Bitcoin ETFs Become Political Focal Point in South Korea’s Presidential Race
In a significant development for the cryptocurrency sector, South Korea's presidential candidates are making digital asset policies a central issue in their campaigns. Both Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party and Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party have committed to legalizing spot Bitcoin ETFs, which are currently prohibited under Korean law. This move highlights the increasing demand for regulated crypto investment products among the country's tech-savvy electorate. The 2025 presidential race is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for cryptocurrency adoption in South Korea, with potential implications for Bitcoin's market trajectory and broader institutional acceptance.
Crypto Takes the Spotlight in South Korea’s Heated Presidential Race
South Korea's presidential candidates are aggressively courting the crypto vote, with digital asset policies emerging as a key battleground. The Democratic Party’s Lee Jae-myung and People Power Party’s Kim Moon-soo have both pledged to legalize spot Bitcoin ETFs—a financial instrument currently banned under Korean law.
The push reflects growing demand for regulated crypto investment products among tech-savvy voters. ETF legalization would mark a significant step toward mainstream adoption, allowing traditional investors to gain exposure to digital assets through stock markets.
Bitcoin Suisse Secures In-Principle Approval from ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority
Bitcoin Suisse, Switzerland's premier crypto financial services provider, has achieved a pivotal milestone with its subsidiary BTCS (Middle East) Ltd. securing In-Principle Approval (IPA) from Abu Dhabi Global Market's Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA). This endorsement marks a strategic leap into the Middle East, underscoring the firm's dedication to regulatory rigor and innovation in digital asset finance.
The IPA positions bitcoin Suisse to obtain full licensing imminently, enabling it to offer regulated virtual asset trading and crypto financial services in the region. The development signals growing institutional recognition of cryptocurrency markets amid accelerating global adoption.
Bitcoin Surges Past $107K, Setting New Record on Binance
Bitcoin breached the $107,000 resistance level with a 1.32% daily gain, trading at $107,264 on Binance. This milestone signals growing market stability despite subdued volatility compared to previous cycles.
The breakout fuels bullish sentiment as traders anticipate new all-time highs. Institutional adoption and maturing infrastructure are increasingly dampening extreme price swings characteristic of earlier bull markets.
Bitcoin Breakout Imminent as Binance Data Signals Bullish Continuation
Bitcoin's recent surge of 23.8% over the past month may be just the beginning. Analysts point to aggressive buy-side activity on Binance as a key indicator of further upside potential. The cryptocurrency now trades merely 4% below its all-time high.
CryptoQuant analyst Crazzyblockk highlights a critical momentum signal in Binance's taker buy-sell ratio. Weekly and monthly buy-volume spikes suggest market participants are positioning for a breakout. This on-chain behavior often precedes significant price movements.
Bitcoin Nears All-Time High Amidst Declining Public Interest
Bitcoin approaches its historic price peak, yet Google search volume for the cryptocurrency has plummeted to levels last seen during the 2022 bear market. The digital asset traded near $106,000 at press time—a sixfold increase from its $16,000 valuation two years prior—but public engagement remains conspicuously subdued.
This divergence between price action and retail interest has ignited debate among analysts. Historical patterns suggest search activity typically surges alongside price rallies, making the current detachment particularly notable. Google Trends data reveals searches for "Bitcoin" now mirror those recorded during the depths of the previous crypto winter.
Metaplanet Faces Short Selling Surge as Japan's Debt Crisis Intensifies
Metaplanet, the Tokyo-listed company that gained over 5,000% in 2024 after adopting Bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset, has become Japan's most shorted stock. CEO Simon Gerovich publicly questioned the strategy of betting against Bitcoin amid Japan's financial turmoil.
The short-selling pressure coincides with a historic selloff in Japanese government bonds, driven by inflation reaching 3.6%—surpassing U.S. levels. Yields on 40-year JGBs have spiked to 3.56%, reflecting deepening market stress.