东亚第一内卷国，全民「贷款」炒币

Core Viewpoint - South Korea is experiencing a nationwide cryptocurrency trading frenzy, with nearly one-third of its population participating in various exchanges, making it the second-largest cryptocurrency trading country globally [1][6]. Group 1: Participation and Demographics - Approximately 56% of cryptocurrency traders in South Korea are in their 30s and 40s [1]. - 66% of users hold less than 500,000 KRW (approximately 2,419 RMB), indicating a significant presence of retail investors rather than institutional ones [3]. - As of the end of last year, there were 775,000 cryptocurrency users aged 60 and above in South Korea [10]. Group 2: Cultural Phenomenon - Cryptocurrency trading has become a public and entertainment-driven activity, with young people sharing their trading experiences on social media and even live-streaming their trading sessions [3][5][14]. - The phenomenon of "e-sports cryptocurrency trading" has emerged, where teams compete in trading contests using real funds [18][20]. - The blending of cryptocurrency trading with elements of mysticism and fortune-telling is prevalent, with some individuals using spiritual interpretations to predict market movements [12]. Group 3: Economic Motivations - A significant portion of the population views cryptocurrency investment as a means to secure retirement funds, with 40% of respondents in a survey indicating this motivation [24]. - Many young people are entering the cryptocurrency market as a last resort for upward mobility, feeling that traditional paths to success are blocked [26][30]. - The widening wealth gap in South Korea, where the asset disparity between the top 20% and the bottom 40% of households has increased from 3.7 times to 4.7 times, drives younger generations to seek alternative investment opportunities [28]. Group 4: Debt and Risk - South Korea has the highest household debt globally, with total household debt reaching 2,246 trillion KRW in 2024, leading many young individuals to engage in "debt investment" [31][33]. - The cultural phenomenon of "debt investment" is prevalent, where young people borrow money to invest in cryptocurrencies, hoping for high returns despite the risks involved [35][37]. - The recent rise in the stock market has also led to an increase in borrowing for stock trading, reflecting a broader trend of high-risk investment behavior among the youth [37].