Ethereum News Today: South Korean Investors Shift $259M to BitMine Amid Big Tech Sell-Off

South Korean investors have significantly redirected their attention from U.S. Big Tech stocks to cryptocurrency-linked equities, with BitMine emerging as a key beneficiary. According to recent reports, BitMine—described as an Ether-stacking company—has attracted $259 million in investments from South Korean traders in July, making it the most-purchased overseas stock during the month [1]. This surge is attributed to a 410.68% increase in its Ether holdings, which now total 833,100 ETH, making it the world's largest public holder of the asset [2].

The shift marks a broader trend in South Korean investment behavior. Retail investors, who previously favored large U.S. technology companies, have seen a sharp decline in interest in Big Tech stocks. Specifically, investments in U.S. Big Tech fell by 84% in July compared to earlier months [1]. Instead, crypto-linked equities have become more attractive, with such stocks now representing 31.5% of top net-bought stocks in South Korea, up from 8.5% in January [3].

This reallocation of capital is driven by several factors, including the growing acceptance of stablecoins and legislative developments such as the U.S. GENIUS Act, which has helped legitimize and expand the role of stablecoins in the financial system [2]. The KCIF (Korea Capital Investment Fund) has noted that these factors are reshaping how retail investors in South Korea perceive digital assets and the companies that manage them.

BitMine’s strategy is reminiscent of MicroStrategy’s aggressive Bitcoin accumulation strategy, but with a focus on Ethereum [3]. The company’s substantial Ether holdings, now estimated at $3.6 billion, highlight the growing institutionalization of crypto assets and the willingness of companies to treat digital currencies as core balance sheet components [1].

The increased demand for Ether has also contributed to a rise in its price, which recently surpassed $4,300 [4]. While some analysts have speculated that Ethereum could overtake Bitcoin in value in the short term [4], the market remains volatile. Large ETH holders, or “whales,” are creating conflicting signals, with some continuing to accumulate while others take profits above the $4,300 level [5].

Despite Ethereum dropping below $4,200 on August 9, the overall sentiment among South Korean investors remains bullish, particularly as they continue to view the asset as a long-term strategic investment [6]. This trend coincides with a global re-evaluation of risk and return, as traditional high-growth tech stocks face regulatory scrutiny and valuation pressures.

The momentum in crypto-linked investments is also evident in the broader financial system, where leveraged positions and whale activity play a significant role in market dynamics. For example, a major Bitcoin holder recently added $6 million in USDC to avoid liquidation as Bitcoin surged past $122,000 [7]. These actions underscore the high-stakes environment of leveraged crypto trading and the potential for rapid, large-scale market shifts.

Overall, the South Korean market’s increasing interest in Ethereum and related equities signals a structural shift in investment behavior that could have lasting implications for asset allocation and global capital flows. As investors continue to explore the potential of digital assets, the line between traditional finance and crypto markets is becoming increasingly blurred [1].

Sources:

[1] https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/28174****24402

[2] https://www.ainvest.com/news/ethereum-news-today-south-korean-investors-shift-capital-crypto-linked-equities-big-tech-sell-2508/

[3] https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/us/peter-thiel-backed-bitmine-becomes-south-koreas-hottest-foreign-stock-bet-crypto-news-ether-price-news/articleshow/123236416.cms

[4] https://www.mitrade.com/au/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1027604-20250811

[5] https://www.mitrade.com/au/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1028374-20250811

[6] https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/08-11-2025-ethereum-eth-drops-below-4-200-usdt-with-a-0-25-decrease-in-24-hours-28170****60946

[7] https://coinfomania.com/whale-adds-6m-usdc-bitcoin-liquidation/