President Lee Declares National Disaster Response for Heatwave

President Lee Jae-myung has directed a full-scale national disaster response to combat the severe heatwave gripping South Korea. Speaking at a State Council meeting, Lee emphasized that protecting citizens' lives is the top priority.

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We must view the current situation as a national disaster and swiftly and thoroughly implement necessary measures to protect the lives of our citizens.

He called for meticulous support for vulnerable populations, including residents of "jjokbang" (cramped rooftop rooms) and the elderly living alone. Lee also stressed the importance of ensuring safety for those working outdoors or in confined spaces.

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Above all, the most urgent task is to protect people's lives. I ask that you meticulously review support measures for vulnerable groups such as residents of cramped rooftop rooms and the elderly living alone, and carefully attend to the safety management of citizens working in outdoor or confined spaces.

The president specifically highlighted the need for the "right to stop work" to be practically implemented for laborers facing extreme heat. He also urged the expansion of public cooling centers and increased their utilization. Additionally, Lee mentioned the necessity of financial aid for drought-stricken farming areas and preemptive checks on the power grid to handle increased cooling demands.

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We must intensively inspect workplaces to ensure that workers' right to stop work can be practically exercised. We must also strive to further expand and increase the utilization of heatwave shelters.