Lee Kun-hee, the de facto head of Samsung Group who has been hospitalized for over a month after suffering a heart attack, is in stable condition and becoming more responsive, although he is still unable to communicate, a group official said Wednesday.

“The chairman is slowly showing signs of recovery,” said Lee Jun, Samsung’s chief communications officer, adding that the tycoon also responds when receiving reports on company affairs.

When asked if Lee has fully gained consciousness, the official said the matter needs to be “judged in a medical manner,” adding that the chairman is still unable to communicate.

Samsung Medical Center, where the tycoon is hospitalized, is also conferring with medical experts from overseas, the official said. He did not provide further details, however, including whether foreign specialists visited Seoul to check Lee’s condition. (Yonhap)