South Korean Banks Surge on Stablecoin Trademark Filings Amid Crypto-Friendly Policy Shift

Shares of major South Korean banks rallied sharply in late June after filing trademarks for stablecoin-related services, signaling institutional interest in blockchain-based financial innovation. Kakao Bank led the surge with a 19.3% stock price jump following 12 trademark applications, while Kookmin Bank and Industrial Bank of Korea saw gains of 13.38% and 10.1% respectively.

The moves coincide with President Yoon Suk-yeol's pro-crypto administration, inaugurated June 4, which has prioritized digital asset innovation as part of its financial technology agenda. Market analysts note the filings specifically reference Korean won-pegged stablecoins, suggesting imminent development of regulated digital currency products.

Domestic media reports indicate the trademark applications cover payment processing, digital wallet infrastructure, and cross-border settlement systems—core components for institutional stablecoin deployment. The announcements triggered heightened trading volumes across Seoul's financial sector as investors positioned for potential blockchain adoption.