Core Viewpoint - The South Korean Fair Trade Commission is investigating the Korea Egg Producers Association for allegedly playing a dominant role in driving up egg prices in the country [1] Group 1: Investigation Details - The Fair Trade Commission dispatched investigators to the association's headquarters in North Chungcheong Province and its branches in Gyeonggi Province and South Chungcheong Province to determine if the association forced member companies to adhere to its published price guidelines, thereby influencing market egg prices [1] - The price of farm-delivered eggs has increased by approximately 30% since March, with current prices 6% higher than the same period last year and 4.2% above seasonal averages [1] Group 2: Legal Implications - If the investigation finds that the Korea Egg Producers Association engaged in coercive practices, it may violate South Korean laws related to fair trade, which prohibit unfair collective actions by business organizations [1] - A Fair Trade Commission official stated that if unfair competitive behavior is confirmed, the commission plans to take strict measures according to relevant laws [1] Group 3: Price Trends - Egg prices have been on the rise in recent months, with year-on-year increases of 10.2% and 12.2% in April and May, respectively, leading to higher retail prices [1] - According to a report from the Korea Rural Economic Institute, egg prices reached their highest level in four years in May, with the average retail price for a pack of 30 large eggs at 7,026 Korean won (approximately 37.1 RMB) [1]

Core Viewpoint - The significant increase in hotel prices in Japan is attributed to a surge in tourist numbers, inflation, and labor shortages, leading to a decline in service quality [1][7][10]. Group 1: Tourist Influx and Hotel Pricing - Japan's unique cultural appeal and favorable visa policies have led to a substantial increase in tourist arrivals, particularly with the upcoming 2025 Osaka Expo [1][2]. - The average hotel room rate in Osaka during peak tourist periods has risen by approximately 40% compared to the previous year, while Kyoto has seen a 20% increase [2]. - In the first four months of 2025, the cumulative number of visitors to Japan reached 14.4466 million, with a projected annual total exceeding 40 million for the first time [3]. Group 2: Inflation and Operational Costs - Rising operational costs due to inflation have significantly impacted hotel pricing, with Japan's core CPI increasing by 3.8% year-on-year in April, surpassing the central bank's 2% target [7]. - The average hotel room rate in Japan has increased by about 40% compared to 2019, with current rates around 812 RMB per night [9]. Group 3: Labor Shortages and Service Quality - The hotel industry in Japan is facing severe labor shortages, exacerbated by an aging workforce, leading to reduced service offerings and quality [13][16]. - The average annual salary for hotel employees is approximately 179,000 RMB, which is significantly lower than other industries, making it difficult to attract skilled workers [16]. Group 4: Comparison with China's Hotel Market - In contrast, China's hotel market offers more competitive pricing and improved service quality, with average hotel rates in second and third-tier cities ranging from 300 to 600 RMB per night [17]. - The competitive nature of the domestic hotel industry in China has led to a focus on service quality and customer satisfaction, driving continuous improvements [19][20]. Group 5: Recommendations for Improvement - The Japanese hotel industry could benefit from adopting strategies seen in the Chinese market, such as increasing wages to attract talent and implementing standardized service training [21].