SOUTH KOREA
South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea, is located on the Korean Peninsula in East Asia. It is known for its advanced technology, bustling cities like Seoul, rich cultural heritage, and a robust economy driven by industries such as electronics, automotive, and shipbuilding. The country is a democratic republic with a president as head of state. South Korea's education system is highly competitive, and its cuisine, like kimchi and bulgogi, has global recognition. The country also has a strong entertainment industry, known for K-pop and Korean drama. The demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating South Korea from North Korea remains a significant geopolitical focus.
China Leads Pan-Asian Digital Currency Project to Compete with Facebook's Libra
Led by China, four Asian countries are in the early stages of developing a joint digital currency. The currency will help keep the Dollar and Libra in check
South Korea Sets Up Panel to Accelerate CBDC Launch
In a bid to keep up with global trends in the development of a Central Bank Digital Currency, South Korea launches a 6-man panel to review regulatory issues
South Korean Court Apprehends Crypto Assets of “Nth Room” Ringleader
A South Korean court has frozen 15 cryptocurrency wallets belonging to Cho Ju-bin, the orchestrator of the “Nth Rooms” scandal. It came to the limelight following a national outcry following the sexual exploitation of underage girls by Cho Ju-bin and his team who was named and paraded through the Korean streets to face the public in March.
Analyst Honored for Exposing South Korean Dark Web Crypto Child Pornography and Blackmail Site
Criminal analyst, Kim Reece, has been named as a finalist for the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal for her role in the takedown of the South Korean ‘Nth Room’ child pornography chat rooms hosting the content of Welcome to Video blackmail sex and exploitation site.
Korea's Educated Jobless Individuals are Building their Blockchain Expertise
Korea’s surging ahead with its blockchain and crypto aspirations. Weeks after the government announced a $400 million blockchain fund, a prominent university added blockchain curriculum to its coursework.
Chinese Government to Consider Cross-Border East-Asian Stablecoin for Hong Kong Amid Implementing Controversial National Security Law
Chinese officials to consider a cross-border stablecoin in Hong Kong, to facilitate a cross-border payment network between three Asian countries, and four currencies China, Japan, and South Korea. The world’s second-largest economy is aiming to build Hong Kong into an international financial center in the digital economy era. At China’s annual “Two Sessions,” also known as the National People’s Congress, China’s most important annual political event in Beijing, officials set the decision to impose new national security legislation on Hong Kong.
South Korea Sees Surge in New Blockchain Platforms for Trading of Unlisted Stocks
South Korea’s progressive-thinking and liberal attitude on blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies got another boost on May 11. Industry sources revealed the upcoming launch of two new blockchain-based exchanges to bolster the financial trading of unlisted equities.
South Korea’s Central Bank Launches Central Bank Digital Currency Pilot Program in Case of Future Necessity
South Korea’s central bank recently announced that it has launched a pilot program assessing the issuance of a central bank digital currency (CBDC). The Bank of Korea has stated that there are no immediate plans to launch a CBDC, however, the pilot program will allow the central bank to be prepared in the future if the changing market conditions require its issuance.
South Korea’s Leading Crypto Exchanges Aid Police in Hunting "Nth Rooms" Blackmail Porn Members
The four primary crypto exchanges in South Korea, namely Coinone, Korbit, Bithumb, and Upbit, have reportedly offered to help police investigate the sexual exploitation of underage girls in the “Nth Rooms” scandal that has sparked a national outcry.
Coronavirus Tracking and Surveillance May Have Consequences for the Protection of Personal Data Privacy
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently stated that the coronavirus pandemic is “accelerating,” as 20% of the world’s population goes into lockdown in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus. People are told to stay at home as the world is entering a critical week, with over 381,761 cases confirmed around the world at the time of reporting.
South Korea Passes Comprehensive Law Officially Legalizing Cryptocurrency Trading And Holding
A day after India’s Supreme Court lifted the ban on cryptocurrencies, South Korea has followed in their footsteps as the nation’s National Assembly has amended the Act on Reporting and Use of Specific Financial Information. This move fully legalizes cryptocurrencies in South Korea.
South Korean Tax Specialists Advocate for Lowered Crypto Taxation
Members of the Korean Tax Policy Association are calling on the government to consider applying a low-level tax on crypto transactions. The South Korean administration is contemplating taxing cryptocurrencies as part of its tax reform plan for 2021, but specialists feel it requires in-depth conceptualization.
South Korea’s Jeju Island Leverages Blockchain to Curb Depleted Electric Vehicle Batteries
Jeju Island’s government representatives have revealed that a blockchain-powered electric vehicle waste-battery distribution management system has been implemented based on a multi-year support. It will track the history of receipts of waste-batteries acquired at the Jeju Technopark Electric Vehicle Battery Industrialization Center that opened in June 2019.
Blockchain-Powered App to Seamlessly Assist Patients Request Medical Care and Insurance Cover
Seoul Medical Center is set to launch a blockchain-enabled medical information mobile app dubbed Seoul Care this month. This app will help patients plan medical treatments, look up prescription details, and check test results using their smartphones.
South Korean Advocates for Institutionalization of Cryptocurrencies via Bitcoin Derivatives
A South Korean commission dubbed the 4th Industrial Revolution Commission has proposed that the government ought to permit financial institutions to establish cryptocurrency-based products, such as Bitcoin derivatives as they will be instrumental in the long-term institutionalization of cryptocurrencies.