South Korea Elects Pro-Crypto President, Eyes ETFs and Stablecoins

South Korea’s newly elected President Lee Jae-myung has unveiled ambitious plans to transform the country into a cryptocurrency hub, with immediate proposals to approve spot crypto ETFs and create a won-pegged stablecoin market. The progressive leader’s victory in Tuesday’s snap election comes amid strong bipartisan support for digital asset innovation, signaling a new era for Asia’s fourth-largest economy.

The Democratic Party candidate secured 49% of votes compared to conservative rival Kim Moon-soo’s 36%, according to final results from the National Election Commission. Both candidates had campaigned on pro-crypto platforms, marking a dramatic shift from previous administrations’ cautious approach to digital assets.

Market analysts immediately reacted to the news, with Bitcoin climbing 2.4% on South Korean exchanges following the announcement. The election outcome removes political uncertainty that had lingered since former President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment last December over martial law controversies.

Spot Crypto ETFs Receive Bipartisan Backing

Lee’s administration plans to fast-track approval of spot crypto ETFs, a move that would allow mainstream investors to gain exposure to digital assets through regulated financial products. The incoming president has specifically mentioned enabling the $884 billion National Pension Service to allocate funds to cryptocurrency investments.

This regulatory shift builds on 2021’s March Amendment that established South Korea’s current crypto framework. Key existing requirements include:

• Real-name bank account linking for all exchange users
• ISMS security certification from KISA
• AML/KYC compliance reporting to KoFIU
• Transparent transaction recording mandates

Won-Pegged Stablecoin Development Accelerates

The new government will prioritize creating a KRW-backed stablecoin ecosystem to combat capital outflows to overseas dollar-pegged alternatives. “We need to establish a domestic stablecoin market to keep national wealth within our borders,” Lee stated during a May policy forum.

This initiative aligns with broader financial modernization efforts, including potential CBDC research. Industry observers suggest the move could challenge Tether’s dominance in East Asian markets while providing regulatory oversight for stablecoin issuers.

Regulatory Overhaul Targets Banking Barriers

Lee’s team has pledged to dismantle restrictive banking policies that currently require crypto exchanges to partner with licensed financial institutions. The reforms aim to:

• Simplify fiat onramps for trading platforms
• Reduce operational costs for startups
• Increase competition among service providers

Simultaneously, the Ministry of Economy and Finance is finalizing crypto tax guidelines expected to introduce capital gains reporting requirements. While details remain undisclosed, officials promise a “fair and balanced” approach to taxation.

Market participants have welcomed the changes. “This election guarantees progress regardless of the winner,” said Hashed Ventures CEO Simon Seojoon Kim in a Cointelegraph interview. “Both candidates recognized crypto’s strategic importance for economic growth.”

The regulatory shift comes as South Korean exchanges report record trading volumes, with KRW now accounting for 12% of global crypto transactions. Analysts predict the ETF approvals alone could attract $7 billion in institutional inflows within 18 months.

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Market Impact: The election results triggered immediate bullish sentiment across South Korean exchanges, with the KOSPI’s crypto-related stocks surging up to 14% in early trading. International observers note the policies could pressure other Asian nations to accelerate their own digital asset frameworks.

Spot ETF

A regulated investment fund that directly holds cryptocurrencies and trades on traditional stock exchanges.

Stablecoin

A digital currency pegged to stable assets like fiat money, designed to minimize price volatility.

AML/KYC

Anti-Money Laundering and Know Your Customer regulations requiring financial institutions to verify client identities and monitor transactions.

ISMS Certification

Information Security Management System accreditation validating an organization’s data protection capabilities.