- South Korea’s June 3 election may legalize spot crypto ETFs and open digital asset investment access
- Lee Jae-myung and PPP candidates compete to win crypto voters with ETF policy and fee reduction promises
- New ETF regulations, exchange reform, and Web3 oversight likely if either party wins Korea’s 2025 election
South Korea’s presidential election race is heating up, and crypto policy is taking center stage. Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate representing South Korea’s Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), has pledged to legalize spot cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs). He also pledged lower trading fees for digital asset investors, aiming to win support ahead of the June 3 vote.
The announcement was made on his official Facebook page, where he also outlined a plan to establish a monitoring system to enhance safety in the local crypto market.
DPK Candidate Courts Crypto Voters
His statement highlights how major parties are now actively trying to attract the country’s large and growing number of crypto users.
Lee’s statement shows a continuation of cross-party interest in reversing South Korea’s ban on spot crypto ETFs. Despite rising global adoption and the recent launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the United States, the country has not yet approved such products.
Related: South Korea Issues New Crypto-Friendly Guidelines: Analysts Suspect Political Motivation
Lee emphasized that the policy shift would seek to align South Korea’s financial market structure with growing global standards, while reducing barriers for both institutional and retail investors.
In addition to enabling ETF trading, Lee proposed reducing digital asset transaction fees, a measure intended to improve market accessibility and reduce investors’ entry costs. He also pledged to implement a nationwide digital asset monitoring system, which would aim to address security concerns and promote a safer trading environment.
Opposition Party (PPP) Lays Out Broader Crypto Roadmap
The announcement aligns with the People Power Party’s broader effort to advance crypto innovation. According to local media outlet Edaily, lawmakers recently unveiled a seven-point plan at the National Assembly aimed at expanding market access and strengthening industry support.
A key PPP promise is lifting the “one exchange, one bank” rule. This current rule forces each crypto exchange to use only one specific bank for verified real-name customer accounts. Removing it could significantly open up market access.
PPP Also Targets ETF Legalization This Year
The PPP has also called for legalizing spot crypto ETFs by the end of this year. Party lawmaker Park Soo-min cited the surge in U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF activity as a reason South Korea moved quickly.
Related: South Korea to Release Institutional Crypto Investment Guidelines in Q3 2025
To drive these efforts, the PPP plans a new “Digital Asset Promotion Basic Act” and a special crypto committee under its presidential candidate. Both major parties clearly see crypto policy as a key issue in the run-up to the June 3 election.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. The article does not constitute financial advice or advice of any kind. Coin Edition is not responsible for any losses incurred as a result of the utilization of content, products, or services mentioned. Readers are advised to exercise caution before taking any action related to the company.
