SEOUL, Aug 4, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - South Korea's summer heat has killed 19 
people so far this year, a government health agency said on Tuesday, as the 
nation swelters in a wave of searing weather.

A total of 2,221 people had suffered heat-related illnesses between May 15 
and August 3, of whom 19 died, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention 
Agency said.

President Lee Jae Myung earlier asked authorities to boost support for those 
affected by the ongoing record heatwave.

The whole of Seoul also remained under the highest-level heat alert on 
Tuesday, issued when the heat index is forecast to reach 38C or temperatures 
are expected to climb to 39C or higher.

"Extreme, life-threatening heat is forecast," the weather agency said in a 
statement earlier on Tuesday.

South Korea set an all-time temperature record on Sunday, when the 
southeastern city of Yangsan reached 42.5C.