Korea Blockchain Industry Promotion Association appoints Kim Jong-won as new chairman… “AX strategy ramps up”

The Korea Blockchain Industry Promotion Association (KBIPA) said on the 27th that it held its regular general meeting the previous day and appointed auditor Kim Jong-won as its second chairman.

At the meeting, the association clarified its purpose through amendments to its bylaws as “building digital trust infrastructure through the convergence of AI, data and AX.” It positioned blockchain as a core trust infrastructure underpinning the next-generation AI and data economy, with the aim of aligning with the national-level digital strategy.

Following the resignation of Chairman Kim Hyung-joo, who led the association for the past nine years, the board unanimously nominated and appointed Auditor Kim Jong-won as the second chairman. Director Choi Myeong-ryeol changed roles to become the new auditor, and Director Kwon Su-ho was reappointed. Executive Vice Chairman Kim Seong-gon will oversee association operations and internal and external policy execution, while Vice Chairman Koo Tae-eon will serve as chair of the Regulatory Innovation Committee, handling legal and institutional responses. Vice Chairman Choi Yoon-jung will concurrently serve as chair of the AI Convergence Committee, supporting convergence between the AI and digital-asset industries and global cooperation.

In his inaugural address, new Chairman Kim said, “I have taken on this heavy responsibility at a time when blockchain, combined with AI, is evolving into digital trust infrastructure for the era of augmented intelligence (AX),” adding, “We will operate an always-on communication channel with the National Assembly and relevant ministries so that voices from the industry can be meaningfully reflected in legislation and government policy.”

To respond to the rapidly changing Web3 and digital-asset environment, the association appointed a total of 21 expert advisers across seven areas, including law and policy, technology and security, finance and economics, accounting and tax, business and IR, global cooperation, and industry convergence. The advisory group will provide policy advice, analyze industry trends, and mentor member companies.

As part of its organizational overhaul, a new “GRC Center (Governance, Risk management, Compliance)” was also established. Lee Dong-gi, a former Deloitte Consulting partner, was appointed as head of the center. The association plans to support members’ governance building, risk management and regulatory responses through the GRC Center.

The association plans to make this year a foundational year for blockchain and digital assets to settle within the institutional framework, pushing initiatives such as upgrading support for blockchain legislation and launching a digital-asset innovation policy forum. To this end, it will form a “(tentative) Blockchain Legislation Promotion Advisory Group” to serve as a channel for conveying private-sector views during the bill-drafting process.

In a special lecture held alongside the general meeting, attorney Cha Sang-jin (CEO of BECOME Law Office) presented on market changes after the legalization of token securities (STO) and corporate response strategies. Cha outlined legal and business strategies that blockchain companies should prepare in order to transition beyond regulatory sandboxes and into institutionalized business.

The association said it plans to use the launch of its second executive leadership team as an opportunity to continue fulfilling its role as an organization supporting the building of digital trust infrastructure in the AX era.