Medical Team Gives Official Briefing On Status Of BIGBANG's T.O.P

On June 7, a press briefing was held at 4 p.m. KST to provide an official update regarding BIGBANG’s T.O.P, who is currently being treated at the Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital.

The briefing was attended by professor Kim Han Soo from the otolaryngology department (also the head of public relations), professor Lee Deok Hee from the department of emergency medical and health services, professor Kim Yong Jae from the department of neurology, and professor Choi Hee Yeon from the department of mental health services.

Kim Han Soo, the head of public relations, first began by describing how T.O.P arrived at the hospital and said, “He came on June 6, 2017 at 12:34 p.m. KST. He was carried in by three people, with one holding up his upper body while the other two were holding up the lower half of his body.”

He continued, “Our emergency medical technicians examined him and found that the patient was between a state of deep sleep and semiconsciousness with contracted pupils, only showing a reaction to strong stimuli. In addition to an increased blood pressure and heart rate, T.O.P was also suffering from unstable breathing due to low levels of oxygen and high levels of carbon dioxide. We conducted the necessary emergency medical care as we believed he was in critical condition. He was admitted to the intensive care unit at 4:50 p.m. KST.”

Kim Han Soo went on to explain, “After conducting a urine test, we concluded that the patient was suffering from respiratory depression due to an overdose of prescribed tranquilizers. His condition led to a high occurrence of respiratory failure, so we made the decision to treat him in the emergency intensive care unit, as he may require intubation. We were able to control his carbon dioxide levels, but he is still in a state of severe lethargy.”

He added, “We came to the decision that the patient’s condition would require coordination by the departments of neurology and mental health services, and medical consultations were held at 11 a.m. KST and 3 p.m. KST to little success. Once the patient’s condition improves, we will continue his treatment with the department of mental health services.”

Professor Kim Yong Jae explained, “During his medical examination, the patient would open his eyes if given a strong stimuli, but he was unable to concentrate. There are cases in which this may lead to respiratory arrest or brain damage, but we do not believe that this will be the case for this patient.”

Professor Lee Deok Hee explained their plans for treating T.O.P and said, “Currently, we are unable to determine the exact amount of medication that the patient ingested. Recovery time depends on the patient’s age, so it’s difficult for us to give an exact time frame. From previous cases, we’ve seen that younger patients with no complications usually recover in approximately a week.” The doctor emphasized, “What is most important is the patient’s mental health.”

T.O.P is currently being treated after being rushed to the hospital. YG Entertainment and the police had both released official statements regarding his condition, and the medical staff made the decision to hold a press briefing following what appeared to be conflicting statements from the police, and T.O.P’s family and agency.

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