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KakaoBank Begins Building Won‑Pegged ‘Kakao Coin,’ Hiring Blockchain Engineers

Regulators are still divided over who can issue KRW stablecoins, leaving the launch timing uncertain.

Overview

  • KakaoBank has moved its Korean won‑pegged stablecoin from review to active development, according to local reports.
  • The bank opened roles for blockchain backend developers to design smart contracts, manage keys, run full nodes, and build transaction processing systems.
  • Technical work targets on‑chain issuance and management of a KRW stablecoin alongside tokenized securities capabilities.
  • Local media also report partnerships with Korea Investment & Securities and Lucent Block to develop STO products as South Korea readies an STO market for the first half of 2026.
  • Competition is intensifying as Naver develops a local stablecoin wallet in Busan and pursues closer ties with Upbit operator Dunamu, while policy friction between the FSC and the Bank of Korea could delay final stablecoin rules.