Samsung Electronics chairman Lee Kun-hee, who has been under treatment after a heart attack since Saturday night, is gradually recovering, his doctors said Friday, curbing the public’s woes over the fate of the 72-year-old business tycoon.

“Chairman Lee’s condition is getting better,” said Yoon Soon-bong, the president of Samsung Medical Center where Lee is hospitalized.

When asked about rumors surrounding Lee’s health, including suspicions he is in critical condition, Yoon said, “If the situation had become worse, I would not be here (to meet reporters).” The official also added Lee is still under sedation.

Earlier this week, doctors said it may be a while before Lee regains consciousness because of the sedatives used following a hypothermia treatment, which prevents generation of toxic material in blood vessels by slowing the cell metabolism. Lee recovered his normal temperature Tuesday.

The SMC said such an approach was necessary given Lee’s age and his medical history, which includes lung surgery in the late 1990s and respiratory complications since then. (Yonhap)