The Punky Kongz project by Punkvism has been making waves in the global blockchain market. Notably, at the TOKEN 2049 summit in Dubai, Punky Kongz achieved the milestone of being selected for Bybit’s VIP 50 list, showcasing the potential of Korean Web3 projects on the global stage.
We spoke with Punkvism’s COO, Ji-won Park, to hear about Punky Kongz’s vision, global exchange listing strategies, and the future of the Korean blockchain market.
– Punkvism achieved significant results at TOKEN 2049. What was the significance of this event?
“TOKEN 2049 was a gathering where blockchain leaders from around the world shared their future strategies. Being invited as a VIP by major players like Binance, Bybit, OKX, MEXC, and CLS, and being the only Korean project among the VIP 50, was a huge honor. In a market where expectations for Korean projects remain cautious, this recognition validated our technology and vision. We had in-depth discussions with VCs and exchange representatives, reaffirming Punky Kongz’s global expansion potential.”
– We heard you come from a distinguished family background, being the grandson of World Journal and Washington Times founder Bo Hi Pak.
“That’s correct. Growing up surrounded by influential figures in business, politics, and religion, I aspired to make a positive impact on society. During my time at MetaKongz, I met CEO Hyun-ki Hwang and Director Jae-min Kim and was captivated by their vision. I initially just hoped to collaborate with them, but now I’m thrilled to be building Punkvism together.”
– You co-founded Punkvism with Hyun-ki Hwang and Jae-min Kim. How is your teamwork?
“The three of us engage in intense daily discussions. We communicate openly and sincerely, creating a rare chemistry. I believe we’ll stay this close even in our old age. Each of us has distinct strengths that complement one another, and this synergy is the driving force behind Punkvism.”
– You’re preparing to list Punky Kongz on global exchanges. What efforts have you made?
“Last year was extremely tough. I slept only 4–5 hours a day, managing countless Zoom and in-person meetings with overseas companies. Korean projects were burdened by the stigma of being labeled ‘Kimchi coins,’ even among local crypto VCs. We had to build trust from the ground up. The turning point came when Akshay, Bybit’s Head of Business Development, Director Hyun-jung Park, and Adrien joined us. Thanks to their support, Punky Kongz is now gaining recognition, with invitations from Bybit VIP, MEXC, and CLS.”
– A listing is scheduled for May. How are preparations going?
“Following TOKEN 2049, we began full-scale preparations. We’re closely collaborating with influencer marketing teams, VCs, and exchanges. With Akshay’s global network and experience, our listing strategy has become even more solid. We’re not just aiming for a listing; we’re building partnerships that will maximize the ecosystem’s value.”
– CEO Hwang set an ambitious goal to list 15 projects in Q1, which ultimately was not achieved. In hindsight, do you think the target was too ambitious?
“Without that ambitious goal, Punkvism wouldn’t have come this far. Working alongside accounting firms, securities companies, and law firms at high speed, we even pushed Web2 companies to accelerate their pace. While big goals can sometimes be discouraging, for us, they are powerful motivators. We achieved remarkable milestones in a short period of time. Although the anticipated bull market, expected in the wake of Trump’s potential reelection, didn’t materialize, we are now preparing for an even greater takeoff.”
– You mentioned targeting top-tier exchanges like Binance and Bybit. Is that still the goal?
“Currently, only one Korean project is listed on Binance, reflecting how difficult it is. Korea was once a blockchain powerhouse in 2017, but we’ve since fallen behind on the global stage. Nevertheless, we aim for Binance, Bybit, OKX, and Bitget. Not every project can reach top exchanges, but we intend to break through that barrier. Together with Director Hyun-jung park and Advisor Akshay, We’re meticulously preparing to meet listing standards.”
– What value does Punkvism see in RWA (Real-World Asset) tokenization?
“RWA allows physical assets like real estate or art to be tokenized and traded transparently via blockchain. For example, a ₩500 billion building can be divided into 100,000 tokens, making it accessible at ₩5 million per token. Ownership and profit distribution are automatically handled through smart contracts, reducing corruption and opaque transactions. Global asset managers like BlackRock are entering the RWA space, and with pro-crypto policies accelerating in the U.S., RWA is becoming a core pillar of blockchain. Punky Kongz aims to lead this movement.”
– What are your thoughts on the blockchain market outlook and Punky Kongz’s role?
“Asset manager VanEck predicts 2025 will see a massive boom in blockchain and NFTs, even bigger than the first wave. We aim to challenge top global NFT projects like BAYC with Punky Kongz. Beyond that, we want to establish a healthy blockchain ecosystem that makes Korea proud on the world stage. K-content already dominates globally; we plan to leverage that advantage to create an overwhelming competitive edge.”
– How are you working to restore trust in Korea’s blockchain market?
“Following the ‘Kimchi coin’ controversy, trust in Korean blockchain projects reached an all-time low, casting doubt on the broader blockchain industry among many participants. With Punky Kongz, our mission is to demonstrate a transparent and sustainable ecosystem that can rebuild confidence. We have built our community based on trust, and through global achievements, we aim to elevate the status of Korean projects on the world stage. Restoring trust requires leadership — and we want to be that starting point.”
– What are your aspirations moving forward?
“Our ultimate goal is to become a top global project. We want to combine the global power of K-content with the resilience of Korean entrepreneurs to propel Punky Kongz onto the world stage. Blockchain isn’t just technology; it’s a tool for resisting unfair systems and creating new value. Punkvism’s vision is to be ‘adventurers resisting an unjust society,’ and we aim to bring a fresh wind to the Korean blockchain industry.”
– Any final message to the Punky Kongz community and fans?
“Our holders and community members are our greatest strength. Your support has brought us this far. Thank you for joining us on this journey to restore pride in Korean projects on the global stage. We will continue to build a transparent and innovative ecosystem, and together, we will challenge the top of the world. The journey of Punkvism has only just begun.”
