Young South Koreans Turning to Crypto out of Desperation, Not Belief
- Sammy Salmela
- Jun 21
- 2 min read

Article with AI Analysis:
Date: 20 June 2025
Source: Adrian Zmudzinski via Cointelegraph
Introduction
In a recent panel at German Blockchain Week, a South Korean expert revealed how many young people in the country are diving into cryptocurrency not because they trust blockchain, but because they feel cornered by a struggling economy and dwindling opportunities.
Economic Pressure Driving Crypto Hype
Crypto exchange users in South Korea now exceed 16 million over 30 % of the population. Yet expert Eli Ilha Yune, CPO at Anzaetek, emphasises that this isn’t true belief in Web3. For many, “there are a lot of crypto traders in Korea,” he said, driven not by optimism but by dire financial need and the desire for quick returns.
Youth Disillusioned: Low Returns and High Costs
South Korea’s youth unemployment stood at 6.6 % in May 2025 more than double the national average of 2.7 %. With stock returns underwhelming and property prices in Seoul having doubled to over 1 billion won (~ $689,000), many young adults cannot afford rent or a mortgage.
Crypto Seen as the Only Outlet
As Yune put it:
“They cannot buy houses anymore, or even the rent is too high for them. So their only option is to do crypto.” He added that most of these traders lack real understanding of blockchain, treating crypto as a financial gamble, not technological advancement.
AI‑Powered Sentiment Analysis
Our AI analysis reveals the emotional tone behind this story:
Sentiment Score: -0.65 — reflects a generally negative outlook
Financial Sentiment: 0.2 — slight positive bias toward crypto context
Polarity Score: 0.096 — mostly neutral with minor positive undertones
Subjectivity Score: 0.298 — moderately objective with some opinion
Interpretation: Overall tone is bleak, highlighting a serious socio‑economic problem. Despite a sliver of financial optimism, most young Koreans approach crypto out of necessity. The article leans more on facts than subjective viewpoints.
Read More
Read the full article on: https://cointelegraph.com/news/south-korean-youth-turn-to-crypto-out-of-desperation
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Disclaimer
This article was generated using AI and reviewed for accuracy. The information presented is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Always consult with a professional before making investment decisions.
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