The Future of Finance: Merging AI and Blockchain in South Korea

By Lim, Kwu Jin Posted : July 2, 2026, 17:28 Updated : July 2, 2026, 17:28

Artificial intelligence (AI) is not just enhancing efficiency in finance; it is fundamentally transforming its structure. Blockchain decentralizes trust, while AI automates decision-making through data learning.

The convergence of these two technologies could evolve finance from a closed, bank-centric system to an open digital financial ecosystem.

Oh Kyung-seok, CEO of Dunamu, is among the financial leaders actively driving this change.

Since taking office, he has envisioned transforming Dunamu from a mere virtual asset exchange into a future financial platform that integrates AI, blockchain, stablecoins, and digital assets.

In particular, through a strategic partnership with Naver Financial, he is embarking on a new challenge to connect AI, payments, digital assets, and Web3 into a unified financial ecosystem.

Oh defines AI not merely as a tool for automating tasks but as a technology that will create a new operating system for South Korea's finance.

From left: Lee Eun-hyung, Vice Chairman of Hana Financial Group; Lee Gye-in, President of POSCO International; Oh Kyung-seok, CEO of Dunamu, pose for a commemorative photo during a signing ceremony at Hana Financial's Myeongdong headquarters in Seoul on June 29. [Photo=Yonhap News]



The meeting of AI and blockchain is the future of finance.

In his inaugural address, Oh stated, "The advancement of generative AI technology is changing the paradigm of the virtual asset market, and a fundamental innovation of platforms is required at this time."

He characterized AI as a core technology that determines platform competitiveness rather than just an auxiliary feature of exchanges. Dunamu is enhancing its AI-based data analysis capabilities and innovating investment information and services as it evolves into a digital financial platform.

He is confident that the combination of AI and blockchain will create a new order in finance.



Expanding the digital finance ecosystem through collaboration with Naver.

The most significant change under Oh's leadership is the comprehensive stock exchange with Naver Financial. This integration has positioned Dunamu within the Naver ecosystem, laying the groundwork for a new financial ecosystem that connects Naver Pay and digital assets.

He envisions creating a new revenue model by integrating virtual asset trading, payments, investment, and asset management services into a single platform.

He believes that the combination of Naver Pay, which has over 34 million users, and Dunamu's blockchain technology could mark a turning point for the widespread adoption of digital assets in everyday finance.



Stablecoins as the gateway to finance.

Oh views stablecoins as a key infrastructure for the financial revolution in the AI era. He stated, "Stablecoins are the gateway connecting blockchain and real finance," predicting that payment, asset management, and capital markets will transition to a Web3 foundation.

To realize this vision, Dunamu has unveiled its own blockchain, GIWA Chain, and GIWA Wallet.

He aims to provide a foundation for domestic developers to participate in the global Web3 ecosystem and to build financial infrastructure that ensures South Korea does not fall behind in blockchain innovation.


Breaking down the barriers between traditional finance and digital assets.

Oh believes that digital assets should evolve alongside traditional finance rather than replace it. To this end, he has signed a business agreement with Hana Financial Group to jointly develop blockchain-based overseas remittance and foreign exchange services, as well as digital financial infrastructure.

He is focused on building processes and financial services for overseas remittances using blockchain to blur the lines between traditional finance and digital asset finance.

AI will play a crucial role in analyzing data, optimizing transactions, and managing risks throughout this process.



Enhancing competitiveness through AI-driven platforms.

Oh places AI at the center of platform innovation. He is advancing investment information services through AI-based data analysis and driving service innovation and operational efficiency using generative AI.

His goal is to enhance platform competitiveness and build digital financial services that can compete in the global market by leveraging AI and data technologies.

He believes AI is not just a tool for automating tasks but a means to innovate customer experiences and financial services themselves.



Expanding into global digital finance.

Oh states, "The history of industrial development in South Korea is one of constantly changing growth engines." He believes now is the time to transition to a new growth engine centered on AI and digital assets.

As major financial hubs like the United States, Singapore, and Hong Kong nurture the virtual asset industry as a national strategy, he argues that South Korea must actively pursue financial innovation using AI and blockchain.

Dunamu aims to leap beyond a trading platform to become a global financial platform that integrates Web3, digital assets, and AI.


Trust as the ultimate competitive advantage.

Oh emphasizes that the most important asset in digital finance is trust, rather than technology. His decision to fully compensate customer assets during the Upbit hacking incident and to strengthen security systems stemmed from this philosophy.

He states, "We are in an era of designing trust, not just money."

No matter how advanced AI and blockchain become, the essence of finance is trust, and a new financial order can only be sustained on that foundation.


The essence of financial entrepreneurship.

Oh Kyung-seok's vision for financial entrepreneurship is to "create a new financial operating system by combining AI and blockchain." He is transforming Dunamu into an AI-based digital financial platform rather than just an exchange.

The integration with Naver Financial, the stablecoin strategy, the establishment of GIWA Chain, and collaboration with traditional finance all point in one direction.

The future of finance lies in the connection of AI, blockchain, and digital assets into a single ecosystem, and Oh is a leader striving to implement that ecosystem in South Korea first.

His challenge is not only a test of the exchange's success but also a crucial measure of whether South Korea can lead in the global digital finance era.

 

SWOT Analysis:

Strengths
He possesses expertise in law, accounting, and management, along with a strategic vision that combines AI, blockchain, and digital assets. The partnership with Naver Financial, the establishment of GIWA Chain, and the stablecoin strategy provide a strong foundation for expanding Dunamu into a comprehensive digital financial platform.

Weaknesses
The majority of revenue relies on transaction fees, making it highly susceptible to the volatility of the virtual asset market. Changes in the regulatory environment and societal perceptions of exchanges also pose ongoing burdens.

Opportunities
The institutionalization of stablecoins, the expansion of the digital asset market, advancements in AI technology, and synergies with the Naver ecosystem present opportunities for Dunamu to grow into a global digital financial platform. Expanding collaborations with traditional finance could also serve as a new growth driver.

Threats
Increased regulation of virtual assets, competition with global exchanges, security threats, and market volatility remain persistent risks. The rapid intensification of competition in AI and blockchain technologies also presents long-term challenges.





* This article has been translated by AI.

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