Record temperatures shut down baseball
The Korea Baseball Organization called off every scheduled game on August 5 and 6 as a scorching heat wave pushed thermometers to 42.5 °C, marking the highest reading ever recorded in the country.
President Lee Jae-myung announced that the extreme conditions qualified as a national disaster, unlocking a suite of safety measures aimed at protecting both athletes and fans who had gathered in open‑air stadiums.
Emergency response and protocol review
An emergency meeting convened by league officials examined a range of protective actions, from adjusting start times to expanding hydration stations, in hopes of preventing further health incidents as the season progresses.
The heat alert covered Seoul’s eastern and western districts, where forecasts predicted temperatures of 38 °C or higher, prompting the city to issue public warnings and advise residents to limit outdoor exposure.
Incidents on the ground
Two matches scheduled for Tuesday at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul and at Gwangju were cancelled after multiple spectators collapsed, overwhelmed by the sweltering conditions.
In Incheon, a fan fell ill during play and was rushed to a hospital, while another 25 individuals received treatment for heat‑related symptoms, underscoring the widespread risk to audiences.
League officials said they will continue to monitor weather reports closely and adjust safety protocols accordingly, hoping to resume play once conditions become less hazardous.