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South Korea Shifts from CBDC to Bank-Led Stablecoins Amid Cost Concerns

South Korea Shifts from CBDC to Bank-Led Stablecoins Amid Cost Concerns

Published:
2025-07-01 13:19:02
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BTCCSquare news:

South Korea's central bank has abruptly suspended its CBDC pilot program, 'Project Han River,' following resistance from commercial banks over unsustainable costs and unclear profitability. The initiative, which involved a two-tier system for wholesale and retail digital currency, saw seven participating banks spend nearly $26 million in its initial phase—with no appetite to continue absent a viable business model.

In a striking pivot, eight major Korean banks are now spearheading a private stablecoin project pegged to the won. Supported by the Korea Financial Telecommunications and Clearings Institute, the consortium aims for a 2025-2026 launch, betting on stablecoins' commercial advantages over a state-backed digital currency.

|Square

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