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Samsung boss to be moved to general ward



Samsung Medical Center said Sunday that it is considering moving Samsung chairman Lee Kun-hee to a general ward from the intensive care unit as his health appears to be improving.

The hospital also said in a statement the cardiac procedure for Lee went very well, and that he is currently stable.

The statement came after rumors went viral last Friday that the chairman passed away following an online media outlet reporting that Samsung was hiding and downplaying his death as a means to cushion a potential impact on Samsung shares.

On May 11, the chairman of Samsung Electronics was treated for myocardial infarction, commonly referred to as a heart attack. Company officials said the 72-year-old business tycoon received cardiopulmonary resuscitation at a hospital near his home in central Seoul on Saturday night and was immediately taken to Samsung Medical Center, where he underwent a procedure early Sunday morning to widen blood vessels.

Lee is expected to be transferred to the VIP ward located on the 20th floor of the hospital.

There are reportedly around 8 rooms in this part of the hospital, and no one can enter without permission, according to Samsung executives. The VIP ward, and the parking lots for VIP patients and their families are currently being guarded by five or six officials from SMC.

Lee’s wife Hong Ra-hee, his only son Jay-yong, and two daughters Boo-jin and Seo-hyun have been regularly visiting or staying with the chairman since his hospitalized.

Meanwhile, Samsung Group has said its daily management activities were on schedule despite the hospitalization of its de facto head, Lee Kun-hee, who received emergency treatment for a heart attack.

“We are not arranging any special meetings concerning management disruptions, as the chairman has not been directly involved in managerial affairs,” said Lee June, Samsung‘s chief communications official.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)