Attorneys Ohoon Kwon and Seo Yeon of Cha & Kwon Law Offices have been selected as contributors to the Chambers Global Practice Guides – Blockchain & Crypto-Assets 2026 (South Korea).

Through the “Trends and Developments” section of this guide, the two attorneys introduced key regulatory changes and practical issues in Korea’s digital asset market to an international readership.

Chambers & Partners is a leading global legal research organization that evaluates law firms and lawyers around the world. Global corporations, financial institutions, and corporate legal departments rely on Chambers’ rankings and materials as key references when selecting external legal counsel, and the Global Practice Guides published by Chambers are also widely used as practical reference materials for understanding the legal and regulatory environments of various jurisdictions.

This contribution, titled “Korea’s 2026 Crossroads in Digital Asset Regulation,” highlights five developments expected to have the greatest impact on market entry into Korea over the next 18 months.

• Permission for security token issuance from 2027: Amendments to the Capital Markets Act and the Electronic Securities Act will allow blockchain-based securities issuance from 2027.
• Delay of the Digital Asset Basic Act (DABA): The bill, which would provide the legal basis for exchange licensing and stablecoin regulation, remains pending before the National Assembly due to a conflict between the Bank of Korea and the Financial Services Commission.
• First criminal punishment under the VAUPA: In February 2026, the first conviction for market manipulation was issued, and AI-based surveillance is being expanded.
• Gradual permission for corporate KRW accounts: Account openings will be permitted in phases, beginning with law enforcement agencies and non-profit corporations and extending to listed companies.
• Virtual asset income tax from 2027: A 20% tax on transfer and lending income, or 22% including local tax, is scheduled to proceed as planned.

The Global Practice Guides are publications authored by practitioners directly selected by Chambers for each jurisdiction and practice area, and are leading legal guides referenced by legal professionals, investment institutions, and regulatory authorities around the world.

Through this contribution, Cha & Kwon introduced its practical perspective on Korea’s blockchain and digital asset regulatory environment to the international market.

▶ Read the full contribution: Chambers & Partners — Blockchain & Crypto-Assets 2026, South Korea