In a significant pivot from their digital strategies, several prominent South Korean retail giants, including Lotte and Hyundai, are withdrawing from the non-fungible token (NFT) sector. This move reflects a broader market trend as these companies refocus on their core business strengths amid a notable downturn in the NFT market.
Lotte Home Shopping Ends NFT Operations
Lotte Home Shopping, the e-commerce division of retail conglomerate Lotte, recently announced it would cease operations of its NFT platform. Launched in May 2022, Lotte’s NFT service was designed to be part of a broader metaverse initiative, utilizing fiat currency (KRW) to make transactions more accessible to non-crypto users.
Despite ambitious projects, including collaborations with the corporate mascot Bellygom, virtual influencer Lucy, and the 2022 horror film “The Witch: Part 2. The Other One,” the platform will close on July 2, 2024. Plans for secondary NFT sales on Opensea, the world’s largest NFT trading platform, have also been abandoned. All remaining NFT assets, including the Bellygom NFTs, will be transferred to Daehong Communications, a Lotte Group-owned crypto startup.
Hyundai Department Store Exits NFT Market
Hyundai Department Store, another major player, is also stepping back from the NFT space. Hyundai launched its NFT wallet services in the same year as Lotte, offering customers discounts and free gifts. However, these services are now being discontinued as Hyundai shifts focus away from the struggling NFT market.
Shinsegae Reduces NFT Offerings
Shinsegae, a key figure in the South Korean retail sector, has also significantly scaled back its NFT initiatives. An industry insider noted that many retailers had eagerly entered the NFT market but are now retreating as its momentum slows. These companies are refocusing efforts on bolstering their core business areas instead.
Regulatory Changes and Market Implications
This trend among retail giants to exit the NFT sector coincides with South Korea’s evolving regulatory landscape regarding NFTs. The country’s top financial regulator is considering classifying certain NFTs as virtual assets, which would require businesses issuing these NFTs to report them to the government.
The withdrawal of these retail giants from the NFT market signals a shift in strategy in response to both market conditions and regulatory changes. As the NFT market slows and regulations tighten, South Korean retailers are realigning their focus towards strengthening their primary business operations.
Powered by Crypto Expert BD
Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/CryptoExpert_BD
Join our Telegram channel: https://t.me/CryptoExpert_BD
