Seoul records second heat-related death amid intensifying heatwave

Seoul is grappling with a severe heatwave, which has led to its second heat-related death this year. A fatality was reported on June 29 in the Yeongdeungpo District, as a heatwave warning remained in effect across the capital.

According to statistics from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's (KDCA) heat-related illness surveillance system, 19 individuals were treated for heat-related conditions on June 29, including the one fatality. This marks the second death reported since the surveillance system began its operations on May 15, with the first occurring in Dongdaemun District.

Nationwide, the cumulative number of heat-related illnesses has now exceeded 400, reaching 412. This figure is already comparable to the 426 cases, including three deaths, recorded during the same period last year. The early onset of high temperatures this year has resulted in a consistently higher number of cases compared to 2025.

The majority of those affected are men, accounting for 71.1% of cases. Individuals in their 30s and 40s represent the largest age groups seeking treatment, followed by those in their 60s and 50s. The elderly, aged 65 and above, constitute 28.2% of the total.

Heat exhaustion is the most common condition, making up over half of all cases, followed by heatstroke, heat syncope, and heat cramps. The KDCA operates the surveillance system from May 15 to September 30, collaborating with 516 emergency room facilities nationwide. Recognizing the severity of heatstroke, the agency has also developed and distributed "Emergency Room Guidelines for Heatstroke Treatment" to approximately 530 medical institutions.