In this edition of YAP On The Record, we sat down with Uk Jin, a crypto reporter at Bloomingbit, part of the Korea Economic Daily, to discuss the evolving crypto landscape in Korea, the country’s regulatory momentum post-GENIUS Act, and why he believes real-world assets (RWAs) and tokenisation could be the bridge to mainstream blockchain adoption.
Tell us about yourself and how you got into crypto.
My name is Uk Jin, and I’m a reporter at Bloomingbit, which is a subsidiary of the Korea Economic Daily, one of Korea’s largest financial media groups. I joined about two years ago, almost by accident. During my journalism internship, I came across a news article about BlackRock planning to launch a Bitcoin ETF. That surprised me because I used to think crypto was just a scam. I lost money during the FTX collapse as a student and didn’t believe it was a real asset. But seeing a major global financial institution like BlackRock getting involved changed my perspective. It made me realise that crypto might actually be part of the future of finance, not just speculation. That’s how I decided to enter this industry as a journalist.
How would you describe the crypto landscape and sentiment in Korea right now?
Korea’s market is still very trading-driven, with retail traders accounting for the bulk of volume. But things are evolving quickly. There’s growing institutional interest and a stronger regulatory push, especially after the United States’ GENIUS Act inspired similar policy discussions here. The government recently introduced frameworks, such as the Digital Asset Basic Act, and is exploring stablecoin regulation. I’ve even attended several National Assembly events on why stablecoins matter, something that would have been unthinkable a few years ago. Korea is also extremely digital-friendly as a society, so I believe crypto could easily become part of everyday economic life once the right infrastructure is in place.
What types of stories are you most interested in covering right now?
Currently, I’m most drawn to stories surrounding real-world assets (RWAs) and tokenization, particularly where blockchain connects to tangible, everyday value. Korea’s real estate market is one of the most expensive in the world, and I think tokenisation could help solve real problems like property accessibility and liquidity. That’s why I see RWAs as the most realistic bridge between blockchain technology and the general public. I’m also keeping an eye on DeFi business models, particularly around risk and sustainability. I want to explore whether some of these structures are truly stable or vulnerable like past collapses.
How do you choose what story gets your attention on a given day?
It really depends on momentum. I look at what’s driving conversations across markets and politics, but I’m most interested when I can see a “why now” angle or when a topic reflects a real economic shift.
How do you feel Korean media frames crypto compared to global media?
I’d say Korean coverage is still cautious. Crypto hasn’t gone fully mainstream here yet, and even the terminology isn’t standardised. Some outlets call it “cryptocurrency,” while others use “virtual assets.” A lot of publications still chase sensational headlines for clicks, especially around tokens like XRP, which are very popular in Korea. But outlets like Bloomingbit are trying to go deeper and explain blockchain’s technical and economic value in a way readers can understand.
What do you think is the biggest barrier to mainstream adoption in Korea?
Two things: regulation and real-world use.
Crypto in Korea is still seen mainly as a trading tool, not something you can use in daily life. Also, ICOs are still banned, which limits how new crypto businesses can grow domestically. I’d love to see more applications that make crypto part of everyday life, like investing, payments, or digital identity systems.
What trends in APAC do you think Western media underestimates or misunderstands?
I think Western outlets sometimes overestimate how advanced Asia’s adoption really is. While there’s enthusiasm, a lot of people here still don’t fully understand blockchain’s basics or key terms. We also lack good Korean translations for many concepts, which makes education harder. Another thing often overlooked is that it’s not just young people interested in crypto here. I see many older and middle-aged investors at conferences who genuinely want to learn and participate. That passion is unique to Korea.
What is one thing you wish PR people understood better when pitching you?
Two things really matter: timing and context.
Journalists receive dozens of pitches every day, so it helps when PR teams explain why the story matters now. That’s what makes a pitch stand out. I also prefer simple, direct subject lines that mention if it’s an interview or embargo, plus the project name. Avoid overly abstract titles.
