South Korea Appoints Crypto Think Tank CEO as Chief Policy Officer

Kim Yong-beom, CEO of Hashed Research, has been appointed Chief Policy Officer of South Korea's Presidential Office under newly elected President Lee Jae-myung. The MOVE signals potential crypto-friendly policy shifts as the administration seeks to align with global digital asset trends.

Kim brings dual expertise from his previous role as Vice Minister of Economy and Finance and his leadership at Hashed Research, the think tank arm of crypto investment firm Hashed. Industry observers anticipate he may prioritize developing a Won-pegged stablecoin—a key campaign promise by President Lee to prevent capital outflows.

The appointment follows Hashed CEO Simon Kim's earlier statements about the administration's pro-crypto stance. South Korean regulators are reportedly studying U.S. crypto regulations as potential models for domestic policy frameworks.