[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.”

By Samuel Chung Technology and Business Reporter Nov. 19, 2024

SEOUL, South Korea — In a crowded auditorium at Seoul National University’s Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Steve Young Kim, Binance’s Asia Pacific Director of Business Development, stood before an audience of academics and industry leaders. His message was clear: “Blockchain technology can be the salvation for the financially excluded.”

This bold declaration set the tone for a groundbreaking seminar titled “ESG Meets Blockchain,” where leaders in both fields gathered to explore how these two transformative forces might reshape the future of sustainable business practices.

The numbers are compelling. Binance’s charitable initiatives have already touched more than 2 million lives across 54 countries, with investments exceeding $23 million in 32 projects. But beyond the figures lies a larger vision of financial inclusion and transparency that blockchain technology promises to deliver.

“ESG is no longer optional in corporate management,” said Na Seok-kwon, director of SK Social Value Research Institute, emphasizing the need for quantifiable metrics in evaluating corporate sustainability efforts. This sentiment echoes growing global pressure for businesses to adopt measurable environmental, social, and governance standards.

The intersection of blockchain and humanitarian efforts was dramatically illustrated by Professor Kim Bu-yeol of Seoul National University, who shared his harrowing experience of facing life-threatening situations while attempting to transfer funds to developing nations. “The current system is broken,” he said, “but blockchain offers a way forward.”

The relationship between blockchain technology and practical applications was a central theme. “Just as Tether has demonstrated utility in transfers, practical applications will naturally drive adoption,” explained Professor Cho Jae-o of Hansung University, highlighting how technological advancement could accelerate mainstream acceptance.

However, amid the optimism, cautionary voices emerged. Professor Kim Kyung-min of Seoul National University warned about the potential for growing wealth disparities due to global liquidity expansion affecting asset prices, including cryptocurrencies. He also emphasized the need for both public and private sectors to remain vigilant about industry changes in the post-Trump era.

In a concrete example of blockchain’s potential for social impact, Ko Jin-seok, co-founder of Block ESG, detailed an ongoing microfinance project in Cambodia. The initiative, a collaboration with Seoul National University’s Graduate School of Environmental Studies, represents a practical application of blockchain technology in sustainable development.

“This is just the beginning,” Mr. Ko said. “The combination of blockchain transparency and ESG principles could revolutionize how we approach social impact and sustainable development.”

The seminar highlighted a crucial moment in the evolution of sustainable finance, where technology meets social responsibility. As businesses worldwide grapple with mounting pressure to demonstrate genuine commitment to ESG principles, blockchain technology offers a promising path forward, potentially transforming how we track, measure, and implement sustainable business practices.

For the global financial community, the message from Seoul was clear: the future of sustainable finance might well lie at the intersection of blockchain innovation and ESG principles. The question now is not if, but when and how this transformation will unfold.

[정주형 코리언저널 기자 ten@tenspace.co.kr] 서울대학교 ESG 사회혁신 센터가 19일 환경대학원에서 ‘ESG, 블록체인을 만나다’를 주제로 주목할 만한 세미나를 개최했다. 이번 행사는 기업 경영의 새로운 패러다임으로 부상한 ESG와 블록체인 기술의 접목 가능성을 탐색하는 자리였다.

바이낸스 아시아 태평양 지역 사업 개발 이사 스티브 영 킴은 “블록체인은 금융 소외계층을 위한 구원의 기술”이라고 강조했다. 바이낸스의 자선 프로젝트는 이미 32개 프로젝트에 2,300만 달러 이상을 투자해 54개국 200만 명 이상을 지원한 실적을 보유하고 있다.

SK 사회적 가치 연구소 나석권 소장은 “ESG는 이제 기업 경영에서 선택이 아닌 필수”라며, 계량적 평가의 중요성을 역설했다.

서울대 환경대학원 김부열 교수는 개발도상국 송금 과정의 위험성을 지적하며, 블록체인 기술이 이러한 문제를 해결할 수 있다는 기대감을 표명했다. 한성대 조재오 교수는 “스테이블코인 테더와 같은 실용성 높은 기술 발전이 블록체인의 대중화를 이끌 것”이라고 전망했다.

서울대 김경민 교수는 글로벌 유동성 증가로 인한 자산 가격 상승이 빈부격차를 심화시킬 수 있다고 경고하며, 트럼프 이후 블록체인 산업 변화에 대한 민관의 적극적 대응을 촉구했다.

블록 ESG의 공동창업자인 텐스페이스 고진석 대표는 “서울대 환경대학원과 협력하여 캄보디아에서 기부와 소액금융 프로젝트를 진행 중”이라며, 글로벌 파트너들과의 협력을 통한 지속가능한 발전 의지를 밝혔다.

이번 세미나는 ESG와 블록체인의 융합이 가져올 혁신적 변화와 사회적 가치 창출의 가능성을 조명했다. 향후 이러한 논의가 구체적인 실행으로 이어져 기업과 사회의 지속가능한 성장을 이끌 것으로 기대된다.