Cryptocurrencies Retreat Amid Concern of South Korean Clampdown
- Korea is one of the world’s most active cryptocurrency markets
- Ministry proposal to ban exchanges spurs social-media backlash
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Bitcoin slumped to its lowest level since Christmas day as South Korea’s justice minister reiterated his proposal to ban local cryptocurrency exchanges, fueling concern a state crackdown will erode demand for digital coins in one of the world’s biggest markets.
The minister’s comments to reporters on Thursday were later downplayed by a spokesman for President Moon Jae-in, who said the proposal is one among several and that nothing has been finalized. Korea’s government unveiled multiple options for cryptocurrency exchange regulation on Dec. 28, including allowing trading to continue under tighter supervision.