South Korea’s KakaoPay has seen its stock price surge dramatically, climbing over 200% in the past month amid growing speculation about its potential entry into the stablecoin market.
The mobile payment platform, a subsidiary of the country’s internet giant Kakao, saw shares rise from 30,800 Korean won (around US$22.25) on 23 May to 94,700 won (US$68.60) by 23 June, according to Google Finance data.
On 23 June alone, the stock gained 17.3% during trading hours, reflecting strong investor enthusiasm.
The rally in KakaoPay’s stock came after South Korean President Lee Jae Myung signalled strong support for local stablecoins pegged to the Korean won, encouraging collaboration with the private sector to bring them to market.
This government backing gained further momentum when a lawmaker introduced legislation aimed at fast-tracking the approval of won-backed stablecoins.
Amid this shifting regulatory landscape, KakaoPay filed patent applications for six stablecoin-related trademarks with Korea’s Intellectual Property Office on 17 June.
These include various combinations of “KRW” (the Korean won) with letters associated with KakaoPay, such as PKRW, KKRW, and KRWP.
The filings cover electronics, financial services, and IT development categories—spanning cryptocurrency transfers, brokerages, electronic payments, and token issuance.
A KakaoPay spokesperson described these applications as a “preemptive measure” to prepare for the expected stablecoin regulations, emphasising the company’s cautious approach while it monitors the evolving environment.
Experts point out that KakaoPay’s existing payment ecosystem makes it well-positioned to integrate stablecoins naturally.
Eugene Investment and Securities noted that the firm’s “top-up wallet-then-pay” system, with prepaid balances totalling roughly US$429 million, offers a solid collateral base necessary for stablecoin issuance.
The report explained,
“When stablecoins replace payments and remittances, the ability to issue the tokens directly depends on how much in collateral assets you have.”
In this sense, KakaoPay’s prepaid balances could become the foundation for its stablecoin venture.
The Korean government’s push comes as the United States advances its own stablecoin legislation.
The recently passed Senate version of the GENIUS Act now awaits House approval, signalling an international effort to regulate and integrate stablecoins into the broader financial system.
KakaoPay’s moves are widely interpreted as a strategic bid to secure a leading position once South Korea’s Digital Asset Basic Act clears parliament.
This legislation would officially allow private companies to issue won-pegged stablecoins, a sector still largely untapped due to stringent regulations.
One financial official described KakaoPay’s trademark filings as a “classic preemptive strategy,” adding,
“KakaoPay is securing its future branding and structure now, anticipating fast-moving developments once the law passes.”
Should stablecoin legislation be passed, KakaoPay is likely to leverage its extensive ecosystem, which includes KakaoTalk, KakaoBank, and Kakao Games, to boost user adoption and integration.
Such developments could enhance cross-platform payment efficiencies and open new revenue streams.
However, the company’s success will depend heavily on regulatory clarity, transparency in operations, and building user trust in the stablecoin’s stability and security.
KakaoPay’s rapid stock surge and strategic preparations highlight a broader trend: countries and companies are racing to harness stablecoins as tools for financial innovation and sovereignty.
Korea’s ambition to reduce reliance on foreign digital currencies signals a significant shift in how national currencies and digital assets will coexist.
As stablecoin technology challenges traditional financial models and monetary policies, the question arises: will these digital tokens strengthen domestic financial systems or complicate them?
KakaoPay’s moves may offer a glimpse into the future of payments—one where fintech giants and governments must carefully balance innovation with regulation to maintain stability and trust.
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