Pro baseball games in Seoul, Gwangju canceled due to heatwave

Professional baseball games in South Korea are being called off due to soaring temperatures, with two scheduled matches canceled on August 4th. The NC Dinos vs. Doosan Bears game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul and the KT Wiz vs. KIA Tigers game at Gwangju Kia Champions Field were both postponed because of extreme heat.

The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) canceled the games by 12:45 PM, adhering to its detailed operational guidelines for severe heat. These rules allow for cancellations to be made by noon on the day of the game if a "severe heatwave warning" is issued for the game's location. The canceled games will be rescheduled at a later date.

While Seoul and Gwangju are under severe heatwave warnings, other cities hosting games, including Incheon, Daegu, and Busan, are currently under regular heatwave advisories. The KBO's regulations permit game delays of up to one hour if a heatwave advisory is in effect, with the home team's input considered. The decision on whether to proceed with a game, delay it, or cancel it rests with the KBO's game operations committee, in consultation with team officials and umpires.

To mitigate the risks associated with the extreme heat, the KBO has also urged all teams to take thorough preventive measures. This includes ensuring adequate cooling facilities and beverages are available in player areas and providing regular public announcements to spectators on heatstroke prevention. Teams are also required to have medical support staff and supplies ready for emergencies.