Heatwave hits Korean football
South Korea’s soccer community is grappling with an unprecedented heatwave that has already forced the nation’s baseball league to pause for a week. In the city of Yangsan, thermometers climbed to 42.5 °C (108.5 °F) in August, a temperature that has sparked health warnings across the country.
Players have reported a cascade of heat‑related ailments, from dehydration and dizziness to severe fatigue. A recent survey conducted by the Korean Players’ Football Association (KPFA) found that 86.2 % of respondents felt physical strain during matches, while 45.2 % described the burden as “very much so.” Dizziness emerged as the most common symptom, affecting nearly two‑thirds of those questioned.
Lee Keun‑ho, president of the KPFA, has been vocal about the need for change. He argues that a shift to a fall‑spring schedule would not only reduce exposure to extreme temperatures but also provide a winter break that could lower injury rates and improve overall fitness. “Our priority is the health and longevity of the athletes,” he said, adding that hybrid grass pitches and enhanced stadium heating could mitigate the risks.
The proposal aligns South Korea with leagues abroad that have already embraced a summer‑to‑spring calendar, such as Japan’s J. League and the AFC Champions League Elite. The K League’s 2026 season is slated to run from February through December, but officials are now under pressure to consider an earlier start that would avoid the peak of summer heat.
Beyond scheduling, players are demanding stricter cooling protocols, better hydration stations, and upgraded venue infrastructure. As climate patterns continue to shift, the conversation reflects a broader push across global sport to safeguard competitors from the growing threat of extreme weather.