Currently, human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), including human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), are one of the most aggressive and brilliant research sources. In this study, we review data on hESC research papers published between 1998-2010. We analyzed the number of established hESC lines and experimental work using bESCs, and extended the analysis to the use of specific cell lines in international hESC researches. We con6rmed the predominance of use of a few hESC tines (H 1 and H9) in hESC research, however, international stem cell research groups use various hESC lines.