Apple prices in South Korea have surged by 71% from last year due to a reduction in cultivation area and production, attributed to aging farmers and abnormal climate conditions. The Korea Rural Economic Institute forecasts these high prices to persist for at least another four months. Additionally, per capita fruit consumption has dropped by 19% over the past 15 years, and vegetable prices are also expected to stay high, leading to concerns about agflation. The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has stressed the need for government, distribution, and food companies to actively participate in stabilizing prices.