Presidential front-runner Lee Jae-myung has pledged to legalize spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds in South Korea if elected. He announced the plan in a Facebook post promising a safer and more accessible investment environment for digital assets through new monitoring systems and regulations.

Lee represents the Democratic Party of Korea and leads the polls ahead of the June 3 election. He said his goal is to create better financial opportunities for young South Koreans including new savings and planning programs. He described the challenges faced by youth as structural problems needing urgent change.

South Korea currently bans spot crypto ETFs under existing regulations but both leading candidates have vowed to lift this restriction. Financial Services Commission chairman Kim Byung-hwan said the agency supports the idea and will work with the next administration to explore implementation. Crypto investors and young voters see this as a major turning point for digital finance in the country.

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Thumzup Media Corporation has taken a bold step by increasing its maximum offering amount from $200 million to $500 million through an amended SEC filing. The move signals the company’s growing commitment to both its social media platform and expanding Bitcoin reserves. Thumzup currently holds over 19 BTC worth approximately $1.8 million and plans to allocate up to 90% of its liquid assets into Bitcoin.

The company describes Bitcoin as a scarce and finite asset with the potential to surpass gold as a long-term store of value. Thumzup’s board believes Bitcoin is a reliable hedge against inflation and global instability. While no securities are being sold immediately the expanded registration allows flexibility for future offerings through stock debt or other instruments.

Since listing on Nasdaq in October 2024 Thumzup has embraced Bitcoin at the core of its financial strategy. The company has integrated BTC into its treasury and launched payment options in Bitcoin through its Account Specialist Program highlighting its belief in the future of digital currency.

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Bhutan has teamed up with Binance Pay and DK Bank to introduce the world’s first nationwide crypto tourism payment system. This bold move lets travelers pay for everything using crypto from flights and hotels to visas local snacks and guided tours. Over 100 Bhutanese merchants are already on board making a fully cashless journey possible with just a phone.

Tourists can now enjoy instant payments using dynamic or static QR codes through the Binance app. The system supports more than 100 cryptocurrencies including BTC BNB and USDC with real-time settlement in local currency by DK Bank. It removes barriers like high exchange fees and card limitations while unlocking access to even remote vendors and artisans.

This initiative empowers Bhutan’s small businesses with global reach through technology. According to officials it supports financial inclusion economic growth and cultural preservation. Binance calls it a historic step toward digital innovation that connects people and places. Bhutan is setting a new standard for crypto’s role in real-world experiences and tourism.

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Japanese investment firm Metaplanet has added another 555 bitcoin worth $53.4 million to its growing digital asset portfolio signaling strong belief in the future of crypto. This purchase brings its total holdings to 5,555 BTC valued at $481.5 million making it Asia’s largest public bitcoin holder and the 11th biggest globally.

CEO Simon Gerovich celebrated the milestone on X by referencing the Japanese pronunciation of five as “Go” saying Go go go go — to the moon and beyond. The company has been building its bitcoin reserves since April 2024 aiming for 10,000 BTC by the end of 2025. It also issued a new $25 million bond series its 13th round to fund future bitcoin buys.

Metaplanet is also expanding into the US with plans to open Metaplanet Treasury Corp in Miami. The city is seen as a rising hub for bitcoin and financial innovation. Company stock surged over 13% on Wednesday as investor confidence grew stronger.

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At Strategy World 2025, Michael Saylor issued a bold message to tech giants like Microsoft: skip the stock buybacks and buy Bitcoin instead.

“Microsoft is going to do a buyback,” Saylor said. “Buying Bitcoin would be 10x better than buying their own stock.” Backed by data, he made the case that corporate treasuries are leaving massive upside on the table by sticking with legacy capital strategies.

Over the last five years, Microsoft stock has returned an impressive 18% annually. But Bitcoin? It’s up 62% annually over that same stretch. “If the cost of capital is the S&P 500 at 14%, Microsoft is outperforming by 4%. Bitcoin is outperforming by 48%,” Saylor emphasized….

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Strike has unveiled one of its most powerful and innovative features to date: bitcoin-backed loans. For the first time, eligible users in select U.S. states can now borrow cash against their bitcoin holdings without having to sell their cryptocurrency. This option allows individuals to access liquidity without losing their long-term exposure to bitcoin’s price appreciation.

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— Jack Mallers… Read more on BitcoinMagazine