A new industry survey shows cryptocurrency adoption accelerating in South Korea, with 27% of citizens aged 20 to 50 now holding digital assets. On average, crypto accounts for 14% of their financial portfolios, and 70% of respondents say they intend to increase exposure. Ownership is most pronounced among 40-year-olds, where the participation rate reaches 31%. The upbeat sentiment is spilling into equities tied to the sector. Kakao Pay has doubled in June on expectations it could issue a won-denominated stablecoin, while gaming firm ME2ON has risen three-fold amid anticipation of Web3 expansion. The rally follows President Yoon Suk Yeol’s campaign pledge to permit won-based stablecoins, reinforcing hopes for a more accommodative regulatory backdrop. Leverage has climbed alongside stock prices. Retail investors’ margin loans have swelled to ₩20.5 trillion (about US$15 billion), heightening the risk of forced selling should crypto-linked shares retreat. Regulators have not commented publicly on whether additional safeguards will be introduced.