Designer Andre Kim receiving medical treatment in ICU

Korean fashion designer Andre Kim is said to be receiving hospital treatment after entering intensive care for undisclosed health problems.

It was confirmed Thursday that the international fashion designer is getting medical treatment in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) of the internal medicine department at Seoul National University Hospital.

"Sir Andre Kim's health has deteriorated and he is receiving treatment," a fashion industry source was quoted as saying. "He refuses to make [the condition] public, so people are even more worried about him."

Although Kim's medical condition has not been revealed, it is presumed to be a colon-related illness since the designer had been suffering from it for a long time. He is said to have received outpatient treatment on several occasions this year.

After taking part in the fashion show "Preview In China 2010" last March, the designer returned home earlier than originally planned for health reasons, fueling speculation that his condition has worsened.

Kim, 75, is Korea's first male fashion designer who is world-famous for his glamorous evening and wedding gowns. He has held numerous fashion shows overseas including in Paris and New York, and often hires Korea's most famous actors and actresses to walk his runway at local shows.

Reporter : Lee Jong-gil leemean@
Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@