According to a Bloomberg report, South Korea’s cryptocurrency industry is expected to benefit significantly regardless of who wins the upcoming presidential election.
Both leading candidates, Lee and Kim, have put forward policy proposals that strongly support the growth and legalization of digital assets.
Key pledges include the legalization of spot cryptocurrency ETFs, easing restrictions between banks and crypto exchanges.
They are expanding the legal use of crypto assets, and even considering the issuance of stablecoins pegged to the Korean won.
The bipartisan approach represents a rare political alignment in the country and signals a clear shift toward fostering innovation in the digital asset sector.
Political Consensus Reflects Growing National Crypto Participation
The strong pro-crypto stance by both candidates reflects the growing role of cryptocurrency in South Korean society.
With over a third of the population reportedly invested in digital assets, and trading volumes on crypto exchanges.
More so, at times surpassing those of the nation’s major stock indices (KOSPI and KOSDAQ), the industry holds significant economic and social weight.
Leading candidate Lee has emphasized the need to relax rigid banking regulations that currently force exchanges to partner with licensed banks to offer fiat services.
Meanwhile, his opponent Kim has not only endorsed the legalization of spot ETFs but also echoed Lee’s call for broader crypto adoption and regulatory relief.
The shared vision signals stability and long-term policy continuity for crypto investors.
Institutional Momentum and Regulatory Reform Already Underway
Beyond campaign promises, South Korea has already begun laying the groundwork for a more structured crypto environment.
In May, the Democratic Party launched a Digital Asset Committee to formalize policy frameworks and push for industry growth.
The recent development comes on the heels of major regulatory reforms rolled out in July 2024, which introduced stricter operational standards for exchanges, new rules for nonprofit token sales, and potential life sentences for serious crypto-related crimes.
These moves underscore the urgency for clear and balanced regulation amid one of the world’s most active retail crypto markets, which now boasts more than 16 million users.
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Crypto Investors Poised for Stability and Expansion Regardless of Political Outcome
Industry leaders remain optimistic. Simon Seojoon Kim, CEO of Hashed Ventures, noted that with both Lee and Kim embracing crypto-friendly platforms, “the country’s crypto investors face a clear win regardless of the election outcome.”
A recent Gallup Korea poll from May 28 shows Lee leading with 49% support and Kim trailing at 36%, but the result is unlikely to shift the positive trajectory for crypto.
The cross-party consensus promises not only regulatory relief but also increased institutional integration, including more accessible financial products like ETFs and stablecoins.
The alignment could position South Korea as a global model for how political unity can drive technological and financial innovation in digital assets.
Also Read: South Korea’s Ruling Party Proposes Digital Asset Reform to Boost Crypto Growth