South Korea's import prices surged by 16.1% in March, marking the most significant monthly increase in over 28 years, as reported by the Bank of Korea. The won-based import price index reached 169.38, driven by escalating global oil prices and a stronger U.S. dollar amid geopolitical uncertainties, particularly the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This marks the ninth consecutive month of rising import prices, with the crude oil index hitting its highest level since records began in 1985. Concurrently, the South Korean economy faces challenges with youth employment, which has seen a continuous decline for 41 months since November 2022. The youth unemployment rate has increased to 7.6%, contrasting with rising employment among individuals aged 60 and older. The decline in youth employment has been attributed to reduced hiring in sectors such as accommodation, food services, and manufacturing, as employers increasingly favor experienced workers.