South Korea Plans to Launch Spot Bitcoin ETFs, Boosting Institutional Investment
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
Source: Coinmarketcap
Updated: Jan 12 2026- Policy Shift: The South Korean government announced plans to launch spot Bitcoin ETFs as part of its 2026 economic growth strategy, marking a significant shift from its previously strict crypto regulations, which is expected to attract more institutional capital into the Bitcoin market.
- Whale Behavior: Recent data shows that Bitcoin whales are closing their leveraged long positions on Bitfinex, which is typically seen as a bearish signal; however, historically, such actions often precede market rallies, potentially paving the way for a price increase in Bitcoin.
- Long-Term Holder Spending: The long-term holder spending indicator surged in Q4 2025, which would usually be considered bearish, but this time whales absorbed the selling pressure, indicating that institutional demand could drive Bitcoin prices higher, despite negative ETF flows over the past three weeks.
- Market Stability: Despite macro factors exerting pressure on Bitcoin prices, the cryptocurrency has shown strong support around the $90,600 level, demonstrating resilience amid uncertainty and potentially laying the groundwork for future price increases.
About the author
Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.
