South Korean Presidential Candidate Pledges Crypto ETF Approval to Attract Young Voters

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate in South Korea, has committed to legalizing spot cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as part of a broader strategy to appeal to younger investors. With the June 3 election nearing, Lee emphasized digital assets as a cornerstone of his economic policy.

The pledge includes creating a unified regulatory framework to enhance investor protections and make crypto investments more accessible. "We must help young people build assets and plan for their future," Lee stated in a May 6 social media post, framing crypto adoption as a generational opportunity.

This move could position South Korea alongside the U.S. and Hong Kong in embracing regulated crypto investment vehicles. No specific coins or exchanges were mentioned in the proposal, but the policy signals growing institutional recognition of digital assets.