16 million investors shape Korea’s 2025 election

South Korea’s upcoming presidential election on June 3, 2025, is drawing attention as crypto policies take center stage among the country’s 16 million crypto account holders, which represent 31% of the population, according to industry estimates.

Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung has pledged to legalise spot crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs), lower transaction fees, and strengthen consumer protection if elected.

“I will create a safe investment environment so that young people can build assets and plan for the future,” Lee stated, as quoted by The Korea Economic Daily.

Lee’s campaign aims to appeal to younger voters seeking broader investment opportunities.

Lee currently leads the polls, with a Realmeter survey showing 54.3% support compared to 26.3% for his main rival, Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party.

This is the first time Lee has included crypto as a major campaign issue, reflecting the growing influence of digital assets in Korean society.

The People Power Party, now represented by veteran politician Kim Moon-soo, has also promised to allow spot crypto ETFs and to dismantle the one-exchange-one-bank rule, a regulation that restricts each crypto exchange to working with only one local bank.

This rule was originally intended to prevent money laundering and ensure transparency by verifying investor identities.

Kim Moon-soo, who won his party’s nomination with 56.5% of the vote, has emphasised business-friendly policies and economic revitalisation following the recent impeachment and removal of President Yoon Suk Yeol.

“Kim’s campaign will focus on unifying conservative support and restoring economic and political stability after a turbulent period in the country’s leadership,” according to The Daily Guardian.