KBO League resumes play after heat wave cancellations

The KBO League is set to resume play on August 11 across five stadiums in South Korea following a series of game cancellations caused by a record-breaking heat wave. The extreme temperatures led to the cancellation of 30 games in total, marking the first time the league has been halted for weather since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.

To mitigate heat risks for players and spectators, the KBO has adjusted the schedule, moving all game start times to 7:00 p.m. regardless of the day of the week. While weekday games typically begin at 6:30 p.m., the league may revert to earlier times if temperatures drop.

The resumption comes at a critical juncture for the season standings. Teams like the KT Wiz, which recently moved into first place, and the Kia Tigers and NC Dinos, who have not played a game in August due to the heat, face challenges in regaining competitive form after the unexpected break. The upcoming schedule will also be impacted by player call-ups for international competitions.