The issue focused on whether North Korea's technology was able to match the tech that South Korean researchers have long used in research and development.

In an interview with Science, Lee said he could not give up his science business as he does not want to take more money from scientists for research. "I need to make my studies better," he said.

When asked if he would open a scientific laboratory in China, Lee added: "If I were to do it there, I'd go there."