South Korea’s Election Centers on Crypto ETF and Market Reforms
Both candidates support the legalization of crypto ETFs and the easing of crypto rules. Nearly 18 million South Koreans are active in crypto trading and investments today. South Korea’s crypto reforms differ from the US in that they focus on guidelines and access. South Korea’s June 3 presidential election locations cryptocurrency reforms at its. Both leading candidates, Kim Moon-soo of individuals Power Party (PPP) and Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), have actually vowed policies to broaden crypto adoption. Both prospects support legislating spot crypto ETFs and relieving financial investment barriers, indicating a shift towards integrating digital assets into the national economy. NEWS: South Korea’s governmental candidates vow to legislate spot crypto ETFs, ease guidelines, and release a won-backed stablecoin. Read more
Bipartisan Push for Crypto Reform
Lee Jae-myung has assured to authorize area cryptocurrency ETFs and permit the National Pension Service (NPS), which manages $884 billion, to invest in digital assets. He publicly announced these pledges on May 6, 2025. Lee’s propositions aim to expand investment opportunities and match South Korea with international financial trends.
Similarly, Kim Moon-soo supports legalizing area crypto ETFs and plans to ease regulations surrounding cryptocurrency. Kim proposes tax relief for small investors and wishes to eliminate the “one exchange, one bank” rule, which makes it easier for exchanges to partner with banks. This change would increase banking access for crypto platforms and users. Both prospects’ positions reflect a rare bipartisan consensus in South Korean politics.
According to a Korean poll from May 28, 49% support Lee while 36% back Kim. This news appears as people in Korea become more interested in crypto, whose value exceeds $74 billion. The political momentum is clearly shifting towards accepting cryptocurrency as an essential economic driver.
South Korea’s Crypto Landscape and Market Activity
According to a research study published on June 2, 2025, South Korea has a considerable engagement with crypto. Almost 18 million individuals participate in trading, investing, or using cryptocurrencies regularly. South Korean crypto exchanges often surpass the transaction volumes of major stock indices, such as KOSPI and KOSDAQ.
Both Lee and Kim aim to improve South Korea’s financial system by integrating digital assets. Enabling the NPS to hold digital assets is a sign that Lee believes crypto has a role in improving the nation’s wealth. Kim supports plans for tax incentives and changes to banking laws to enhance interest in smaller-level crypto use. These policies, combined, make it clear that South Korea aims to become one of the leading supporters of Web3 and crypto worldwide.
Related: South Korea Blocks 14 Crypto Apps In The Middle Of Regulatory Crackdown
Comparing Political Crypto Methods: South Korea and the U.S.
Political figures worldwide are leveraging cryptocurrency in distinct ways. Donald Trump’s 2024 U.S. presidential campaign embraced crypto directly, branding himself a “crypto president.” The Trump administration initiated the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and launched the $TRUMP meme coin, which has a market value of around $5 billion. Trump also received crypto support from individuals like Jesse Powell and the Winklevoss brothers, who are prominent leaders in the cryptocurrency sector.
Candidates in South Korea pay more attention to changes in policies and the introduction of crypto in official institutions, rather than starting personal crypto projects. Lee and Kim are aiming to integrate cryptocurrency into national financial infrastructure by establishing new regulatory policies.
They emphasize that cryptocurrencies are now crucial topics discussed globally in politics and economics. Could the upcoming regulatory reforms in South Korea be what triggers the next wave of Web3?
