출처: Block Media
Public Officials Reveal $33.3 Million in Digital Asset Holdings: Bitcoin Leads with 828 Holders
As of December 31, 2024, public officials and their families declared a cumulative $33.3 million in digital asset holdings, underscoring a growing yet modest participation in the cryptocurrency market. Among the disclosed assets, Bitcoin (BTC) emerged as the most widely owned, with 828 individuals reporting holdings. Ripple (XRP) followed closely, reflecting significant interest in cryptocurrency portfolios beyond just Bitcoin.
This data, released on October 27 by Real Signal, a platform detailing asset disclosures of public officials, offers a focused look into 2024 year-end financial reports, shedding light on how cryptocurrency adoption is making inroads among prominent South Korean figures.
Digital Assets: A Fraction of Declared Wealth
Despite significant figures, digital assets remain a small proportion of the total declared wealth by public officials. Among the 6,993 individuals reporting combined assets of $8.79 billion, the $33.3 million in digital currencies represents a mere fraction of their portfolios. However, the findings reflect a growing recognition of cryptocurrency as an investment opportunity, with a variety of coins appearing in declarations.
Top 5 Cryptocurrencies Held by Public Officials
- Bitcoin (BTC): 828 holders
- Ripple (XRP): 769 holders
- APENFT (APENFT): 563 holders
- Ethereum (ETH): 463 holders
- Dogecoin (DOGE): 411 holders
Major Investments: Bitcoin and Ripple Take Center Stage
Based on Upbit’s trading prices as of October 27—Bitcoin at KRW 170,150,000, Ethereum at KRW 6,200,000, and Ripple at KRW 3,904—several public officials and their families reported substantial holdings worth millions. These assets reflect not only financial stake but also an increasing acceptance of digital currencies as a legitimate wealth category.
Bitcoin: The Leading Cryptocurrency
Bitcoin remains the most favored digital asset among public figures, reflecting its dominance in the global cryptocurrency landscape. Noteworthy Bitcoin holders include:
- Cho Man-hyeong’s spouse, linked to the Jeollanam-do Autonomous Police Commission, holding 20.1 BTC valued at approximately $2.53 million.
- Lim Byeong-ryeol, Judge at the Cheongju District Court, whose spouse declared 8.03 BTC worth $1.01 million.
- Kim Ki-hwan, CEO of Busan - Ulsan Expressway Corp., personally holding 6.89 BTC, estimated at $870,000.
Ripple Ownership Highlights Concentration
Ripple stands out not only as the second-most owned cryptocurrency but also for its clustered, large-scale holdings. Among top Ripple (XRP) holders:
- Spouse of Kim Hye-yeong, a Seoul Metropolitan Council member, who reported holding 519,004 XRP, worth approximately $1.53 million. They acquired an additional 439,516 XRP during the reporting period.
- Choi Min-kyu, another Seoul Metropolitan Council member, disclosed 409,551 XRP holdings valued at roughly $1.22 million.
Ethereum: The Prominent Altcoin
Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency globally by market capitalization, saw significant ownership within the group:
- Spouse of Kim Ki-dong, Cheongju city legislative council member, holding 38.22 ETH valued at nearly $147,000.
- Kim Jung-gun, council member in Daegu’s Suseong District, with 34.51 ETH holdings valued at $132,000.
Altcoins and Portfolio Diversification
While Bitcoin, Ripple, and Ethereum dominate the narrative, a broader interest in altcoins highlights the diversity of public officials’ digital investments.
For instance, spouse of Choi Myung-sook, a council member in Daegu’s Suseong District, held over 760 million units of APENFT (APENFT), a highly speculative cryptocurrency. Such holdings spotlight a willingness to explore alternative investment opportunities, even within volatile asset classes.
The disclosures underscore an early-stage trend among public figures of balancing more established cryptocurrencies with potential high-growth assets like altcoins.
Broader Implications
These asset declarations illustrate the growing role of cryptocurrencies as part of personal wealth management strategies among South Korea's public officials. This shift mirrors the global trend toward digital currency adoption, with Bitcoin and Ethereum gaining legitimacy as investment assets.
By actively engaging in the crypto market, public officials are not only aligning with broader market preferences but also signaling confidence in digital assets as a viable financial tool. This evolving trend could influence public perception and potentially fuel further developments in the cryptocurrency regulatory landscape.
As cryptocurrencies continue to solidify their place in the global economy, the participation of influential individuals, such as public officials, underscores their transformative potential in reshaping modern finance.
