South Korea's Naver makes its biggest bet with crypto exchange deal

Internet giant says spending $10bn on Dunamu can ensure web transition survival

20230714N Naver apps

South Korea's internet titan Naver has already branched into payments, cloud, AI services and media content. (Photo by Kotaro Hosokawa)

KIM JAEWON

December 10, 2025 10:35 JST

SEOUL -- A rare news conference appearance by Naver founder Lee Hae-jin last month emphasized the importance the South Korean internet giant attaches to its $10.3 billion all-stock acquisition of Dunamu, operator of the country's biggest crypto exchange Upbit.

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