South Korean Presidential Candidate Lee Jae-myung Pushes for Bitcoin Adoption with Crypto-Friendly Policies

In a bold move to attract younger voters, South Korean presidential frontrunner Lee Jae-myung has pledged to implement crypto-friendly policies, including reduced transaction fees and approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs. This announcement, made during a campaign stop in North Chungcheong Province, signals a potential shift toward greater institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies in South Korea. As the Democratic Party candidate positions these measures as part of a broader economic strategy, the crypto community watches closely for potential impacts on Bitcoin's market trajectory in 2025 and beyond.

South Korean Presidential Frontrunner Pledges Crypto-Friendly Policies

Lee Jae-myung, the leading candidate in South Korea's upcoming presidential election, has unveiled a pro-crypto agenda targeting younger voters. Speaking in North Chungcheong Province, Lee committed to reducing cryptocurrency transaction fees and approving Bitcoin spot ETFs—a move that could significantly boost institutional adoption.

The Democratic Party candidate framed these measures as part of a broader strategy to create safer investment environments for digital asset holders. "We'll institutionalize crypto ETFs and implement comprehensive monitoring systems," Lee stated, addressing concerns about market volatility and investor protection.

Strike Launches Bitcoin-Backed Lending Service Targeting High-Net-Worth Clients

Strike, the bitcoin Lightning payments app founded by Jack Mallers, has introduced a crypto lending service allowing users to borrow up to $2 million using Bitcoin as collateral. The program, which avoids forced liquidation of BTC holdings, caters to both individual and institutional clients seeking liquidity without sacrificing exposure to the asset.

"People shouldn't have to sell the best-performing asset to access cash," Mallers stated on X, emphasizing the product's value proposition. The service will debut in select U.S. markets before expanding globally, with a clear focus on high-net-worth borrowers.

The MOVE positions Strike as a competitor to traditional crypto lending platforms and Tether-backed services. By leveraging Bitcoin's appreciating value rather than requiring its sale, the offering reflects growing institutional sophistication in cryptocurrency utilization.

Bitcoin Quietly Positions Itself as Safe Haven Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty

Bitcoin is gaining traction as a potential SAFE haven asset as U.S. economic instability reaches record highs. Declining inflows to Binance suggest reduced sell pressure, signaling growing long-term investor confidence.

The cryptocurrency's resilience stands out as traditional markets waver. With institutional interest simmering, Bitcoin appears to be coiling for its next major breakout—potentially redefining its role in the global flight to safety narrative.

Will China Drop Its Bitcoin Mining Ban Amid Trump’s Tariff Pressure?

The United States has solidified its position as the global leader in Bitcoin mining, now commanding 75.4% of the reported hashrate, according to the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance. This marks a dramatic shift from China’s former dominance, which began in 2017 but was upended by its 2021 mining ban.

Trade tensions between the U.S. and China, including potential tariff escalations under a second TRUMP administration, could pressure Beijing to reconsider its stance on crypto mining. Industry analysts suggest that losing the economic and technological advantages of mining may prompt China to reassess its policies.

Market participants are closely watching whether China will re-enter the mining arena, particularly as Bitcoin’s upcoming halving and institutional adoption drive renewed interest in the sector.

New Crypto Whale Moves $47.8M in Bitcoin Amid Market Dip

A newly identified Bitcoin whale has withdrawn 500 BTC—worth roughly $47.8 million—from Binance during a market downturn, according to blockchain analytics platform Lookonchain. The transaction coincides with Bitcoin's retreat from a recent high NEAR $97,000, though prices have stabilized around $94,500.

The whale's cold storage accumulation suggests long-term conviction rather than speculative trading. This mirrors institutional behavior during previous cycles, where large withdrawals from exchanges preceded major rallies.

Bitcoin Price Forecast: Key Scenarios For Tomorrow’s FOMC Decision

Bitcoin traders brace for a macro-driven inflection point as the Federal Open Market Committee prepares to announce its May 7 policy decision. The Federal Reserve, under Chair Jerome Powell, is widely expected to maintain the fed-funds corridor at 4.25 to 4.50 percent, with CME Group’s FedWatch tool pricing in a 98.2 percent probability of no change. Despite this near-certainty, political pressure persists.

President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have publicly advocated for lower borrowing costs. Powell, however, remains in a holding pattern, stating on April 16 that monetary policy is in a "wait-and-see mode" and emphasizing the Fed’s commitment to managing longer-term inflation.