Planned Nasdaq listing could give Wall Street rare exposure to South Korea’s high-volume crypto market
South Korea’s leading crypto conglomerate Dunamu — the operator of Upbit — is preparing for a potential United States listing following its upcoming merger with local tech giant Naver, according to multiple local reports. If completed, the move would mark one of the most significant global expansions by an Asian crypto firm this year.
Dunamu Eyes Nasdaq Debut After Naver Merger
The Seoul Economic Daily reported that Dunamu intends to pursue an initial public offering on Nasdaq once its merger with Naver is finalized. Both companies are expected to hold board meetings this week to approve the transaction, with public statements from their CEOs anticipated shortly afterward.
Upbit remains South Korea’s largest crypto exchange, posting roughly $2.1 billion in 24-hour trading volume, nearly matching volumes on the US-based platform Bullish. A US listing for Dunamu would allow international investors to gain exposure to a crypto market known for its distinct trading patterns and heavy retail participation.
Naver and Dunamu Align on Stablecoin and Fintech Strategy
Local media previously reported that Naver Financial — the fintech arm of Naver — plans to acquire Dunamu via a share-exchange structure, making the crypto firm a wholly-owned subsidiary. Naver, often referred to as “the Google of South Korea,” operates a dominant search engine along with major digital services, including payments, maps and cloud-based communication tools.
A key part of the combined roadmap includes plans for a Korean-won-backed stablecoin, as regulators move toward permitting locally denominated digital currencies issued initially through banks. Authorities will also scrutinize the merger to determine whether the union of the country’s top payments provider and largest crypto exchange could create monopoly risks.
US Market Sees Growing Stream of Crypto IPOs
Dunamu’s potential arrival on Wall Street comes during a surge in US crypto-related IPOs. Exchanges such as Gemini, Bullish and eToro all debuted earlier this year, though their stock performance has reflected broader market declines.
One of the strongest listings came from stablecoin issuer Circle, which reached an $18 billion valuation during its June IPO. Analysts say the environment for digital-asset firms in the US has become noticeably more welcoming.
BITXjournal market strategist noted that “the shift in policy has opened the door for global crypto companies exploring US listings, and Asian exchanges are watching closely.”
With South Korea’s crypto sector expanding rapidly and Naver’s fintech influence behind it, Dunamu’s planned IPO could become a landmark entry point for US investors seeking exposure to one of Asia’s most active digital-asset markets.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.