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Government Launches Multi-Faceted Safety Inspection Program As Korea experiences prolonged extreme heat and tropical nights, the government has launched a comprehensive safety management inspection program focused on protecting vulnerable populations. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on July 12th that it is conducting direct inspections of temporary housing facilities for wildfire victims and water recreation safety management, prioritizing heat-related illness prevention. Targeted Support for Wildfire Disaster Victims Kim Kwang-yong, Director of the Disaster and Safety Management Headquarters at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, personally visited temporary housing facilities for wildfire victims in Cheongsong and Yeongyang counties in North Gyeongsang Province. His inspection focused on comprehensive living conditions, particularly meal services and cooling systems during the extr...

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety warned on July 11th that smishing (SMS phishing) crimes related to the 'Livelihood Recovery Consumer Coupon' are expected to surge as the application and distribution period begins. The ministry particularly emphasized that any consumer coupon notification text containing URL links is "100% fraud." Background of Surging Smishing Crimes As the government's Livelihood Recovery Consumer Coupon policy for economic stimulus enters full implementation, fraudsters are exploiting this program for criminal activities. Scammers are impersonating government agencies, card companies, and banks to send fake text messages about eligibility notifications, amount guidance, card usage approval, and applications. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety firmly stated, "If any consumer coupon-related notification text contains URL links, it is 100% fraud." The key point is that the government does not include links in any consu...

South Korea's record-breaking heat wave has pushed heat-related illness cases to nearly 1,000, with emergency room visits doubling compared to the same period last year, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced on July 9th. Surge in Heat-Related Illness Cases According to the KDCA, 238 people (including 1 death) visited 516 emergency rooms nationwide on July 8th due to heat-related illnesses. This brings the cumulative total of heat-related illness patients to 977 since the KDCA activated its heat illness surveillance system on May 15th, approaching 1,000 cases. Comparing data from the surveillance start date, 961 cases have been recorded this year versus 478 cases during the same period last year - a doubling of incidents. This surge results from the unprecedented heat wave that began in late June and continues to break records. Heat-related deaths are estimated at 7 total, more than double the 3 deaths during the same period last year. While not yet...

A construction worker who fell into a manhole in Incheon has been found dead after a 72-hour rescue operation, highlighting critical safety management failures and the dangerous working conditions faced by subcontracted laborers in South Korea's construction industry. The tragic incident has renewed calls for stricter safety regulations and enhanced oversight of multi-tier subcontracting practices. Incident Details and Rescue Efforts The accident occurred on July 5 at approximately 2 PM when Mr. A, a worker in his 50s, fell into a manhole while conducting sewer line inspection work in Namdong District, Incheon. Despite working alongside a colleague, Mr. A suddenly lost consciousness and fell into the manhole system. Emergency responders launched an extensive 72-hour rescue operation upon receiving the accident report. However, the complex underground structure and presence of toxic gases significantly hampered rescue efforts. Fire department officials deployed specialized ...

A devastating accident occurred in Seoul on July 7 when a teenage girl fell from the 13th floor of an apartment building, killing herself and injuring four passersby, including a mother and daughter who were walking below. The incident has shocked the local community and raised serious questions about apartment safety management and access control measures. Incident Details and Scene Description The accident took place at approximately 3:30 PM in an apartment complex in Gangseo District, Seoul. The victim, identified only as Ms. A and believed to be in her late teens, fell from the 13th floor and struck several pedestrians walking on the pathway below the building. Among the injured were a woman in her 40s and her teenage daughter, who suffered the most severe injuries from the impact. Both were immediately transported to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment, along with two other individuals who sustained minor injuries from debris and the chaos that followed. Witnesses ...

Seoul meteorological authorities issued the city's first heat wave warning of 2025 on July 7, with temperatures expected to soar to 36°C (97°F) on Tuesday. The extreme weather has prompted emergency health measures as heat-related illnesses surge across the metropolitan area, marking the beginning of what experts predict could be an exceptionally challenging summer season. Meteorological Conditions and Forecast According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the heat wave warning will take effect from July 8, with maximum temperatures in Seoul expected to reach 36°C. This marks the first such warning issued for the capital this year, arriving somewhat later than in previous years but with potentially greater intensity. The persistent high-pressure system from the North Pacific continues to dominate the Korean Peninsula, creating stable atmospheric conditions that trap heat and prevent cooling. Urban heat island effects in downtown Seoul are expected to make the perce...