Samsung Staff Hope for Chairman's Recovery

Samsung staff are posting messages on the conglomerate's intranet expressing hope that chairman Lee Kun-hee will recover from his debilitating stroke in time for Chuseok.

Lee, who went into a coma after a stroke in early May, is now reportedly able to nod and react when people talk to him, but is still unable to speak.

More than 7,000 get-well messages have been posted so far.

A Samsung spokesman said, "We posted a message informing staff of the chairman's condition and many workers have written words of support."

The spokesman said doctors expect Lee to recover gradually.

Samsung has seen deteriorating earnings in its mobile communications division, which accounts for 60 to 70 percent of total operating profits at flagship subsidiary Samsung Electronics.

Semiconductor and smartphone sales are stagnating, casting a shadow over the conglomerate's prospects.