GNP Chairwoman Park Recovering Quickly

Grand National Party chairwoman Park Geun-hye, who has been hospitalized at Shinchon Severance Hospital for three days, is making a quick recovery.

After drinking a little milk and soy milk, she received treatment for her injury. The hospital staff reported that she looked much better than the day before and seemed to be mentally stable.

After that, Park had a light meal and proceeded to read the newspaper. Upon reading an article about the incident, she said, “I thank the nation for having concern about this incident.”

Park is not able to talk freely because of the compress on her jaw. Because of this, she communicates with fellow party members by writing down her instructions or opinions on paper. Executive secretary Yoo Jeong-bok said, “Park asked about the situation in Daejeon and requested that we attend to the elections without miscarriage.”

The physician in charge, professor Tak Gwan-cheol of the plastic surgery department, informed, “If the progress of the injury is good, we will partly remove some of the seams tomorrow, and in three days, we will remove all the seams.” In order to avoid leaving scars, the seams must be removed quickly.

Park, who had not been showing signs of pain, is supposed to have appealed about an ache to hospital staff when asked of pain. The injured area is also supposed to have swelled up.

Director of the hospital Park Chang-il explained, “Park is in the course of recovery. Due to the injury on her jaw muscles and salivary glands, moving her mouth induces pain. Interviews and meals will be difficult for the time being.”

Busan Mayor Hu Nam-sik, Seoul National University professor Park Se-il, former Environment Minister Yun Yeo-jun, and Park Hong, former president of Sogang University, have all met with Secretary Yoo. Former President Chun Doo-hwan and former Prime Minister Lee Han-dong have called to inquire after Park.

The United States, Chinese, and Greek embassies have sent orchids to Park’s hospital room, and Christopher Hill, U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, who is currently in Singapore, has ordered flowers to be sent.

Jung-Eun Lee lightee@donga.com weappon@donga.com