As South Korea approaches its national elections scheduled for April 10th, there's a notable shift in the political landscape as both the ruling and opposition parties address the crypto sector in their electoral promises. The People Power Party, currently in power, has made significant commitments, including exploring the potential authorization of bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and proposing the establishment of a committee dedicated to promoting digital assets. This committee would be tasked with creating legislation and implementing sanctions in the cryptocurrency space. Additionally, the party plans to prioritize the development of a regulatory framework for taxation, delaying the implementation of a cryptocurrency gains tax initially set for January 2025, possibly until 2027.
The delay in taxing virtual assets has generated anticipation and concern within the community, with stakeholders closely monitoring the evolving regulatory landscape. The People Power Party justifies the two-year delay by emphasizing the necessity of a robust legislative framework and infrastructure to support the proposed taxation system.
On the opposing side, the Democratic Party has also entered the conversation, expressing its support for the development of the crypto sector. Reports suggest that the party is willing to approve the purchase of bitcoin ETFs by investors. The Democratic Party is expected to unveil a comprehensive proposal outlining its stance on cryptocurrency regulation and promotion, shedding more light on its position.
Cryptocurrencies have become a significant electoral issue in South Korea, attracting attention, particularly from the younger demographic actively involved in cryptocurrency trading. Despite recent setbacks, such as the challenges faced by the Terra blockchain project, stakeholders are cautiously optimistic about the changing regulatory landscape and adoption trends. The promises from both the ruling and opposition parties indicate a recognition of the cryptocurrency sector's growing importance in the national economy, emphasizing the need for responsible growth through comprehensive regulatory frameworks.