Dunamu, the operator of South Korea’s largest cryptocurrency exchange Upbit, has secured 612.8 billion won ($443 million) in a strategic equity investment from three Samsung Group affiliates. Samsung Securities, Samsung SDS, and Samsung Card jointly acquired a 4% stake in the company through a block purchase of 1.39 million shares from Kakao Investment and Kakao Ventures. Under the terms of the deal, Samsung Securities will hold a 2% stake, while Samsung SDS and Samsung Card will each hold 1%. The transaction is set to close on June 19, 2026.
The investment values Dunamu at approximately 15.3 trillion won and raises Samsung Group’s combined stake in the company from 5.94% to 9.84%, making it the third-largest shareholder. The deal also marks a structural shift in Dunamu’s ownership, as shares previously held by Kakao affiliates have transferred entirely to Samsung Group entities. The three Samsung affiliates said the investment is aimed at developing new business opportunities in digital assets in collaboration with Dunamu. Industry observers interpret the move as a strategic positioning ahead of anticipated growth in Korea’s digital asset market, including won-denominated stablecoins and security token offerings.
