Gender Equality Minister Jang Ha-jin is in Intensive Care Unit with Heart Problems

Jang Ha-jin, the minister of Gender Equality, is in the hospital receiving treatment for heart problems. Suddenly struck with a high fever in the afternoon of February 18, Minister Jang was taken to nearby “K” hospital in Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul.

According to the hospital and the ministry on February 22, the minister even received heart resuscitation as she reached a critical condition, suddenly showing heart problems on February 21, while receiving treatment.

The minister is now getting treatment in the intensive care unit.

A hospital official said, “We should do more detailed tests to exactly diagnose her case, but it is thought to be a myocardial infarction,” adding, “The worst has passed and her condition is getting better, but it is too premature to conclude anything as yet.”

Meanwhile, an official at the ministry said, “Minister Jang is currently showing symptoms of acute hepatitis and cholecystitis,” adding that she hasn’t heard that the minister is suffering from a myocardial infarction.

The official said, “Her doctor said that the minister should take a rest in hospital for a week,” explaining, “She canceled all her scheduled meetings, including a planned visit to the UN Commission on the Status of Women on February 27.”

Yang-Hwan Jung Jin-Kyeong Kim ray@donga.com kjk9@donga.com