President Lee: 'Heatwave Seen Only in Foreign Media is Becoming Our Reality'

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has called for the mobilization of all administrative resources to combat the nation's severe heatwave, describing the current conditions as "extreme heat that we have never experienced before." He noted that temperatures in Gyeongnam Yangsan have surpassed 40 degrees Celsius for multiple days, stating, "The heatwave situation seen only in foreign media is becoming our reality."

During a meeting on heatwave and drought response at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, Lee urged government bodies to maintain an "extraordinary stance" and operate a comprehensive response system until the heat subsides. He stressed the importance of developing countermeasures suitable for extreme climate conditions. The president specifically highlighted the need for meticulous care for vulnerable groups, including the elderly living alone and residents of "jjokbang" (tiny rooftop rooms), urging officials to proactively check on their well-being and ensure access to cooling facilities.

President Lee also addressed safety concerns for outdoor workers, demanding thorough inspections to ensure work stoppages or breaks during the hottest parts of the day are properly implemented. He further called for robust measures to prevent damage to livestock, aquaculture, and crops, alongside careful management of infrastructure like roads and railways, and the nation's power supply. The president also instructed proactive measures for the drought in the southern regions, emphasizing the need for stable water supply through alternative sources and equipment, and exploring medium- to long-term water security solutions for areas without reliable tap water access.

Lee's directive underscores the government's heightened concern over the prolonged and intense heatwave, which is straining resources and posing significant risks to public health, agriculture, and infrastructure. The call for a "total mobilization" reflects the severity of the situation and the administration's commitment to minimizing public harm.