Kona I is set to host Korea’s first live demonstration of stablecoin issuance and end-to-end payment on July 31. The event will take place at the Korea Financial Investment Association’s training center in Yeouido, showcasing a fully operational ecosystem rather than a theoretical or conceptual model.
The company has built the system on its own blockchain platform, drawing from its extensive experience in smart card technology and local currency payment infrastructure. It has also filed trademarks for multiple currency-linked stablecoins such as ‘KONAKRW’ and ‘KONAUSD’, signaling a clear long-term roadmap.
The demonstration will highlight both QR code payments and compatibility with traditional card terminals, emphasizing real-world usability and broad compatibility. It also includes Kona I’s own blockchain network and block explorer, “KonaScan,” allowing participants to observe transparency and security in the transaction process.
From a business model perspective, Kona I aims to go beyond simple payments. It plans to invest stablecoin reserves into national bonds, SOC, and real estate, redistributing a portion of the yields to users. This forms a circular economic system of “spending → investment → profit sharing.”
Jo Jung-il, CEO of Kona I, stated, “We’ve built a fully functional ecosystem from issuance to payment, which is why a live demonstration is possible. It’s an opportunity to showcase not only our technological completeness but also our readiness for commercialization.” The company is accelerating preparations for a full-scale launch in Q4 of this year.
As Korea enters its second phase of digital asset regulation, this demo positions Kona I ahead of the curve, aiming to secure early leadership in the domestic stablecoin market. While most competitors remain at the planning or announcement stage, Kona I is gaining attention as the first to deliver a working, live implementation.
