Regulator to probe Lotte’s bargain chicken

The Fair Trade Commission is expected to investigate Lotte Mart’s sale of ultra-cheap chickens this week, acting on accusations by smaller eateries that the retail giant is impeding fair competition.

The Korea Franchise Association, a lobby for smaller food and retail chains, said Sunday it will take legal action against Lotte on Monday on behalf of chicken franchises including BBQ, Kyochon Chicken and Goobne Chicken. 

The competition watchdog had said that it will look into Lotte’s pricing policy once the chicken industry files a complaint. 

The dispute flared up when Lotte began selling fried chickens at 5,000 won ($4.40) apiece -- around half market prices -- at its 82 stores across the nation Thursday.

Lotte said it sold over 74,000 fried chickens as of Saturday. They were so popular that all chickens prepared in most of its branches were sold out and customers often had to make reservations in the morning to pick them up in the afternoon.