South Korean retail investors are rapidly shifting away from U.S. technology giants toward crypto-linked equities, with stablecoin-related firms leading the charge, new data reveals.
According to the Korean Centre for International Finance (KCIF), virtual asset-related stocks made up 36.5% of the top 50 net-bought overseas shares by local individuals in June — a sharp jump from just 8.5% in January. While the share dipped slightly to 31.4% in July, it remains far above early-year levels.
The surge in demand follows the passage of the U.S. GENIUS Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 18. The legislation sets clear regulatory standards for stablecoins, cryptocurrencies pegged to assets such as the U.S. dollar or Treasury bonds, and permits private companies to issue them.
S. Korean retail investors shift from U.S. big tech to crypto-related stocks: report https://t.co/Q1II4Ky8i8
— Yonhap News Agency (@YonhapNews) August 11, 2025
In contrast, South Korean investors’ appetite for the top seven U.S. big tech stocks has plunged, with monthly net purchases tumbling from an average of $1.68 billion between January and April to just $260 million in July.
KCIF data also shows that local individuals turned net sellers of overseas equities in May and June before making a modest return to buying in July, recording $499 million in purchases well below the $3.8 billion monthly average from the first four months of 2025. Analysts point to a stronger Korean won, gains in the domestic stock market, and concerns over U.S. tariffs as key factors behind the slowdown.
The trend underscores a growing appetite for digital asset exposure in retail portfolios, with stablecoin infrastructure emerging as a preferred investment theme.
In a milestone for the sector, South Korea has launched its first Korean won-backed stablecoin, KRWIN, in a limited pilot phase. Developed by fanC in partnership with financial software provider Initech, KRWIN is pegged 1:1 to the won. Unveiled on August 5, the rollout marks the first time a private South Korean company has issued a digital asset tied to the national currency.
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