Expectations for the institutionalization of the won stablecoin are rising, leading to an increase in stock prices of fintech companies that provide payment services as of the 19th.

The price of virtual assets, including Bitcoin, is displayed on the billboards of the Bithumb Lounge in Seocho-gu, Seoul. /Courtesy of News1

As of 9:49 a.m. on the 19th, KCT is trading at 5,070 won, up 660 won (14.97%) from the previous trading day on the KOSDAQ market. Early in the session, the stock price reached 5,380 won, marking a new high for the year.

NHN KCP (8.48%), ITCEN (7.84%), Kakao Pay (4.52%), and Hecto Financial (1.33%), which are associated with won stablecoins, are all seeing their stock prices rise.

Earlier, Min Byung-deok, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, proposed the 'Digital Asset Basic Law' on the 10th. This bill includes provisions to establish a presidential commission on digital assets and legally permit the issuance of digital assets.

The key point is to allow domestic corporations with a capital of over 500 million won to issue won-based stablecoins with the approval of the Financial Services Commission, strategically nurturing the digital asset industry at the national level.

The Bank of Korea's shift from a conservative stance toward stablecoins is also interpreted as improving investor sentiment. Lee Chang-yong, the governor of the Bank of Korea, noted on the 18th, 'To be clear, a won stablecoin is necessary, and I do not oppose its issuance,' effectively signaling support for the introduction of a won stablecoin.

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