South Korea Grapples with Record Heat Wave and National Disaster Declaration

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has declared a record breaking heat wave a national disaster after the death toll rose to 19 people, including 13 individuals aged 80 or older. The Korea Meteorological Administration reported a national record temperature of 42.5 degrees Celsius in Yangsan, the highest measured in 122 years. Nationwide, July temperatures were the third highest on record with an average of 26.8 degrees Celsius, and the country saw a record average of 9.7 tropical nights. Since May 15, 2,025 people have suffered heat related illnesses.

The extreme weather has severely disrupted professional baseball. The Korea Baseball Organization canceled 10 games scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, bringing the total number of heat related cancellations this summer to 15. During a game in Incheon, 25 fans were treated for heat related illness, including one man who lost consciousness and required CPR. In response, the KBO is holding an emergency meeting to revise rules regarding games played during severe heat.

Government officials have issued the highest level heat warnings for Seoul and Gyeonggi, advising the suspension of outdoor activities such as construction and farming. While some residents of low income housing in Seoul have been moved to government provided cooling centers, others remain vulnerable. Center leaning reports emphasize the socioeconomic divide, noting that access to air conditioning now defines the line between the rich and poor in affluent districts like Gangnam. Meanwhile, center right reports focus on the logistical disruptions to sports and the specific meteorological data regarding rainfall and temperature records.