South Korea: 16 dead amid record heat wave, President Lee urges action

At least 16 individuals have perished in South Korea due to a record-breaking heatwave. President Lee Jae Myung has called for bolstered support for those impacted as authorities warn that extreme weather events are becoming more common. Between May 15 and August 2, 2026, 2,025 people across the nation experienced heat-related illnesses, according to the interior ministry.

President Lee emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of the national crisis system at a cabinet meeting, urging officials to expedite measures to safeguard daily life. He also advocated for inspections of power systems to address the surge in demand for air conditioning. The southeastern island city of Yangsan recorded a staggering 42.5°C (108.5°F) on Sunday, the highest temperature observed in 122 years of records.

Following the issuance of South Korea's first-ever heatwave warning for certain areas of Seoul and Gyeonggi on Monday, the Korea Meteorological Administration expanded the advisory to encompass the entire capital city on Tuesday. This was the inaugural advisory of its kind since its introduction this year to inform the public about extreme temperatures.

Midday temperatures in Seoul soared to 38°C, with overnight lows expected to drop to around 29°C. Residents were advised to remain indoors and consume ample water. The city has earmarked approximately 4,000 public facilities as cooling centers. With a population of 9.6 million, Seoul alone accounts for half of South Korea's total population.

Climate scientists have cautioned that extreme weather occurrences, including heatwaves, are becoming increasingly frequent and more intense as a result of climate change.