Bank of Korea Forms Crypto Oversight Division as Stablecoin Interest Grows
Amid rising interest in stablecoins, the Bank of Korea (BOK) has created a specialized division to monitor virtual assets and contribute to regulatory discussions, News1 reported.
The division, part of the financial payment systems bureau, will focus on won-based stablecoins, reflecting the central bank’s growing engagement with digital assets. Simultaneously, the BOK renamed its “Digital Currency Research Team” to the “Digital Currency Team,” suggesting a transition from exploratory research to operational readiness.
South Korea’s stablecoin discussions intensified following the US’s regulatory acceptance of USD-backed stablecoins during the Trump administration. President Lee Jae Myung has since advocated for a domestic stablecoin ecosystem to reduce capital flight risks, while a ruling party bill seeks to establish KRW stablecoin regulations.
The private sector has responded swiftly, with leading financial institutions filing trademarks for stablecoin-related branding—a clear sign of impending market activity.
