The Korea Baseball Organization cancelled all scheduled KBO League and Futures League games on July 5 and the following day due to extreme heat [1].
This unprecedented move highlights the growing danger of sustained heat waves on public health and the safety of professional athletes and spectators during summer sporting events.
The KBO issued the cancellation announcement at 1 p.m. on July 5 [1]. The decision affected games slated for stadiums in Jamsil, Gwangju, Daegu, Sajik, and Munhak, though the only game that proceeded was in Incheon [1].
Officials took action after a series of medical emergencies occurred in the stands. A total of 25 spectators were treated for suspected heat-related illnesses [1]. Among them, two individuals exhibited severe symptoms, including a loss of consciousness, and were transferred to a hospital [1].
In an official statement, the KBO said the league is recognizing the safety risks to spectators and players as a grave matter. The organization announced it will hold an emergency executive committee meeting involving team general managers and representatives from the professional baseball players association [1].
"We are cancelling all professional baseball KBO League and Futures League games scheduled to be held today and tomorrow in Jamsil, Gwangju, Munhak, Daegu, and Sajik," the KBO said [1].
The league noted that the decision followed a period of sustained nationwide extreme temperatures that created an unsafe environment for those attending the stadiums [1].
“25 spectators were treated for suspected heat-related illnesses”
The suspension of an entire professional league's schedule marks a significant shift in how sports organizations manage extreme weather. By prioritizing medical emergencies over the game calendar, the KBO is acknowledging that traditional stadium infrastructure may no longer be sufficient to protect fans and players against the increasing intensity of summer heat waves.
