Kim Geon-hee's Hospitalization in the VIP Room of Seoul Asan Medical Center, National Attention 'Focused'
It has been reported that Kim Geon-hee has been hospitalized at Seoul Asan Medical Center located in Songpa-gu, Seoul. Furthermore, the news that she is in a 'VIP ward' has heightened national interest.
The VIP ward is said to operate with high-end facilities and strict security that are on a different level.
According to reports, the VIP rooms at Seoul Asan Medical Center consist of a total of six different types of rooms. Types 1 through 3 are structured with separate patient rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Types 4 and 5 include additional family room space, while the most luxurious Type 6 VIP room is independently equipped with a patient room, caregiver room, waiting room, reception room, and pantry.
'Type 6 VIP room' is equivalent to a hotel suite…"Perfect view of the Han River"
Type 6 VIP room is particularly praised for its structure that allows for a view of the Han River and includes a luxurious bathroom with a whirlpool tub, evaluated as a space that maximizes privacy and relaxation for both the patient and caregiver.
With consideration for the patient, family, and attendants, the patient room, caregiver room, waiting room, reception room, and pantry are all distinctly separated. It boasts a perfect view of the Han River and is equipped with three bathrooms.
Additionally, one of the bathrooms features a 'whirlpool facility' to allow for easy relaxation if desired.
The room is so well-designed that it even has positive and negative pressure facilities to regulate airflow and protect patient safety from infections.
The cost for one night starts at around 960,000 won based on the basic room type, and rates can reach several million won depending on the room type.
Access for outsiders is controlled… 'Invisible ward'
The VIP ward is located in independent areas on the 18th floor of the main building and the 15th floor of the new building, with entry for outsiders completely blocked. A hospital official stated, "It is difficult to access through a regular elevator, and you must use a separate passageway." The hospital maintains strict confidentiality regarding information about VIP ward patients.
Such security measures are primarily utilized when former and current high-ranking government officials and major figures in the business world require treatment, with precise control over not only the patient's identity but also the movement of visitors and hospital staff.
"Preferential treatment in healthcare" vs "Privacy protection"
Due to the limited space in the VIP ward at Seoul Asan Medical Center, it is known that even patients with serious illnesses have to wait for months to be admitted. This has led to a rise in 'preferential treatment' controversies surrounding Kim Geon-hee’s hospitalization.
On the other hand, considering her status as a public figure and the potential social impact, there are counterarguments citing the need for 'national privacy protection' through thorough security measures.
The exact diagnosis or discharge schedule for Kim Geon-hee has not been disclosed. There are only reports from close aides mentioning that she has received a diagnosis of 'depression' and has been on medication as a result.
YouTube 'Seoul Asan Medical Center'
Image source: YouTube 'Seoul Asan Medical Center'
