Markets Outlook Pudgy Penguins CEO: Korea is The ‘Epicenter’ of Global Culture
Sep 25, 2025
Luca Netz, CEO of Pudgy Penguins and Abstract, is a pioneer in blending culture with crypto. He shares insights on why Korea is the global epicenter for both, pointing to impressive K-pop and crypto trading stats. Luca highlights the stark differences between American institutional approaches and Korea's focus on community-driven retail. He also discusses exciting potential collaborations between Pudgy Penguins and K-pop groups and explains how Abstract aims to improve the consumer experience within the Ethereum ecosystem.
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Korea As Global Cultural Epicenter
- Luca argues Korea is becoming the global epicenter of culture, not just tech or Web3.
- He points to K-pop dominance and viral media as evidence of Korea's outsized cultural influence.
Korea's Massive Crypto Trading Volume
- Luca highlights that KRW-denominated crypto trading volume rivals USD trading volume globally.
- He uses the $456B vs $480B comparison to show Korea's massive retail crypto activity.
Pudgy Penguins K-pop Collaboration
- Luca describes a potential Pudgy Penguins K-pop collaboration with a top group building on Abstract's chain rails.
- He frames this as an example of cultural and Web3 crossover happening in Korea now.