South Korea parliamentary audit likely to pass without major crypto issues

South Korea's annual parliamentary audit is expected to proceed without significant virtual-asset concerns due to weak market conditions diminishing public and political focus. Few actions have been taken by the National Policy Committee and other National Assembly committees regarding crypto-related issues or material requests. The lack of public interest and political weight on the sector is evident this year. However, a basic law on digital assets could introduce uncertainty during the audit. Legislation is anticipated later this month, coinciding with the audit's start in early October, which may lead to contention over the government bill and legislative details. The Political Affairs Committee awaits the government's draft bill, and if the Financial Services Commission delays submission, lawmakers may pursue a basic law through member-sponsored legislation. Committee chair Yoo Dong-soo has scheduled a public hearing for late September to expedite the legislative process. An official noted that witness lists for the audit will be compiled next week, indicating no significant issues in the virtual-asset sector thus far. The ruling Democratic Party aims to advance the Digital Asset Basic Act this month, and if the government draft is not submitted before the audit or lacks details like ownership dispersion, it could become a topic of discussion.