- South Korea’s Supreme Court decision on Bitcoin seized as property.
- Highlights Bitcoin’s legal status change under criminal law.
- Sets precedent for future asset seizures in South Korea.
On December 11, 2025, South Korea’s Supreme Court ruled that Bitcoin held on centralized exchanges is seizable property under criminal law, marking a precedent-setting decision.
This ruling emphasizes the legal treatment of Bitcoin as a seizable asset, impacting how South Korean agencies approach digital currency in criminal investigations and affecting assets on local exchanges.
The South Korean Supreme Court has made a landmark decision classifying Bitcoin stored on centralized exchanges as seizable property. This ruling, issued on December 11, 2025, establishes a significant legal precedent.
This decision, presided over by Justice Kwon Young-jun, was delivered by the Second Division of the court. It involved a case concerning a re-appeal from Mr. A, challenging the seizure of 55.6 BTC.
The Supreme Court of Korea’s Second Division, presided over by Justice Kwon Young‑jun, stated, “Bitcoin, as an electronic token with the ability to be independently managed, traded, and substantially controlled in terms of economic value, is a seizure target of courts or investigative agencies.”
The ruling affects people, industries, and markets by raising the possibility of more intense scrutiny on cryptocurrency holdings in South Korea. This could lead to further legal interpretations and regulations.
Implications of this decision may extend to the financial, political, and social landscapes, significantly influencing exchange compliance practices and users might face increased legal risk.
Given this ruling, exchanges will need to comply with new legal standards related to cryptocurrency seizures. This classification of Bitcoin as seizable property could set a trend, influencing global regulatory approaches towards digital assets.
This decision builds on the 2018 ruling that recognized Bitcoin as intangible property, solidifying its treatment as property under criminal law. It could signal increased legal scrutiny and drive discussions in the crypto community about regulatory practices.
The Phemex Academy offers further educational resources on understanding the impact of such legal precedents in cryptocurrency.
