The Blockchain Revolution is Here
With a resounding voice that echoes through the bustling gaming industry, Bang Joon-hyuk, chairman of Netmarble, is shaping the narrative about blockchain technology. He asserts that this remarkable innovation is poised to infiltrate every nook and cranny of various industries, much like his company’s games have captured the hearts of millions.
Netmarble: A Financial Powerhouse
Before diving deeper into the blockchain jungle, let’s sprinkle a little financial pixie dust. In 2016, Netmarble reported a staggering revenue of 1.5 trillion won (around $1.35 billion), landing them a hefty market cap of 12.86 trillion won (approximately $11.59 billion) today. Not too shabby for a company that started flexing its gaming muscles just a few years ago!
Blockchain: Not Just a Fad
During the recent 9th Annual Strategy Forum in Seoul, a curious college student threw a question that could either make or break the future of blockchain: “Is it a bubble?” In response, Bang Joon-hyuk poured a cool drink of optimism into the conversation, suggesting that blockchain isn’t ephemeral, but is rather akin to the Internet—a steadfast giant.
“The Internet was not a bubble. It has made all industries convenient; blockchain is the next wave.”
He went on to elaborate that while the untrained eye might regard it as mere self-indulgent hype, savvy investors see opportunities flare like fireworks on the Fourth of July.
A Timeline for Change
Reflecting on the past, he likened the current climate of blockchain to the 1980s, an era ripe for innovation thanks to the burgeoning Internet. He anticipates that this golden opportunity for blockchain will, much like a comet, only appear once a decade.
Blockchain and South Korea’s Financial Future
South Korea isn’t just sitting on the sidelines either; the country’s central bank is kicking off explorations to integrate blockchain into its struggle for a cashless society by 2020. Additionally, the South Korean government is backpedaling on its earlier stance, planning a new wave of regulation that includes legalizing initial coin offerings (ICOs). Talk about a strategic plot twist!
Wrapping Up with a Nod to the Future
As we navigate through the twists and turns of this digital landscape, one thing is clear: if you can ride the blockchain wave, you just might catch the next big revelation of the century. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a curious college student, the world of blockchain seems ready to embrace your ambitions. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to hop on this financial rollercoaster?
