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Lee Jae-myung used to work in a factory. Now, he’s president of South Korea and ready to shake up crypto.
Though he didn’t shout “blockchain” during his speech, Lee’s team has big digital asset plans. He’s all in on crypto ETFs, stablecoins, and giving your grandma’s pension fund some Bitcoin action.
A Rags-to-Riches President with a Crypto Twist
Lee went from a poor kid working tough jobs to a human rights lawyer. He almost won in 2022, came back stronger in 2025. His new promises? Basic income, fewer work hours, and crypto-friendly rules.
Crypto Rules Incoming
His party’s Digital Asset Committee wants a new law: the Digital Asset Basic Act (DABA). The plan?
Create a stablecoin approval system
Let exchanges regulate themselves
Make things clear for crypto companies
Lee also wants to break the “one bank per exchange” rule and push stablecoins backed by real money—not that wild Terra stuff.
Pension Funds, ETFs, and Some K-Pop Vibes
Lee wants pension funds to hold crypto. He likes spot ETFs. His team even thinks K-pop + stablecoins could go global. Wild? Maybe. Visionary? Possibly.
The North Korea Problem
Lee hopes to chill with North Korea, not fight. Pyongyang’s hackers love crypto—for all the wrong reasons. They’ve stolen billions.
Unlike the last president, Lee says: “Let’s talk peace.” But he also wants solid ties with the U.S. and Japan. China? He’s open—but not everyone’s happy about that.
Scandals, Lawsuits & One Presidential Stabbing
Lee’s had drama. Real estate deals, money to North Korea, and a wild stabbing in 2024. Oh, and he’s got five active court cases.
His first trial—about lying during the 2022 campaign—starts June 18. If convicted, he could be in serious trouble. Some say presidential immunity might not save him this time.
Crypto Hopes Still High
Despite the drama, Lee’s win is a win for crypto. Investors expect smoother rules, fewer delays, and more legitimacy. His speech skipped crypto, but hinted at fintech and new tech.
Spot ETF: A type of crypto investment based on real-time asset prices.
Stablecoin: A digital coin backed by traditional money like USD or KRW.
Self-regulation: Industry sets its own rules (with oversight).
