June 19, 2025, 5:54 am | Read time: 3 minutes
In South Korea, the myth of “fan deaths” has persisted stubbornly for decades. This myth claims that people die if they leave their fans running overnight. Although no actual danger has ever been proven, Korean sellers continue to warn against using the devices. TECHBOOK explains the origins and details of this myth.
In South Korea, there is a fear closely associated with fans. This fear is so prevalent that some devices are equipped with timers to automatically turn off at bedtime. Hotel staff sometimes even advise guests to completely turn off fans at night. The reason: In South Korea, there is a fear of possible death by suffocation, hypothermia, or poisoning from fans. Since the 1930s, newspapers there have repeatedly reported mysterious deaths linked to fans.
The Origin of Fan Fear in South Korea
The myth of Fan Death has even made its way to a Wikipedia entry. Outside the country, however, it is relatively unknown.
The fear among South Koreans is partly attributed to the belief that fans create a vacuum through airflow, causing breathing difficulties. Therefore, it is considered dangerous to place a fan directly in front of oneself, especially with the window closed. Additionally, it is believed that the fan consumes oxygen in the air and produces CO₂, which could poison the sleeper. As if that weren’t enough, the device could also cause hypothermia in the room, leading to freezing overnight.
However, there is no scientific evidence that a fan in a closed room can lead to death. Doctors and physicists worldwide consider the myth unfounded. In reality, deaths attributed to a fan are often due to other medical causes, such as heart attacks, poisoning, or sleep apnea.
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Possible Explanation for the Myth
The repeated reporting of alleged “Fan Death” cases has strengthened belief in the myth over the years. To get to the bottom of it, many studies have explored the phenomenon. According to the “Welt,” Rim Chun-Paek, a professor of energy at the KAIST Institute in Daejeon, South Korea, found minimal to no changes caused by fans. But no matter how many studies debunk the myth, especially the older population continues to hold onto it.
South Korean media still fuel the superstition today with reports. Especially in the summer months, there are occasional reports of deaths allegedly linked to fans. Even the South Korean government is said to have contributed to the myth. During the energy crisis in the 1970s, they advised against purchasing fans.
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No Scientific Evidence
Experts believe that, if anything, the myth itself is responsible for the alleged deaths. According to the nocebo effect (the opposite of the placebo effect), something harmless can negatively affect someone if they strongly believe in its effects. But even that is very unlikely. In fact, the individuals in question likely died of heatstroke, and a fan happened to be nearby.
“Fan Death” is a fascinating example of a technology-influenced folk belief that persists without scientific basis. For people outside South Korea, the myth often seems curious, but it highlights how cultural narratives perceive and categorize risks differently.