South Korean Police Investigate Polymarket Users for Gambling, Lawyer Warns

South Korean authorities have escalated scrutiny of decentralized prediction market platform Polymarket, with the Gangwon Provincial Police Agency actively investigating users on suspicion of gambling. Han Chang-bo, a representative lawyer at Law Office Jonjung and a former prosecutor specializing in gambling cases, confirmed the development in a recent blog post. He stated that the agency’s Cyber Investigation Division is tracking users’ cryptocurrency transaction histories to identify individuals and is issuing summonses sequentially.

Current Status of the Investigation

Han explained that he recently attended a suspect interrogation for a client who was summoned in connection with these charges. According to his account, the Gangwon police are currently treating Polymarket activity as gambling under South Korean law. The case is expected to be transferred to the Chuncheon District Prosecutors’ Office upon completion of the investigation. However, Han emphasized that neither prosecutors nor the courts have yet made a definitive ruling on whether using Polymarket constitutes a gambling offense under South Korea’s criminal code.

Legal Uncertainty and Risks for Users

The investigation highlights the ongoing legal ambiguity surrounding prediction markets in South Korea. While the police are treating the activity as gambling, the absence of a formal judicial precedent means users face significant legal uncertainty. Han urged users in the country to exercise caution, noting that the outcome of this case could set a precedent for how decentralized prediction platforms are regulated in the future.

Broader Implications for Crypto Regulation

This case is part of a wider trend of South Korean authorities tightening oversight of cryptocurrency-related activities. The country has some of the strictest crypto regulations globally, including mandatory real-name trading accounts and strict anti-money laundering requirements. Polymarket, which allows users to bet on the outcomes of real-world events using cryptocurrency, operates in a gray area that regulators are now actively exploring. The investigation could have ripple effects for other decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms operating in the region.

Conclusion

The Gangwon Provincial Police Agency’s investigation into Polymarket users marks a significant step in South Korea’s evolving approach to cryptocurrency regulation. While no definitive legal ruling has been made, the case underscores the risks users face in jurisdictions with unclear regulatory frameworks. As the investigation progresses, the outcome could shape the future of prediction markets and decentralized platforms in the country.

FAQs

Q1: Why is South Korea investigating Polymarket users?
The Gangwon Provincial Police Agency is investigating Polymarket users on suspicion of gambling, as the platform allows users to bet on real-world events using cryptocurrency. The police are treating this activity as a potential violation of South Korea’s gambling laws.

Q2: Has Polymarket been officially classified as gambling in South Korea?
No. While the police are currently treating Polymarket activity as gambling, neither prosecutors nor the courts have made a definitive ruling. The case is still under investigation.

Q3: What should Polymarket users in South Korea do?
Lawyer Han Chang-bo advises users to exercise caution. The investigation is ongoing, and users could face legal consequences if the courts ultimately rule that Polymarket activity constitutes gambling.