A Seoul court on Tuesday ordered a temporary suspension of imprisonment of Hanwha Group chairman Kim Seung-youn, citing his poor health.

“There seem to be considerable reasons to allow Kim the suspension of imprisonment, given that his health has deteriorated to a serious condition,” Seoul Central District Court said.

The decision follows a request from the Seoul Southern Correction Service where the 61-year-old tycoon was placed following a conviction in August last year on charges including embezzlement. He was sentenced to four years in prison and fines of 5.1 billion won ($4.5 million).

The court gave Kim time out of prison until March 7, while limiting his whereabouts to three locations: his registered address and two hospitals where the chairman plans to receive treatment.

Kim is said to be suffering from difficulty breathing, which according to Hanwha officials may have been caused by a complex of chronic conditions he has, including diabetes. He is also said to be suffering from depression and have gained over 25 kilograms of weight in the past five months behind bars.

In December last year, another court had denied bail for him.

(milaya@heraldcorp.com)