According to recent news, Dunamu (operator of Upbit) may become a subsidiary of Naver Financial. This isn’t just simple collaboration—there’s even talk of a share swap. If realized, it could reshape Korea’s crypto market and the future of Naver Pay.
Disclaimer: The following is purely personal opinion, not financial advice. Please do not take this as investment guidance. I’ve never made profits from investing—I’m more of a “minus touch” than a Midas touch. 😅
Why Would Upbit and Naver Join Hands?
Naver already runs a powerful payment platform, Naver Pay, while Dunamu operates Upbit, Korea’s largest crypto exchange. Naver shines at real-world payment touchpoints; Dunamu leads digital-asset trading and distribution. If they combine, we could see a platform that evolves points into a real-life digital asset payment ecosystem.
What Impact Could This Have on the Crypto Market?
- Expectations of Regulatory Integration — With KRW-based stablecoin discussions underway, a major entrant like Naver could add credibility and signal positively to the market.
- Expansion of Stablecoin Usage — If Naver Pay points link to stablecoins, everyday payments, remittances, and transactions could expand well beyond investor circles.
- Market Sentiment Boost — Even the phrase “Naver Coin” could attract attention and spark short-term rallies in related sectors, though outcomes will depend heavily on regulation and volatility.
What’s Next for Naver Pay?
- Points → Stablecoins — If Naver Pay points convert into stablecoins, today’s points could literally become “digital assets.”
- Wallet Expansion — With a wallet service in beta, it wouldn’t be surprising to see crypto/NFT storage features later.
- Toward a Comprehensive Financial Platform — From payments toward a super financial platform integrating payments, investments, remittances, and asset management.
Challenges Ahead
It’s not all upside. Regulations are evolving, competitors (Kakao, Toss, etc.) are moving fast, and crypto’s volatility and security risks persist. The opportunity is huge—so are the challenges. A Naver–Dunamu tie-up could be a turning point toward tighter integration with mainstream finance. The open question: will Naver Pay shift from points/payments to a platform where crypto and finance converge?
What Do You Think?
If an era arrives where “your points become stablecoins you spend daily”, would you welcome it—or worry about it?
Thanks for reading—this was Daechidong IT Teacher. Wishing you happiness, as always!
You can view the original Korean blog post at the link below