Upbit D Conference (UDC) is an annual blockchain conference held in South Korea and organized by Dunamu, the operator of the Upbit cryptocurrency exchange. It serves as a platform for industry leaders, developers, and policymakers to discuss trends, innovations, and the future of blockchain technology.

Overview

The Upbit D Conference (UDC) is recognized as a major event in the Asian blockchain and digital asset landscape, often described as South Korea's leading conference on the subject. Organized by Dunamu, the parent company of the country's largest cryptocurrency exchange, Upbit, the conference aims to foster growth, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing within the global blockchain ecosystem. Its primary purpose is to provide a comprehensive forum where participants can explore the expanding influence of blockchain technology across various sectors, including finance, technology, policy, and culture. The event brings together a diverse audience of developers, researchers, investors, corporate executives, regulators, and individuals interested in the technology's potential. ^[2]

Since its inception, UDC has focused on bridging the gap between the technical complexities of blockchain and its practical, real-world applications. The conference agenda typically covers a wide range of topics, from deep dives into specific protocols and decentralized finance (DeFi) mechanisms to high-level discussions on global regulatory trends and the integration of Web3 concepts into mainstream industries. A Dunamu official articulated the conference's mission by stating, "As blockchain establishes itself as a transformative force reshaping industries beyond just technology, UDC 2025 will serve as a platform to spotlight and explore this pivotal moment." This highlights the event's focus on capturing the evolving narrative of blockchain as it moves from a niche interest to a foundational technology with broad societal impact. The format includes a mix of keynote speeches, expert panel discussions, fireside chats, and technical sessions, complemented by exhibition booths and dedicated networking opportunities designed to facilitate meaningful connections among attendees. ^[2]

History

The inaugural Upbit D Conference was held in 2018, establishing an annual tradition in the blockchain community. The timing of its launch coincided with a period of significant global interest and development in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space, allowing UDC to quickly position itself as a key forum for dialogue and education in the region. Held annually since its first edition, the conference has demonstrated consistent growth in both scale and influence. By 2025, the event had accumulated a total of approximately 27,000 participants over its seven previous iterations. This cumulative attendance figure underscores its sustained relevance and its ability to attract a large and engaged audience year after year. ^[2]

Over the years, UDC has hosted more than 200 distinct sessions, featuring a wide array of speakers from around the world. These sessions have covered the entire spectrum of the blockchain industry, from foundational concepts and technological breakthroughs to market analysis and regulatory challenges. The conference has evolved in lockstep with the industry itself, with early themes focusing on the potential of cryptocurrencies and the basics of distributed ledger technology, while later editions have delved into more complex and mature topics such as DeFi, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), scalability solutions, and the emergence of Web3. This thematic evolution reflects UDC's commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends and providing timely, relevant content to its attendees. The consistent organization by Dunamu has provided stability and a clear vision for the event, helping it build a strong reputation for quality content and high-caliber speakers. ^[2]

UDC 2025

The eighth annual Upbit D Conference is scheduled for September 9, 2025, at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas. The theme for the 2025 event is "Blockchain, to the Mainstream," signaling a focus on the technology's transition from a specialized field to an integral part of everyday life and business. The conference is designed to be an immersive experience, open to anyone with an interest in the blockchain industry. Organizers expressed a desire for attendees to "experience firsthand the future of the blockchain industry" through a diverse and interactive program. ^[2] The inclusion of global figures such as Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization, is intended to "shed new light on the global influence of blockchain and digital assets," according to Dunamu CEO Oh Kyung-seok. ^[3]

The event's format is structured to cater to a broad audience and facilitate various forms of engagement. The program includes:

• Fireside Chats: Intimate and in-depth conversations with prominent industry figures.
• Panel Discussions: Sessions bringing together multiple experts to debate and discuss key industry topics.
• Mentoring Sessions: Opportunities for emerging talent and entrepreneurs to receive guidance from established professionals.
• Exhibition Booths: A space for companies and projects to showcase their latest products, technologies, and services.
• Networking Opportunities: Dedicated events and spaces designed to encourage collaboration and connection among participants.

This multi-faceted approach aims to provide a holistic view of the blockchain ecosystem, combining high-level insights with practical demonstrations and valuable networking. ^[2]

Themes and Topics

The agenda for UDC 2025 is curated to address the most pressing and relevant issues facing the blockchain industry, reflecting the overarching theme of mainstream adoption. The discussions are organized around several key pillars, each featuring specialized speakers and sessions.

