Heat-related illness patients down 60%, but deaths reach 75% of last year...warning of rising 'fatality rate' amid extreme heat
While the number of heat-related illness patients this year has decreased significantly compared to last year, deaths have reached 75% of last year's level, raising concerns about severe cases. With half of recent deaths occurring within the past four days and a series of high-risk cases, extreme heat is expected to continue under the influence of the North Pacific High and Tibetan High, requiring special attention focused on elderly people and outdoor workers.
2026.07.31
Three Major Policy Banks Relocate to Regions ... Unions to Hold Joint Rally on 11th Next Month
The unions of three major policy banks—Korea Development Bank, IBK Corporate Bank, and Korea Export-Import Bank—have decided to hold a joint rally on the 11th of next month in response to the government's possible pursuit of a second phase of public institutions relocation to regional areas. The unions oppose the relocation, citing concerns about weakened policy finance functions, reduced work efficiency, and personnel attrition. There is also speculation that if the government's relocation plan becomes concrete, the unions may escalate their struggle to include strike actions and other industrial disputes.
2026.07.30
Seoul's Major Hospitals Hit by '100m in 40 Minutes' Traffic Nightmare
On July 27, 2026, the areas surrounding major hospitals in Seoul have transformed into a massive 'traffic hell' where advancing just 100 meters takes 40 minutes and escaping the underground parking lot takes 3 hours. This crisis is fueled by a concentration of critically ill patients from non-capital regions seeking Seoul care, high rates of private vehicle use, and summer monsoon rains, creating a mixture of patient suffering and frustration. Today (27th), the areas around major hospitals in Seoul have become a place of difficulty for patients with ailments seeking medical care at hospitals.
2026.07.27
Fallout from World Cup Fiasco...Police Investigate Former Coach Hong Myung-bo's Appointment Made 2 Years Ago at 'Bakery Interview'
As national disappointment grows over South Korea's group stage elimination from the 2026 North American World Cup, police investigation has reignited criticism of the Football Association over the lack of transparency in the appointment process of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo two years ago and allegations of abuse of authority by former Technical Director Lee Im-saeng, who led the personnel procedure through a position that 'didn't even exist in the regulations.' On February 16, 2024, following the dismissal of former national team coach Klinsmann,
2026.07.16