Korea’s Beloved Chicken in Crisis – Brazil Halts Export, Prices Surge
South Korea faces a fried chicken crisis as Brazil halts exports and avian flu spreads locally. Discover how it affects prices, consumers, and food security. Fried chicken is more than just food in South Korea—it’s a national treasure. It’s part of K-drama scenes, Friday night rituals, and even late-night delivery culture. So when the country faces a sudden chicken shortage, it doesn’t just impact menus—it hits at the heart of daily life. That’s exactly what happened in May 2025, when Brazil, the top exporter of chicken to Korea, abruptly suspended its shipments. Combine that with a wave of avian influenza (AI) outbreaks in Korea, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a nationwide fried chicken crisis. Let’s break down what’s happening, and why even your next bite of crispy goodness might cost more—or not come at all. 1. Brazil Hit the Brakes Brazil supplies over 80% of the boneless frozen chicken used in Korea’s fast-food and franchise industry. In May, due to confirmed avia...