South Korean Candidates Back Bitcoin ETF Support

All three major South Korean presidential candidates have publicly endorsed Bitcoin spot ETFs and institutional cryptocurrency investments ahead of the June 3 presidential elections. Ki Young Ju, CEO of CryptoQuant, reported this on May 14, 2025, via the X platform.

The event carries potential to transform South Korea’s crypto markets, opening them to institutional investors and enhancing regulatory clarity. This development attracted significant interest from global crypto markets.

Ki Young Ju indicated that all major candidates support introducing Bitcoin spot ETFs, which are currently prohibited. This aligns with Lee Jae-myung’s commitment to legalize crypto ETFs and reduce trading fees for digital investors. The support from these candidates reflects a growing acknowledgment of digital assets’ importance in South Korea.

“The decision impacts market stability and liquidity, and could spur a shift in global Bitcoin trading as institutional capital enters via South Korea,” Ki Young Ju, CEO, CryptoQuant explains. This could attract significant investments, affecting local and international exchanges.

Politically, the candidates’ consensus on cryptocurrency regulation highlights its role as a key issue in the upcoming election. Crypto policies are becoming central, aiming to appeal to South Korea’s expanding base of crypto users.

Institutional inflows could stabilize markets, as observed globally following similar regulatory reforms, such as the U.S. authorization of Bitcoin ETFs in 2024. These reforms have historically bolstered market maturity and enhanced price discovery mechanisms .