Korea Crypto Tax Delay Looms; G-SHOCK in Metaverse
Stay informed with the latest crypto developments in the Asia Pacific region.
Korea's Crypto Tax Implementation Faces Setback
South Korea's planned crypto tax implementation may be delayed beyond 2027. Lim Lee-ja, Chair of the National Assembly Finance Committee, indicated the tax system remains incomplete. The opposition People Power Party suggests ongoing political and technical hurdles could push back the current 2027 timeline. This follows an earlier postponement from 2025.
Lim noted that between 9.6 and 9.7 million Koreans actively trade digital assets, with 47% under the age of 30. While the ruling Democratic Party acknowledges the need for taxation on income, concerns surrounding the 2026 local elections are complicating legislative progress.
G-SHOCK Enters the Metaverse with Gaming Experience
Casio's G-SHOCK brand has entered metaverse gaming through a partnership with The Sandbox. The initiative, called G-SHOCK CITY, offers users free gaming experiences centered on the brand's durability testing. Players engage in virtual challenges that reflect G-SHOCK's reputation for toughness.
Limited-edition NFT avatars featuring classic G-SHOCK models like the DW-5600 and GA-110 are available. These digital collectibles target Web3 communities, aiming to foster brand engagement through virtual experiences and attract a younger demographic.
Mercari and Coincheck Partner to Expand Crypto Access in Japan
Mercoin, a subsidiary of Mercari, is partnering with crypto exchange Coincheck to roll out services in early 2026. This collaboration seeks to leverage Mercari's extensive user base—Japan’s largest community-powered marketplace—to facilitate broader access to crypto asset trading.
The partnership aims to accelerate crypto adoption in Japan. Coincheck's technical expertise combined with Mercari’s user base, where 90% are first-time crypto participants, offers a simplified entry point into the digital asset space. The goal is to simplify digital asset transactions for a mainstream audience.