FAS/Seoul Monitoring of Media Reporting on Agricultural Issues 

Today's Date: Friday,  August  29,  2025

For Coverage:  August  22  ~  29,  2025

Four Months of ‘7,000 Won per Tray of Eggs’… Behind It, a Tug-of-War Over Price Announcements 

https://www.joongang.co.kr/article/25362621 
Egg prices in Korea have remained above 7,000 won per tray for four months, driven by steady demand, supply disruptions from heatwaves and avian influenza, and the unusual absence of a summer price drop. The government attributes the prolonged high prices to a dispute with the Korea Layer Farmers’ Association over price announcements and is pushing to replace this system with a market-based pricing structure. 
 
Crisis in the Rice Industry… Turning to Processed Rice Products as a Solution 
https://www.donga.com/news/Economy/article/all/20250826/132258938/2 
Korean agricultural and food industry groups are urging strategic support for the processed rice sector through a Food Security Act, noting that while table rice consumption is steadily declining, demand for processed rice is expected to grow significantly. They propose measures such as allocating part of government rice reserves and creating dedicated processed-rice zones to stabilize supply, absorb surplus production, and strengthen food security. 
 
“Food is Weapon” … Hong Moon-pyo, aT President, Emphasizes Food Security at the World Climate and Environment Forum  
https://www.donga.com/news/Economy/article/all/20250827/132267462/1  
Hong Moon-pyo, President of the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT), emphasized the importance of food security and proposed solutions to address the climate crisis at the 2025 World Climate and Environment Forum. According to the corporation, Hong delivered the keynote speech at the forum held on the 27th at the Seoul Press Center. Since his appointment as aT president, he has consistently highlighted that the climate crisis is a national challenge that threatens not only environmental issues but also food security, including establishing the first climate change response organization within a public institution. 
 
ROK Presidential Office:  No Discussion of Additional Agricultural and Livestock Market Opening at Summit 
All major print and broadcast media outlets (Yonhap News, Dong-a Ilbo, JoongAng Ilbo, KBS, etc.) reported on presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung's August 25 press briefing in Washington D.C. immediately after the U.S.-ROK summit. During the briefing, Kang described the summit as amicable, emphasizing that discussions went so well that a joint statement was hardly necessary. She also noted that President Trump assured President Lee of Washington’s full support and praised him as a great leader. Media highlighted her remarks that no discussion occurred regarding additional agricultural and livestock market opening or sensitive security issues, such as increases in defense spending or strategic flexibility for USFK, at the summit. 
 
Dispute Over Agricultural Market Access: Seoul Says “No Talks,” Washington Hopes for More 
https://news.tvchosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2025/08/26/2025082690314.html?utm_source=dable 
At the U.S.-Korea summit, the two sides upheld their existing trade agreement, but differences over agricultural market access remained unresolved. President Lee Jae-myung said the issue was not discussed at all, while the U.S. Commerce Secretary openly stressed America’s push for greater access, signaling continued pressure on easing non-tariff barriers. President Lee made it clear that Korea cannot accept unilateral changes to an already concluded deal, firmly rejecting any additional opening of the agricultural market. 
 
K-Food Franchises Rush Overseas as Korean Chicken and Burgers Spread Worldwide 
https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250826101800030?section=industry/all 
Riding the global popularity of K-food, Korean dining franchises are rapidly expanding into markets across the United States, China, Southeast Asia, and South America. Brands such as BBQ, bhc, Kyochon Chicken, Lotteria, SPC Group, and Tous Les Jours are partnering with local companies or establishing production bases to accelerate their global expansion efforts. Industry observers note that with the domestic market saturated, overseas expansion has become essential, though achieving tangible results abroad  will take time. 
 
A bowl of rice might become 2,000 won — Rice prices continue to soar  
https://magazine.hankyung.com/business/article/202508261997b   
With projections that the upward trend may continue into this fall, alarm bells are ringing for the everyday economy. According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) on the 26th, the retail price of a 20kg bag of rice stood at 60,573 KRW as of July 31. This marks a 15.15% increase compared to the same period last year, and a 16.57% rise compared to the average year.  
 
Key Trade Agenda for Korea-U.S. Summit: MASGA, Korea’s Investments in U.S., and Nuclear Energy Cooperation 
https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250824014700003?section=politics/all 
At the Korea-U.S. summit in Washington, D.C. on August 25, key agenda items will include industrial cooperation in manufacturing, advanced technology, and nuclear energy, following the recent tariff negotiations. Korea has pledged a $350 billion investment package in the U.S., with $150 billion earmarked for the “Make American Shipbuilding Great Again” (MASGA) project. Top Korean conglomerate leaders from Samsung, Hyundai Motor, LG, and others will join the summit as part of the business delegation, potentially unveiling concrete investment plans. 
 
Ishiba Shares Firsthand Experience with Trump in Talks with President Lee 
https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250824034500073?section=politics/all&site=topnews02 
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba shared his firsthand experience of meeting U.S. President Donald Trump with President Lee during the Korea-Japan summit held in Tokyo on the 23rd. The two leaders devoted considerable time to discussing U.S.-related issues and tariff negotiations, with Ishiba reportedly offering advice based on his past meetings with Trump. Akihisa Nagashima, the prime minister’s aide, said the summit carried significant importance for strengthening trilateral cooperation among Korea, Japan, and the United States, adding that efforts would be linked with the Korea-Japan Parliamentary Union to further accelerate collaboration. 
 
Japanese seafood imports, CPTPP membership, and historical issues… challenges remain  
https://www.hankyung.com/article/2025082483891  
The summit between President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on the 23rd was held in a friendly atmosphere. However, experts point out that major issues remain, including Japanese seafood imports, South Korea's accession to the CPTPP, and historical disputes. National Security Director Wi Sung-rak stated on the 24th that the seafood issue was discussed broadly but not in detail.  
 
Number of Starbucks Outlets Set to Exceed 2,100 in Korea This Year 
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-08-22/business/industry/Number-of-Starbucks-outlets-set-to-exceed-2100-in-Korea-this-year/2381973 
Starbucks Korea is on track to surpass 2,100 outlets by the end of this year, continuing its steady expansion since opening its first store in Seoul in 1999. As of June, the chain operated 2,050 stores in Korea, ranking third globally after the U.S. and China, with Japan close behind at 2,040. The company plans to open more branches, including “Special Store” locations with unique features such as scenic views or repurposed venues, to attract local customers. Despite growth in sales, operating profit slightly declined in the first half of 2025, while Emart and Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund remain the key stakeholders.