South Korea records 42 C as global heat wave intensifies
South Korea's southeast reached a record 42 degrees Celsius as President Lee Jae Myung prepares an emergency meeting on economic impacts.
Updated last month2 new reports, including Phys.org, The Independent.
The short version
South Korea recorded its highest temperature on record at 42 degrees Celsius in the southeast. President Lee Jae Myung announced an emergency meeting to address the economic impact of the heat wave.
South Korea's southeast recorded a record high temperature of 42 degrees Celsius on August 2, 2026.1,3 Scientists attributed the extreme heat to the climate crisis driven by human activity, which is making heat waves more frequent.3 President Lee Jae Myung announced plans to convene an emergency meeting on real estate and the stock market upon returning from overseas.5
Seoul stocks opened sharply lower after a record surge, with investors citing profit-taking and volatility concerns.7 President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating fell to the lowest point since taking office, according to a poll.8 North Korea also experienced a heat wave, with Pyongyang hit by tropical nights.6
Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. reported selling more than 100,000 electric vehicles in Europe during the first half of 2026.2 KG Mobility secured a US$75 million investment from China's Chery.9 Hyundai Motor Group reported a 5 percent increase in U.S. sales in July 2026, driven by strong hybrid demand.10
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This account was written from the 10 reports listed below, filed by 3 independent outlets, and checked against them line by line. It is not a copy of any one of them. Spotted an error? Tell us.
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