Former President Lee Myung-bak has been admitted to Seoul National University Hospital for cold symptoms, according to the hospital.

Lee checked into the Cancer Hospital of the SNU Hospital at around 1:30 p.m. Thursday, the hospital confirmed to The Korea Herald. 

Lee will stay overnight at the hospital, but it is not certain when he would be discharged, a public relations official at the hospital said, quoting medical staff.

Lee was moved to the cancer facility as there were no vacant VIP rooms in the main building, the official said, adding that he is “not in a serious condition.”

Lee is currently on trial for several charges, including bribery, tax evasion and embezzlement -- the last of which involves auto parts maker DAS, through which he allegedly siphoned off some 33.9 million won ($29,305) during his term.

In the most recent hearing held June 21, the court accepted the prosecution’s request to add 5.1 billion won to the amount of bribes he took from Samsung.

By Kim Arin (arin@heraldcorp.com)