South Korea’s long-awaited cryptocurrency tax framework could face another delay, according to local reports. Key issues surrounding definitions and classifications within the system remain unresolved, making a 2027 rollout uncertain. Despite previous delays, significant gaps in the tax system have yet to be addressed, potentially pushing the tax implementation even further into the future.
Ongoing Classifications and Regulatory Challenges
Kim Gap-rae, Senior Research Fellow at the Capital Market Research Institute, pointed out that while progress has been made, the uncertainty around how to classify various cryptocurrency activities persists. These include lending income, staking, mining, airdrops, and hard forks, which are still lacking formal definitions.
If these challenges are not addressed promptly, it’s possible that a fourth delay could occur, further complicating South Korea’s tax policies on digital assets.
As of now, taxation on gains from cryptocurrency transfers and lending is scheduled for implementation by early 2027. However, the report indicates that South Korean authorities have yet to clarify how taxes will apply to complex areas such as decentralized platforms, foreign exchanges, and peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions.
The lack of consensus on these issues is causing concern within the cryptocurrency sector, with many wondering if the country will be able to establish clear regulations before the proposed deadline.
Another significant issue is how tax rules will be applied to non-residents, the determination of acquisition costs, and the exact timing of taxable events. These unresolved details further complicate the picture for exchanges and users alike, with regulatory clarity remaining elusive.
Increased Focus on KYC and AML Regulations
In addition to uncertainties surrounding the tax framework, local cryptocurrency exchanges are under increased scrutiny due to South Korea’s anti-money laundering (AML) and Know-Your-Customer (KYC) requirements. Financial authorities are expected to impose sanctions for compliance violations, with major exchanges already undergoing inspections.
The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), operating under the Financial Services Commission, has fined firms like Dunamu and imposed suspensions on services. Other exchanges such as Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone, and Korbit have faced on-site inspections as well, with more sanctions expected in the near future. The ongoing regulatory pressure underscores the growing challenges facing the cryptocurrency sector in South Korea.
FSC Tightens Focus on Stablecoins
The Financial Services Commission (FSC) in South Korea is also tightening its attention on stablecoins, emphasizing that their introduction must be supported by robust safeguards. According to Lee Eog-weon, Chairman of the FSC, stablecoins hold the potential to transform South Korea’s financial ecosystem but require a secure and structured framework to mitigate systemic risks.
During a budget review with the National Assembly Budget Settlement Special Committee, Lee outlined the FSC’s approach to stablecoins, stressing the importance of balancing global consistency, innovation, and stability.
These principles will guide the nation’s efforts to build a safer and more innovative digital finance environment, as South Korea continues to explore the integration of digital currencies into its financial systems.