South Korean financial experts and opposition lawmakers are pushing for a similar strategy. During a seminar held last Wednesday at the National Assembly, industry leaders and politicians discussed the potential benefits of adding Bitcoin to South Korea’s national reserves and developing a won-backed stablecoin.

The event, hosted by the opposition Democratic Party, focused on how South Korea should respond to America’s crypto-friendly stance. The discussions came just a day before former U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to establish a Bitcoin Reserve, a move that has sent shockwaves through the global financial system.

South Korea Faces Pressure to Act

Kim Jong-seung, CEO of blockchain firm xCrypton, was among those advocating for a clear policy response from South Korea. “South Korea will need to respond with a clear policy,” he stated at the event, emphasizing the urgency of aligning with global shifts in crypto adoption.

As more nations explore the idea of holding digital assets as part of their financial reserves, the push for South Korea to follow suit is growing. Japan, for instance, is actively considering a National Bitcoin Reserve, while Hong Kong continues to expand its role as a leading digital asset hub.

The U.S. Bitcoin Reserve Drives Global Reactions

On Thursday, just a day after South Korea’s forum, Trump signed an executive order formalizing the establishment of a Bitcoin Reserve and a national crypto stockpile. By Friday, the White House hosted its first crypto summit, which was attended by major industry figures such as Michael Saylor, chairman of MicroStrategy, and Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong.

The Trump administration has framed its policy as a move to “catalyze the crypto Renaissance,” signaling an era of increased governmental involvement in digital assets.

David Sacks, the White House’s newly appointed Crypto Czar, has denied any immediate plans to sell gold to buy Bitcoin, but has acknowledged that discussions on government asset diversification are ongoing. His comments suggest that Bitcoin’s role in national reserves is far from a temporary experiment and could become a long-term financial strategy.

Regulatory Challenges in South Korea

Despite growing interest, South Korea faces regulatory obstacles that may slow down its adoption of a Bitcoin reserve. Current regulations prevent non-residents from trading on local crypto exchanges, causing many domestic investors to rely on offshore platforms.

Additionally, South Korea has been taking an increasingly strict stance on crypto-related crimes. The government recently declare plans to upgrade its crypto task force into a permanent investigative unit, which could lead to tighter regulations on digital assets.

These restrictions create a complex environment for policymakers who must balance financial innovation with regulatory oversight.

Will South Korea Follow the U.S. in Embracing Bitcoin?

The debate over Bitcoin’s role in national reserves is no longer just a theoretical discussion. The U.S. has taken decisive action, and Japan, Hong Kong, and other financial hubs are actively exploring similar strategies.

For South Korea, the question is not just whether it should hold Bitcoin but how it will navigate the regulatory and economic challenges that come with such a move.

If the country decides to move forward, it could position itself as a leader in Asia’s digital asset landscape. However, if it hesitates, it risks falling behind as major economies embrace Bitcoin as a strategic asset.

With global interest in crypto reserves rising, all eyes are now on Seoul to see if it will take the leap into the next phase of digital finance.