South Korean Pro Baseball Suspended Through July 9 Due to Extreme Heat

South Korea's professional baseball league has suspended all games until July 9 in response to dangerous heatwave conditions. The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) made the decision following an emergency meeting with team executives, canceling the upcoming weekend series from July 7 to 9.

The league's action comes after a spectator collapsed during a game at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on July 4. Games were temporarily halted on July 5 and 6, and the suspension has now been extended through the weekend. This measure aims to protect players and fans from the extreme temperatures affecting the region.

To mitigate the impact of the heat, the KBO will also adjust weekday game start times. Games scheduled for 6:30 p.m. will be moved to 7 p.m. until September 6. This change is intended to commence games during cooler parts of the evening. However, the Kiwoom Heroes, based in Seoul's Gocheok Sky Dome, will maintain their Saturday 6 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. start times for home games.

The KBO stated that it will remain flexible, potentially adjusting game start times at other venues based on future weather conditions. The league is also formalizing criteria for game cancellations due to extreme heat, ensuring a consistent approach to player and spectator safety during the ongoing heatwave.