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