Japan-Korea Stablecoin Plans Advance Through JPYC ITCEN
- JPYC and ITCEN launch joint research to shape future yen and won stablecoin systems.
- The project tracks discussions on Korea’s digital asset law to guide real-world stablecoin design.
- Both firms aim to support secure, faster payments between Japan and South Korea.
Japan-based stablecoin issuer JPYC announced on December 22 that it has begun joint stablecoin research with ITCEN GLOBAL, a major Korean IT group, to explore future Japan–Korea stablecoin development. The initiative follows rising regional interest in stablecoins and real-world asset tokenization, as well as active policy reviews in South Korea focused on creating a formal legal framework for digital assets.
The research aims to share regulatory insights, assess practical implementation issues, and examine cross-border payment use cases using yen- and won-linked stablecoins. Could this collaboration shape how regulated digital money moves between Japan and South Korea?
Cross-Border Stablecoin Research Takes Shape
JPYC stated that the joint research seeks to explore possibilities for future Japan-Korea stablecoins, focusing on real-world implementation rather than theory. The companies framed the effort as a way to exchange knowledge on regulation, technology, and operational readiness.
According to the announcement, South Korea stands at a policy review stage for digital assets, which makes information sharing a core research goal. JPYC noted that insights from Korea’s regulatory discussions may support a more practical stablecoin design.
The companies confirmed that the research covers models beyond JPYC’s current yen-pegged stablecoin. The scope includes examining stablecoins tied to the Korean won alongside the Japanese yen to support faster and lower-cost cross-border payments.
South Korea’s Policy Review Drives Research Focus
South Korea shows an increasing trend in the usage of digital assets, such as stablecoins and RWA products backed by gold. The market development has triggered the government and major institutions to open discussions on the system design that would facilitate it.
One of the major policy initiatives is the proposal of a “Basic Act on Digital Assets,” which would grant rights to stablecoin issuers. Lawmakers have accelerated talks via a task force of the ruling party, based on information available to the public.
JPYC explained that the joint research focuses on tracking these policy developments and gaining suggestions from a practical implementation perspective. The companies aim to align stablecoin research with emerging regulatory direction rather than operate outside it.
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Combining Compliance and RWA Expertise
JPYC launched its yen-linked stablecoin in January 2021 and has reported cumulative issuance exceeding several billion yen. The company is still working to meet the conditions laid out by the Payment Services Act of Japan.
According to its domestic plan, JPYC is applying for enabling licenses for the two activities of transfer business and electronic payment instruments trading. The certifications would open new doors for the stablecoin in regular digital payment transactions.
ITCEN brings in its know-how about tokenizing real-world assets and building digital infrastructure. The group remains involved in blockchain-enabled financial services and supports platforms such as the Busan Digital Exchange, which focuses on tokenized asset trading.
In official statements, both companies stated that the partnership combines JPYC’s regulatory compliance and blockchain know-how with ITCEN’s RWA business, which centers on transparency and safety. Industry observers expect the collaboration to inform future pilot programs, market testing, and regulated stablecoin deployments across both countries.
