South Korea Hits Its Hottest Day in 122 Years

South Korea reached 42.5°C in Yangsan on August 3, 2026 — its hottest day in 122 years — after the record was broken three times in one week. President Lee Jae Myung declared a national disaster and ordered checks on power lines as air conditioner use soared. Nineteen people have died from the heat; 2,025 have fallen ill since May 15.