Korea Payment Networks, a unit of Korea Credit Data, has completed registration to issue and manage prepaid electronic payment instruments, the company said on Aug. 18. It is discussing prepaid service integration with large franchises, retailers and public institutions. The company plans brand-specific prepaid and top-up point systems, as well as services linked to vouchers and local currencies. It has also completed a proof of concept enabling USDC payments through its payment gateway.

Partnerships among banks, fintechs, platforms and blockchain firms around won-denominated stablecoins are accelerating in the second half, with payment and settlement use cases moving into more concrete pilot tests. Companies are running proofs of concept on real-time settlement, on-chain payment flows and links between digital wallets and existing card networks. Cross-border remittances are also emerging as a key testing area. Debate continues over regulation, including issuers, reserve assets and approval requirements.