
- Main event, leadership changes, market impact, financial shifts, or expert insights.
- South Korean banks target stablecoin launch by 2026.
- New stablecoin to challenge USD-backed market dominance.

South Korea’s leading banks are launching a won-backed stablecoin by early 2026 with regulatory review, challenging the dominance of US dollar-pegged stablecoins and fostering local financial sovereignty.
South Korea’s Banking Giants Initiate Stablecoin Project
South Korea’s banking giants, including KB Kookmin Bank and Shinhan Bank, are collaborating on a won-pegged stablecoin project. The initiative aims to reclaim monetary sovereignty and is expected for launch in early 2026.
The project’s partners include the Open Blockchain and Decentralized Identity Association, focusing on creating digital KRW rails. The venture addresses USD stablecoin dominance in South Korea and seeks regulatory approval.
Impact and Implications on Financial Ecosystems
The stablecoin is set to impact local liquidity and payment infrastructures without affecting major cryptocurrencies like BTC or ETH directly. Its creation challenges existing U.S. dollar-pegged assets.
This collaboration could reshape South Korea’s digital economy, potentially altering current financial ecosystems. The government and Bank of Korea are advising caution in the regulatory process.
Regulatory Support and Global Ambitions
Bank executives aim to leverage real-world asset tokenization to integrate KRW into DeFi. The move could elevate South Korea’s digital finance status globally.
The stablecoin launch coincides with the Digital Asset Basic Act, supporting stablecoin issuance. The act aids technological growth, resulting in increased local and international scrutiny for effective management and regulation.
“A Korean won-backed stablecoin can fill a niche as an alternative to traditional payment methods like bank wiring or currency exchange.” — Sam Seo, Chairman, Kaia DLT Foundation
Be the first to leave a comment