Global Policy and Regulation

A significant portion of the conference is dedicated to the evolving landscape of digital asset regulation around the world. This theme acknowledges the critical role that policy plays in shaping the future of the industry. A central figure in these discussions is Patrick McHenry, former Chair of the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services. His keynote address is anticipated to cover emerging trends and global shifts in the digital asset ecosystem, with a particular focus on policy developments in the United States. His involvement is notable due to his role in advancing the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century (FIT21) Act, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at creating a clear regulatory framework for digital assets in the U.S. The conference will also feature Sandra Ro, CEO of the Global Blockchain Business Council, who will provide further insights into critical policy developments unfolding globally. ^[2]

Crypto Economy Trends

Another core theme is the analysis of the current state and future trajectory of the crypto economy. This track brings together experts from leading financial and data analytics firms to provide data-driven insights into market trends, institutional adoption, and the tokenization of real-world assets. Speakers include Gene Fang, Associate Managing Director at Moody’s Ratings; Alice Liu, Head of Research at CoinMarketCap; and Paul Bances, Head of Global Enterprise Growth at Paxos. Their sessions are expected to examine the macroeconomic factors influencing the digital asset market, the growth of stablecoins and tokenized assets, and the evolving behavior of retail and institutional investors. These discussions aim to provide attendees with a nuanced understanding of the economic forces driving the industry forward. ^[2]

Web3, Fandom, and Intellectual Property

Reflecting the expansion of blockchain beyond finance, UDC 2025 also features a dedicated track on the intersection of Web3 technologies with creative industries, particularly in the realms of fandom and intellectual property (IP). This theme explores how blockchain, NFTs, and decentralized platforms are creating new models for fan engagement, content monetization, and IP management. The speaker lineup for this topic includes Par Helgosson, Head of PSG Labs at the major European football club Paris Saint-Germain, and Steve Jung, Chief Operating Officer of Azuki, a prominent brand in the NFT space. Their discussions are set to explore case studies and future possibilities for leveraging blockchain to build stronger communities, empower creators, and create new revenue streams from digital assets and fan-centric experiences. ^[2]

Notable Speakers

The UDC 2025 lineup features a diverse group of global leaders from policy, finance, and technology, reflecting the conference's international scope and multi-disciplinary focus. Keynote speakers include Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization, and Patrick McHenry, the former Chair of the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services, whose work on the FIT21 Act positions him as a key voice in the global conversation on digital asset regulation. ^[3] McHenry will be joined in a discussion by Yoon Sun-joo, the Chief Branding Impact Officer of Dunamu, who brings a unique perspective from her background as a co-founder of the e-commerce giant Coupang and a graduate of Harvard Law School and the Kennedy School. ^[2]

The roster of speakers on crypto-economic trends includes Gene Fang of Moody’s Ratings, Alice Liu from the data authority CoinMarketCap, and Paul Bances of Paxos, a leading regulated blockchain infrastructure platform. The intersection of Web3 and culture is represented by figures like Par Helgosson, who leads innovation at Paris Saint-Germain's PSG Labs, and Steve Jung, the COO of Azuki, a brand known for its influential NFT collection and Web3 community-building efforts. The global policy perspective is further enriched by the participation of Sandra Ro, the CEO of the Global Blockchain Business Council, an organization that advocates for blockchain technology adoption among businesses and governments worldwide. The organizers have indicated that this initial list will be supplemented by additional global leaders, with more speakers to be announced closer to the event date. ^[2]

Social Impact

Beyond its role as an industry event, the Upbit D Conference incorporates a philanthropic component aimed at nurturing the next generation of technology leaders. For the 2025 conference, Dunamu announced a youth nurturing initiative where a portion of the registration fees will be donated to fund scholarships for young talent in the blockchain sector. This initiative is part of a broader, long-term commitment by Dunamu to support education and talent development. The company has a history of consistently providing support to university students who are pursuing careers in information technology (IT) and blockchain, reflecting a corporate philosophy that invests in the future of the industry's workforce. This social impact program aligns with the conference's educational mission by directly contributing to the growth of new talent within the ecosystem. ^[2]