Core Viewpoint - The rising prices of fried chicken in South Korea have sparked discussions about "fried chicken inflation," with delivery prices reaching over 140 RMB, significantly impacting consumer choices [1][3]. Group 1: Price Increases - The average price of fried chicken has increased by 6.3% since October last year, driven by rising costs of ingredients such as cooking oil, flour, and chicken, as well as increased logistics and labor costs [3]. - Popular fried chicken brands are now charging over 100 RMB per serving, with some consumers reporting total costs for delivery reaching up to 146 RMB [3]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior Changes - Some consumers are opting for traditional markets or picking up their orders in-store to save on delivery fees [5]. - There is a noticeable increase in sales of frozen fried chicken products, with a reported annual growth rate of over 20% in the last three years [5].

Core Insights - The rising prices of fried chicken in South Korea have led to the term "fried chicken inflation" trending on social media, with consumers questioning whether fried chicken remains an affordable food option [1][2] Group 1: Price Trends - Major fried chicken chains in South Korea have increased their takeout prices, with single orders nearing 30,000 KRW (approximately 1,000 KRW equals 4.98 RMB) [1] - For example, Honey Fried Chicken from the well-known brand Kyochon is priced at about 25,000 KRW, while BBQ Golden Olive Chicken is around 23,000 KRW [1] - Delivery fees range from 2,000 to 5,000 KRW, making the total cost for a single order of fried chicken as high as 30,000 KRW [1] Group 2: Consumer Behavior - As prices rise, more consumers are turning to budget-friendly options available at large supermarkets, such as the "super-sized chicken" offered by Lotte Mart at 5,000 KRW, which sold out 100,000 units during a promotional period [1] - In response to the price hikes, several well-known fried chicken brands have lowered their prices to around 3,500 KRW and 4,000 KRW, leading to long queues of consumers eager to purchase [1] Group 3: Underlying Factors - The continuous increase in fried chicken prices is attributed to factors such as "self-regulated pricing" by businesses and the transfer of operational costs to consumers [2] - Currently, raw material costs account for only 20% of the selling price, and despite a decrease in chicken prices, businesses continue to raise takeout prices while passing on fees and delivery costs to consumers [2] - There are calls for government intervention to enhance price transparency, allowing consumers to understand the reasons behind the rising costs of fried chicken [2]