All professional baseball games on Aug 5-6 in South Korea were cancelled due to a record heatwave that has caused 19 deaths and over 2,200 heat-related illnesses. The KBO announced emergency safety measures after spectators collapsed, with temperatures peaking at 42.5°C.
South Korea's professional baseball league made the unprecedented decision to cancel all games scheduled for August 5 and 6 as the nation grapples with a record-smashing heatwave that has sent both players and spectators to hospitals.
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) announced the cancellation on August 5, citing the extreme temperatures that have gripped the country, breaking historical records multiple times within a single week. The mercury soared to an all-time high of 42.5 degrees Celsius on August 2, marking the third time a new national record was set in just seven days. This relentless heat has turned the summer pastime into a health hazard, forcing the league to prioritize safety over entertainment.
The decision affects ten games scheduled across the country over the two days, with fans left disappointed but understanding of the risks posed by the scorching conditions. The extreme weather has triggered the highest-level heat alert in Seoul and other regions, issued when the heat index is forecast to reach 38 degrees Celsius or temperatures are expected to climb above 39 degrees. The alert prompted authorities to urge citizens to stay indoors and take precautions against heat-related illnesses.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the heatwave has already caused 2,221 cases of heat-related illnesses and an estimated 19 deaths between May 15 and August 3. The situation has become so severe that President Lee Jae Myung has asked government agencies to treat the heatwave as a national disaster, mobilizing resources to assist those most vulnerable, including the elderly and outdoor workers.
The baseball league's response reflects this broader sense of emergency, as officials acknowledged that the safety of players and fans could no longer be guaranteed under such extreme conditions. The KBO's decision came after several alarming incidents at games. On August 4, the league cancelled two games in Seoul's Jamsil Stadium and the southwestern city of Gwangju after multiple spectators collapsed due to heat exhaustion. Even in games that proceeded, the heat took a toll.
During a match between the SSG Landers and the LG Twins in Incheon, a male spectator collapsed from a suspected heat-related illness, forcing a nine-minute suspension while medical personnel rushed to his aid and an ambulance transported him to a nearby hospital. An SSG official confirmed the incident to AFP, highlighting the very real dangers present even during evening matches.
In earlier games, water cannons were sprayed into the stands to cool off crowds, and some teams distributed ice packs and electrolyte drinks, but these measures proved insufficient as temperatures continued to soar. The league now plans to convene an emergency executive committee meeting with club officials and representatives of the players' association to devise more comprehensive safety protocols. These may include scheduling changes, moving games to cooler times, or even holding matches in domed stadiums if available.
The cancellation of the baseball games is just one example of how the heatwave is disrupting daily life in South Korea. Schools have adjusted schedules, outdoor events have been postponed, and the government has distributed emergency relief supplies to affected areas. For baseball fans, the cancellation is a reminder that climate change is not a distant threat but a present reality reshaping even the most cherished traditions.
The KBO has promised to announce new safety guidelines before resuming play, ensuring that the national sport can adapt to a warming world. As the heatwave continues to break records, the league's swift action may set a precedent for other sports organizations worldwide, demonstrating that when protecting lives conflicts with the pursuit of entertainment, health must always come first
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