law will depend on the level of citizens'Participation more than on the government's willingness to carry out the law. So far the level of Korean consumers'consciousness about genetically modified foods is very low. Therefore, it is hard to expect consumers to exercise their ″rights not to buy″ foods that are potentially unsafe. The Korean government must devise an effective plan to inform and educate the people about the labeling of genetically modified foods.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.157-163
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• 2001

Introgression from genetically modified plants (GMPs) may be dependent on the genetic similarity to wild relative plants. In Korea, many wild plant species are botanically related to the cultivated plants that have a potential to be genetically transformed. The controversy for hazards of GMPs is continuing because the studies on gene flow or introgression are little. Based on the systematic criteria, we have surveyed Korean wild plant species that showed the similarity to cultivating crops. The consideration for feasibility of genetic pollution (introgression of transgene) is necessary for the successful accomplishment in the practical use of GMPs. Although the detrimental effects of GMPs on wild relatives have not been clearly verified, Korean wild plant species related to crop plant (potential GMP) have to be investigated with respect to the introgression. Korean flora consists of ca. 5,500 species. Among them, 1,448 species are classified as weed species (966 native, 325 naturalized, and 167 escaped ones), which is vulnerable to GMPs in term of introgression. We suggested the principal Korean wild plants related to major crops that might be affected by GMPs via introgression. The investigated species herein are selected based on the morphological and phenological relationship. It is necessary to verify the genetic relationship between cultivated plants and wild relatives sing more precise molecular techniques, which provide the information of likelihood for the introgression of transgene.