Kim said to need 2 to 3 days of treatment for pneumonia

President Kim Dae-jung was hospitalized Tuesday with bronchopneumonia at Seoul Military Area Hospital No.1, Blue House spokeswoman Park Sun-sook told the press. He was released later in the day and returned to the Blue House.

"President Kim received a medical examination Monday at the hospital because his influenza did not get better," Ms. Park said. "He is receiving treatment for an infection in his upper respiratory area and pneumonia."

Mr. Kim has been hoarse since Friday, and was reportedly coughing to the extent that he had to cancel a meeting with civic group executives on Sunday.

He returned to the Blue House on Tuesday to preside at a cabinet meeting where the new prime minister designate, Chang Dae-whan, participated for the first time. He returned to the hospital after the meeting.

"The doctor said that the treatment would require two to three more days," Ms. Park said, adding that it is unclear whether he will participate in Thursday's Liberation Day ceremonies. He will continue to receive reports through the Blue House chief of staff, she said.

Mr. Kim was hospitalized for a week at the same hospital in April for overwork and intestinal problems.

by Kim Chong-hyuk