South Korea’s Crypto Revolution: ETFs to Skyrocket Bitcoin’s Rise?
Lee Jae-myung, South Korea’s presidential frontrunner, pledges to legalize spot crypto ETFs, sparking hopes for a Bitcoin boom!

Lee, leading polls with nearly 50% support, aims to make South Korea a crypto hub by allowing spot Bitcoin and other crypto ETFs, currently banned. Posts on X highlight his 87% Polymarket odds of winning, boosting optimism. His plan targets young investors, promising safer, cheaper access to digital assets. This comes as South Korea’s crypto trading volume hit $12 billion daily in December, surpassing its stock markets. However, Lee faces a legal hurdle—a May 15 retrial for election law violations could bar him from running if convicted.
Spot ETFs would let investors track crypto prices without owning assets directly, likely boosting demand for Bitcoin ($BTC), now at $92,500. South Korea’s tech-savvy population and massive crypto adoption—fueled by global trends like U.S. ETF approvals—make this a game-changer. Lower fees could attract retail investors, but regulatory clarity is key. If Lee’s legal woes derail his campaign, conservative rivals might slow crypto progress, leaving markets in limbo.
If Lee wins and delivers, $BTC could surge, with analysts eyeing $100,000. But his retrial and global economic pressures, like Trump’s tariffs, add uncertainty. Investors should watch the election and diversify to manage risks.