A record heat wave has gripped the Korean Peninsula, prompting urgent measures in professional sports. With temperatures feeling like 104 degrees Fahrenheit, major outdoor sports such as baseball, soccer, and golf are implementing strict safety protocols to protect players and fans.
The KBO League has been hit hardest by the summer heat. The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) held an emergency meeting on the morning of August 5 and canceled all KBO and Futures League games scheduled for August 5 and 6. This marks the first time in KBO history that league games have been suspended for two consecutive days due to extreme heat.
This decision follows a concerning incident the previous day at Incheon’s SSG Landers Field, where 25 cases of suspected heat-related illnesses were reported during a single game between the LG Twins and SSG Landers. A male spectator in his 20s lost consciousness during the eighth inning and required CPR and an automated external defibrillator (AED) before regaining consciousness and being transported to a hospital.
With this suspension, the total number of KBO League games canceled this season due to the heat has risen to 15. The KBO plans to hold an emergency executive committee meeting on August 6 with the ten club presidents and representatives from the players' association to establish comprehensive safety measures related to the heat.
In the K League, there have been no game cancellations due to the heat so far, but various measures are in place to prevent heat-related illnesses among players. The Korea Professional Football League announced on August 5 that the start times for all K League 1 (first division) Round 22 matches (five games) and K League 2 (second division) Round 21 matches (eight games) have been pushed back from 7:30 PM to 8 PM. This adjustment aims to ensure the safety of players, fans, and staff.
Additionally, the league has implemented a 'cooling break' during matches when temperatures exceed 32 degrees Celsius (89.6 degrees Fahrenheit) from late May to early September, allowing for hydration breaks of 90 seconds to three minutes at the end of each half. To further mitigate heat, the league will conduct watering operations on the field four times during matches.
The league is also focusing on safety management by applying heat regulations to decisions regarding game cancellations or delays due to inclement weather. All matches during the summer will feature safety campaign videos related to heat on the stadium's electronic boards to protect fans.
Professional golf, which requires players to spend extended periods outdoors, is also taking precautions against the heat. The KLPGA Tour has established guidelines that issue a 'warning' if the maximum perceived temperature is expected to exceed 33 degrees Celsius (91.4 degrees Fahrenheit) for two consecutive days, and a 'warning' if it exceeds 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit).
During tournaments, the KLPGA continuously informs spectators about heat illness prevention measures via electronic boards and has set up shaded areas, water stations, and cooling devices throughout the course. There are also regulations allowing for the cancellation of events in the event of disasters such as extreme heat.
Both the men's and women's professional golf tours are taking breaks during the hottest months of summer. The KLPGA Tour completed its first-half schedule in mid-July and took a break of over two weeks before resuming on July 30. The KPGA Tour also finished its first half at the end of June and will resume the season on August 20 after a month and a half summer break, prioritizing player safety amid the heat.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.