Key facts
- President Lee Jae Myung ordered the mobilization of all government resources to combat extreme heat.
- Temperatures have reached near 40 C, with a high of 42.5 C recorded in Yangsan.
- Twenty-one people have died from heat-related illnesses as of Wednesday.
- The government is to implement measures for vulnerable populations and outdoor workers.
- Preemptive actions are to be taken to ensure water supply during a worsening drought.
President Lee Jae Myung has ordered a comprehensive mobilization of government resources to address the severe heat wave and drought gripping the nation. During a meeting with ministers and local government heads on August 6, 2026, Lee emphasized the need for an exceptional response system until the extreme weather subsides.
Temperatures have soared to near 40 degrees Celsius in many areas, with the southeastern city of Yangsan recording a high of 42.5 C on Sunday. Health authorities reported that as of Wednesday, 21 people had died from heat-related illnesses, and thousands had visited hospitals.