World Vision Korea made history on June 1, 2025, by becoming the first institution to sell cryptocurrency holdings since South Korea began lifting its ban on institutional crypto trading.
The humanitarian organization sold 0.55 ETH worth $1,396.50 on the Upbit exchange, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s evolving relationship with digital assets. This modest transaction, confirmed by Dunamu (Upbit’s parent company), represents far more than its dollar value suggests—it signals the beginning of South Korea’s measured re-entry into institutional cryptocurrency markets.
The sale follows an announcement from South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) that qualified non-profits and registered crypto exchanges could begin selling their crypto holdings starting June 1.
Under the new regulations, non-profits can now liquidate cryptocurrency received through donations, while exchanges are permitted to sell user fees paid in digital assets. This careful, phased approach demonstrates South Korea’s commitment to regulatory prudence after years of restrictive policies that effectively banned institutional crypto participation.
The timing couldn’t be more significant, as South Korean voters prepare for Tuesday’s presidential election where all three leading candidates have pledged to expand the local digital asset sector. These promises include approving the country’s first spot crypto exchange-traded funds, signaling broad political consensus on embracing cryptocurrency’s growing role in the financial ecosystem.
The FSC has already outlined plans for a controlled rollout, announcing that publicly listed companies and entities registered as professional investors will be permitted to trade crypto in the second half of 2025.
Gradual Crypto Integration
South Korea’s measured approach to institutional crypto integration mirrors a broader global trend of regulatory maturation, moving from initial skepticism toward cautious acceptance. The country’s decision to allow non-profits and exchanges to sell first, before extending permissions to public companies, demonstrates a deliberate risk-management strategy that acknowledges the market’s historical sensitivity to Korean regulatory announcements.
Despite previous restrictions, the country has maintained disproportionate market influence, once accounting for 30% of worldwide cryptocurrency trading despite having less than 1% of global population.
This exceptional participation created the famous “Kimchi Premium” phenomenon, where cryptocurrencies traded at significantly higher prices on Korean exchanges—sometimes exceeding 50% during peak periods.
Institutions Signal Market Maturation
World Vision Korea’s ETH transaction, though modest in size, represents the beginning of a broader institutional adoption trend transforming cryptocurrency markets from retail-dominated speculation toward diversified investment.
The introduction of institutional participants typically brings increased liquidity and reduced volatility, replacing impulsive retail trading with large, strategically-timed transactions. South Korea’s approach of gradually admitting different institutional categories mirrors the broader institutional evolution seen globally, where foundations and non-profits often precede corporate treasury investments.
The cultural context strongly supports this institutional embrace, with approximately 30% of South Korean salaried workers already owning cryptocurrencies and a population comfortable with digital transactions. The presidential candidates’ uniform support for digital asset growth acknowledges this established market significance and suggests continued regulatory evolution rather than revolution.
