Samsung Electronics chairman Lee Kun-hee, who has been hospitalized for nine months following a heart attack in May, is likely to be discharged soon to continue treatment at his residence, a local business daily reported Tuesday.

The decision was made at his family’s request as Lee’s overall health has improved enough for him to get treatment at home, according to the report by Seoul Economic Daily.

A Samsung official declined to confirm Lee’s relocation, adding, “There is nothing new to say about his condition.”

Earlier in November, Samsung said the chairman remained awake for up to 19 hours a day and had been undergoing rehabilitation, including wheelchair exercises.

Another news daily last week reported that Lee’s eyes reacted when he was called, which hinted at a sign of recovery of his cognitive functions.

Industry sources said, however, his relocation doesn’t necessarily mean any progress in his conditions and the decision was based on how to provide the best care.

The daily said Lee’s house in Itaewon-dong, central Seoul, has already completed preparations to accept him as it mimics the VIP ward of a Samsung-affiliated general hospital where he has stayed.

An exclusive medical team is also expected to be stationed at the house to check on Lee’s condition 24 hours a day, it said.

Since the hospitalization of the 73-year-old Samsung chief, Samsung Electronics vice chairman Lee Jay-yong, his only son, has been the de facto leader of the tech giant.

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)