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As prices have risen significantly, more consumers are looking for bargain products in supermarkets and markets. The so-called "ugly fruit", which is seemingly flawed but has the same taste and nutrition, is also popular.

CJB reporter Kim Se-hee.

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Long lines lined up in the fruit section of
a large retail store.

It is in front of the so-called "ugly apple" stand, which is smaller in size than ordinary goods or has a blemish on the peel.

[Ex-Sara/Consumer: It's delicious. It's cool, sweet and sour. Also, when I look closely, it wasn't that ugly. It's all pretty.]

The price is 5,9 won for 900kg, which is more than 60% cheaper than the existing selling price, which attracts consumers.

[Starring/Consumer: This ugly apple is so cheap and so delicious when I taste it myself, so I bought a lot of it.]

With a flood of orders already, we have increased our planned sales.

[Yeo In-gi/Head of Agricultural Affairs Team at Cheongju Distribution Center: We have prepared about 3,5 to <>,<> bags this week, but it looks like it will end early.]

The "ugly apple" was not marketable in appearance but tasted good, so it was difficult to use as a drink or juice.

From the farmer's point of view, it has been seen as a household name, but this year it has taken a place in the main source of income.

[Sung-Yong Lim/Director of the Broad Area Alliance Project Group of the North Nonghyup Chungbuk Regional Headquarters: We held this event because we had nowhere to consume such apples, which are a bit of a pach. It contributes to increasing income for farmers....]

As consumer response to ugly apples in junk prices is hot, ugly products using various agricultural specialties such as potatoes and watermelon will be introduced soon.

(Video Interview: Lee Cheon-ki CJB)