- Examining the Current Status and Future of Korea for the Globalization of the Blockchain Industry
[Samuel Chung Journalist ten@tenspace.co.kr] The Seoul National University ESG Social Innovation Center announced that it will host the “Blockchain: Opening the Future (Korea’s Status and Future for the Globalization of the Blockchain Industry)” conference on Friday, January 17, 2025, from 2 PM to 6 PM (KST) at the Seoul Press Center. This conference is designed to diagnose the rapidly changing global virtual asset market and present strategic insights and future directions for the Korean blockchain industry.
The conference will proceed with two main agendas: ‘The Current Status and Future of the Korean Blockchain Industry’ and ‘The Current Status and Future of the Global Blockchain Industry.’ It is expected that in-depth discussions will take place on topics such as: reviewing domestic virtual asset regulatory policies and the current industry ecosystem; innovative use cases of blockchain technology and new business possibilities; analysis of blockchain strategies of major Asian countries; the background and impact of the surge in virtual assets and the strategic use of Bitcoin; and the implications of global industry trends for Korea.
In particular, prominent domestic and international experts will participate as speakers and panelists at this conference, leading to in-depth discussions.
Takeshi Chino, Representative of Binance Japan: Based on his traditional finance background, he will share expertise on financial regulations and present a vision for expanding the blockchain ecosystem gained through Binance’s experience entering the Japanese market.
Gabriella Kusz, Director of BlockFills: As an ESG expert, she will lead in-depth discussions on sustainability reporting, climate governance, and the convergence of blockchain and ESG.
Philip Gant, Director of APAC Policy & Partnerships, Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC): As an expert in East Asian institutions, he will introduce GBBC’s work with policymakers around the world to understand and advance the blockchain ecosystem.
Professor Jae-woo Cho (Hansung University): Under the theme of “What Korea’s Blockchain Policy is Missing,” he will critically analyze the current state of domestic blockchain policy and propose directions for improvement.
Hun-jong Baek, CEO of SmashFi: Through a presentation on “Why Bitcoin Adoption is Necessary to Boost Korea’s Domestic Economy,” he is expected to spark discussions on the economic effects of Bitcoin adoption.
Attorney Jung-yeop Lee (President of the Blockchain Law Society): Under the theme of “Virtual Asset Industry Regulation and Innovation,” he will explore the current status of virtual asset regulation along with innovative ways for industrial development.
Professor Kyung-min Kim (Seoul National University): He will give a presentation on “Understanding Virtual Assets Since the Trump Administration.”
A panel discussion moderated by Young-eun Yang, a KBS reporter, will take place at the conference. The following experts are expected to participate in a lively discussion:
Steve Young Kim, Binance BD Director: With a background in New York securities, he is active as Binance’s East Asia Director.
Paul Koh, Co-founder of BlockESG: With experience as the former CTO of iLoveSchool, he is an expert in artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and business planning.
Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC) will also participate in this event, emphasizing the importance of international, public-private collaboration to push the dial forward in the blockchain industry. GBBC is dedicated to furthering the adoption of blockchain technology by convening regulators, business leaders, and global changemakers to foster collaboration, advance education, and elevate dialogue to create more secure, equitable, and functional societies.
Kyung-min Kim, a professor at Seoul National University who organized the conference, stated, “Amid the rapid growth of the global blockchain market, cooperative preparation between the government and industry is essential for the Korean virtual asset and blockchain industry to make a new leap forward.” He added, “We hope that this conference will serve as an opportunity to present visions and practical strategies for this preparation.”