South Korea's National Assembly released a draft law that would regulate large YouTube channels as audiovisual media services. User-generated content platforms would fall under the market domain, but the focus is on big channels with legacy media-level influence. The draft would require reporting obligations and clear disclosure of ads and sponsorships, and it considers banning explicit sales inducement for large creators set by presidential decree. Critics cite vague thresholds, potential politicisation and clashes with government policies promoting the creator economy.

Payment platform shares have jumped for days on expectations that stablecoins will be brought into the system. As policy signals point to using digital assets as a growth engine and pursuing a KOSDAQ 3,000 era, Hecto Financial, Kakao Pay and Naver have been grouped as beneficiaries. The article highlights their payment infrastructure and networks, participation in blockchain initiatives and forecasts for 2025 and 2026 earnings, with analysts weighing the outlook.