In this blog post, we explore whether the future opened by genetic engineering will lead to human progress or bring new ethical risks, and together consider the direction of technological advancement.
In the movie ‘Gattaca,’ we see that in the near future, in vitro fertilization can be used to select superior genes (not dominant or recessive traits, but superior intelligence or abilities) to create genetically enhanced children. And immediately after birth, genetic analysis can predict the diseases the child will face, their expected lifespan, and even their personality. Essentially, their entire life’s destiny is determined. However, such scenarios may not remain confined to the silver screen. The advancement of gene editing technology using CRISPR gene scissors is accelerating rapidly. The technology of artificially manipulating genes is called ‘genetic engineering,’ and when applied to humans, it is termed ‘human genetic engineering.’ The emergence of CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats), hailed as a ‘revolution,’ is also connected to this field. CRISPR is a third-generation artificial gene scissors, offering vastly superior performance compared to previous generations. Here, ‘scissors’ does not refer to metal scissors but to restriction enzymes that cut DNA. While previous generations of gene scissors involved a complex process where a protein recognized and cut DNA, CRISPR is relatively simple because the Cas9 protein cuts DNA recognized by a small RNA. Within just three years of starting CRISPR research, scientists succeeded in gene editing in animals like mice, cows, pigs, and even human embryos. Moreover, CRISPR is called a ‘revolution’ because it has added safety. However, this technology currently only modifies a few bases out of the billions in the human genome, falling far short of ‘editing’ an entire gene. Nevertheless, considering the rapid pace of development in gene editing technologies like ‘CRISPR’, the era of ‘editing’ entire genes may not be too far off. A day may come when incurable diseases like AIDS or cancer are instantly cured, and human lifespan is extended to roughly double its current length. Perhaps a day will arrive when human intelligence is enhanced through genetic manipulation. Yet, this does not mean we can blindly view the future of human genetic engineering positively. This is because what we stand to lose through human genetic engineering may outweigh what we gain.
First, gene editing technology inevitably sparks ethical debates. There are concerns that gene editing could be misused not just for genetic therapy, but to enhance intelligence or improve appearance and physical abilities. Furthermore, a world might emerge where people are judged solely by their genes, or where genetic traits are bought and sold. Take the movie ‘Gattaca’ as an example. In this film, naturally born children are called “invalid.” This is because they are considered inferior in physical ability or intelligence. No matter how hard they try, invalids cannot hold jobs beyond being janitors. This is because only ‘valid’ individuals, created through in vitro fertilization with perfect genetic factors, can work at places like the aerospace company “Gattaca.” Vincent, the invalid protagonist dreaming of becoming an astronaut, could never get into Gattaca no matter how much he studied or tried. However, after purchasing a fake certificate from Jerome Eugene Morrow, who possessed perfect dominant genes, through the DNA broker Germain, he was able to join Gattaca without even going through an interview. As seen in this film, all the aforementioned problems are laid bare. Due to these ethical issues, Europe currently prohibits the ‘clinical application of genetic editing using human germ cells or embryos’. China also faced significant controversy when it was revealed that ‘DNA editing was performed using in vitro fertilized embryos’ to repair abnormal genes.
Next, gene editing can produce various side effects. Altering human embryos carries the risk that unintended changes to DNA could cause adverse effects. Historically, countless instances exist where defying nature’s order led to unintended consequences. A prime example is mad cow disease, caused by modified prions resulting from feeding meat-based feed and antibiotics to herbivorous cattle. This demonstrates that rejecting nature’s order can lead to unforeseen problems. Human genetic engineering involves artificially altering ‘genes,’ a product of nature, making the risk of side effects significant. This concern is amplified because such side effects could be passed down through generations. Side effects from DNA alterations will persist across generations, and we cannot yet gauge the severity or scope of these potential consequences. This is akin to committing a crime against the descendants who will lead future societies.
When discussing human genetic engineering, the topic of ‘eugenics’ is unavoidable. ‘Eugenics’ is the study of improving the human race genetically by researching various conditions and factors. Eugenics aims to increase populations with superior traits while preventing the growth of populations with recessive factors. However, this leads to human rights issues. The policies implemented by Nazi Germany represent an extreme example of eugenics. As human genetic engineering advances, individuals seeking to realize eugenic policies will inevitably emerge, leading to discrimination between genetically superior and inferior individuals. History shows that humans have consistently exhibited a tendency to dominate others. Most nations worldwide have forged their histories through numerous wars, striving to dominate other countries. Japan colonized our country to realize its imperialism, and Hitler claimed the Germanic race was superior to others, seeking to conquer the world. The same applies to individuals. Most people would not care if others became unhappy as long as it benefited them. This process inevitably leads to many problems, including discrimination and human rights violations. Even today, countless forms of discrimination exist. What would happen if, through advances in human genetic engineering, people possessing only dominant genes were to emerge? They would undoubtedly oppress those with recessive genes through their superior intelligence and physical abilities.
Some argue that human genetic engineering is absolutely necessary, claiming it could enhance human intelligence and physical capabilities while extending lifespan. But isn’t this defying the natural order? Is it truly necessary to enhance human intelligence and physical abilities by altering genes? Even considering all the potential side effects and problems that could arise. Let’s return to the film ‘Gattaca’. The protagonist Vincent, deemed unfit, was predicted to have a high likelihood of heart disease, a high probability of becoming a criminal, and an expected lifespan ending around age 30. Yet he defeats his genetically perfect brother Anton in a swimming race. Bolstered by this confidence, he becomes an elite employee at the aerospace company Gattaca, fulfilling his dream of becoming an astronaut. And of course, he doesn’t die around age 30. Perhaps there is something within us that holds meaning beyond mere genes.
Human genetic engineering clearly has many advantages. It opens the possibility of curing countless diseases, including incurable ones like cancer or AIDS. However, if human genetic engineering is used for purposes beyond gene therapy, the problems it creates will far outweigh those benefits. Human genetic engineering is like ‘Pandora’s box’ – the very box from which we don’t know what will emerge. Since Pandora’s box ultimately contained ‘hope,’ we cannot simply dismiss it as entirely bad. However, just as Pandora’s box brought death and disease to humanity, the advancement of human genetic engineering carries a significant risk of leading to great catastrophe for humankind. Isn’t human genetic engineering still a ‘forbidden territory’?
