[Obituary] 'Smile therapy' doctor Hwang Soo-kwan dies at 67

Hwang Soo-kwan, a medical doctor widely known for his trademark smile therapy, died of acute septicemia at a hospital in southern Seoul on Dec. 30, his family said. He was 67.

He underwent heart surgery at the Gangnam Severance Hospital earlier this month after showing difficulty in breathing, the family said.

Hwang, a former professor of Yonsei University's Severance Hospital, is the author of a 1997 best-selling book, titled “Sinbaram (Excitement) Therapy.” He also worked as a senior advisor for the ruling Saenuri Party.

He is survived by his wife, Sohn Jeong-ja, two daughters and one son.

Funeral will be held at the hospital on Jan. 1.

Park Sae-jin swatchsjp@ajunews.com