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South Korea Gets New Crypto Regulation Framework Backed by President Lee

Published by
Zameer Attar and Qadir AK

A game-changing crypto bill has been introduced in South Korea, and it could open the doors to a government-backed stablecoin market, one that favors local innovation and tighter security for users. 

Korean Stablecoins May Soon Go Mainstream

The proposed Digital Asset Basic Act, introduced by ruling party lawmaker Min Byeong-deok, lays out a licensing system for stablecoin issuers. To qualify, projects must hold at least 500 million Korean won in capital (around $367,890). While that sounds steep, it could mark the beginning of a regulated and scalable stablecoin ecosystem fully backed by the Korean won,  something President Lee Jae-myung has strongly supported.

For crypto users, this means South Korean won-based stablecoins could soon become a legitimate alternative to USDT and USDC, especially for on-chain activity without forex risk or capital flight issues.

This bill isn’t just about stablecoins. It proposes a legal definition for all digital assets and introduces a presidentially overseen Digital Asset Committee. That’s a big shift toward a mature and clearly regulated market, a huge plus for developers, DeFi protocols, and exchanges operating in Korea or looking to enter the market.

If passed, the law could also crack down on insider trading, pump-and-dump schemes, and rug pulls, offering users more confidence and transparency.

South Korea Taking Notes from the Best

Min says the bill was inspired by frameworks already in place in the U.S., EU, Japan, and Hong Kong, especially Hong Kong’s licensing requirements for stablecoin issuers. With the U.S. pushing the Genius Act and other nations moving fast, South Korea clearly doesn’t want to be left behind.

Kaia Enters Stablecoin Race as South Korea Bets Big on Crypto

In parallel news, Kakao-backed blockchain Kaia has pledged to launch a Korean won-pegged stablecoin, aligning with President Lee Jae-myung’s crypto-friendly agenda. The announcement comes amid a broader push to support private stablecoin issuers under the upcoming Digital Asset Basic Act. 

Kaia’s move carries serious weight, thanks to its deep ties with Kakao’s massive digital ecosystem, including Kakao Pay, which saw a 30% stock surge alongside rival Danal after the news. With over half of the surveyed Koreans planning to grow their crypto holdings, optimism is spreading fast. 

As South Korea’s payment giants rally and stablecoin regulation nears, the country is clearly setting the stage for a homegrown DeFi explosion.

FAQs

Is cryptocurrency legal in South Korea?

Yes, cryptocurrency trading and exchanges are legal in South Korea but operate under strict regulatory frameworks, including real-name bank account requirements.

How much tax will I pay on crypto in South Korea?

A 22% capital gains tax on crypto profits exceeding 2.5 million Korean won (approx. $1,900) annually is slated to begin in 2025 (delayed from earlier plans).

What is the Digital Asset Basic Act in South Korea?

This proposed bill defines digital assets and establishes a licensing system for stablecoin issuers, aiming for a regulated and secure crypto market in South Korea.

How will the new crypto bill protect users in South Korea?

The bill aims to crack down on unfair practices like insider trading, pump-and-dump schemes, and rug pulls, offering users more confidence and transparency.

Zameer Attar and Qadir AK

Zameer is a financial analyst and writer with a particular interest in cryptocurrency markets. He has been studying cryptocurrencies and their market behavior for several years and deeply understands the factors that affect the price of cryptocurrencies. His expertise lies in his ability to use both technical and fundamental analysis to make informed predictions about the future direction of cryptocurrency prices. He has a strong understanding of market sentiment and uses this to inform his trading decisions and price predictions.

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