Samsung head to mark 75th birthday at hospital

Lee Kun-hee, the chairman of Samsung Group, will celebrate his 75th birthday at a hospital in Seoul with his family later this week, sources said Thursday.

Lee turns 75 on Saturday.

After suffering a heart attack on May 10, 2014, he was rushed to Samsung Medical Center (SMC), a hospital run by the conglomerate, where he underwent a stent placement procedure. He has remained in SMC since surgery.

While various rumors regarding his health have caused the local financial market to fluctuate, Lee is now presumed to be in a stable condition, especially after a photo of him recovering in bed at the hospital's VIP room was disclosed in June.

Samsung refuses to give details of Lee's condition, and repeat that he is “slowly and gradually recovering.”

Before falling ill, Lee delivered speeches on the subject of yearly business guidelines for the group and attended ceremonies with CEOs around the time of his birthday.

His only son, Lee Jae-yong, is vice-chairman of the group and is expected to be his father’s successor.