Minister of Patriots and Veterans Kwon O-eul answers lawmakers' questions during the National Assembly's national audit of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans on Tuesday. [Yonhap]
Minister of Patriots and Veterans Kwon O-eul answers lawmakers' questions during the National Assembly's national audit of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans on Tuesday. [Yonhap]

Minister of Patriots and Veterans Kwon O-eul left the National Assembly's national audit session Tuesday after complaining of dizziness and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans announced around 3 p.m. Tuesday that Kwon "has not been feeling well since the morning and is unable to attend the afternoon national audit session," adding that he "is currently receiving treatment at the Central Veterans Hospital and further details are pending confirmation."

Kwon had appeared before the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee as an institutional witness for the audit of the ministry, which began around 10 a.m. Tuesday.

He appeared to be in his usual condition when he arrived at the hearing and made no mention of any health concerns when the morning session concluded.

During a recess after the morning questioning, however, Kwon told ministry staff he was not feeling well. The ministry then sought the National Assembly's understanding and arranged for him to be transported to the hospital.

His condition was not serious enough to require an ambulance.

Vice Minister Kang Yun-jin was set to attend the afternoon session of the ministry's national audit in his place.


husn7@heraldcorp.com