The Korea Meteorological Administration reported that zero typhoons made landfall in South Korea from January to August 2026, despite 23 typhoons forming globally, which is nearly double the average of 13.5. ^[1] The Korea Meteorological Administration said that current forecasting technology can only predict weather 10-12 days ahead, and that social media claims of a month-long rainy season or temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius in 2026 are not factual. ^[2] A double high-pressure system covering the Korean peninsula has blocked the path of typhoons, forcing them to divert towards China and Japan instead of making landfall. ^[3] South Korea experienced record-breaking heat and severe drought this summer, with July average temperatures 2.2 degrees Celsius higher than normal and a record high of 42.5 degrees Celsius recorded in Yangsan. ^[4] Typhoon Crovan, the 24th storm of the season, is currently located about 630km southeast of Okinawa, Japan, and is expected to move south of Kyushu, bypassing South Korea. ^[5] South Korea's national football team, coached by Hong Myung-bo, failed to advance to the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup, finishing 34th overall - its worst result ever - after a defeat to South Africa on 2026-06-25. ^[6] The South Korean government has reportedly agreed to consider lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 14 to below 13 for serious crimes, with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family to report a recommendation at a cabinet meeting as early as 2026-06-30. ^[7] The South Korean Ministry of the Interior and Safety expanded language support in its Safety Step disaster app from 3 to 22 languages, allowing 97% of foreign residents in South Korea to get emergency information in their own language. ^[8]