South Korea’s consumer price index rose 3.2% year-on-year in June, reaching its highest level in 30 months.
The acceleration marks the second straight month that inflation has exceeded the 3% mark, driven primarily by surging oil prices linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The data underscores the continued transmission of geopolitical risk into domestic cost structures.
As energy markets remain volatile due to tensions in the region, South Korean households and businesses are facing sustained pressure on fuel and transportation costs.
This mirrors a broader global trend, with US consumer prices also accelerating to multi-year highs in recent months amid similar energy-driven headwinds.
For investors, the persistent inflationary pressure complicates the outlook for monetary policy in Asia.