A South Korean media company’s massive investment in Bitcoin has triggered a spectacular surge in its stock price, highlighting growing institutional interest in digital assets across Asia.
According to regulatory filings and local media reports, T&B Media Global—formerly a mid – tier entertainment and advertising firm—has allocated over 70% of its liquid assets to Bitcoin, purchasing 1,200 BTC worth approximately $128 million at current market prices. The move, announced earlier this week, marks one of the largest cryptocurrency investments by a Korean listed company.
T&B’s stock (ticker: 239170.KS) surged by the daily limit of 30% on Wednesday, following the disclosure, with trading volumes spiking to 10 times the 30 – day average. The company’s market capitalization has ballooned to $850 million, up from $350 million a month ago, as investors bet on its shift toward a “digital asset – focused business model.”
In a statement, T&B’s CEO Kim Min – ho said the move reflects the company’s belief that Bitcoin “represents a hedge against inflation and a store of value in an unstable global economy.” The firm also revealed plans to launch a cryptocurrency – related media division, aiming to capitalize on rising demand for digital asset news and education in South Korea.
The move comes as South Korea’s crypto ecosystem continues to mature, with major banks like KB Kookmin and Shinhan recently launching crypto custody services. Regulatory reforms last year allowed listed firms to hold digital assets on their balance sheets, prompting a wave of corporate investments. However, T&B’s aggressive strategy has drawn mixed reactions: while some analysts praise its bold pivot, others warn of risks from Bitcoin’s volatility.
“T&B is essentially transforming from a media company into a Bitcoin investment vehicle,” noted financial analyst Park Seung – wan. “While the stock rally shows market enthusiasm, investors should be cautious about the company’s lack of expertise in crypto and potential losses during market downturns.”
Critics also point out that T&B’s revenue from traditional media operations has declined by 40% over the past two years, fueling speculation that the Bitcoin investment is a bid to revive its fortunes. The company has yet to detail how its media business will integrate with digital assets, but insiders say partnerships with crypto exchanges and blockchain projects are in the works.
South Korea’s financial regulator has signaled vigilance over corporate crypto investments, warning firms to disclose risks adequately. T&B’s filing notes that Bitcoin’s price could drop by 50% or more, which would wipe out a significant portion of its assets. Despite the risks, the company’s gamble has energized retail investors, with online forums buzzing about the stock’s “blockchain premium.”
As T&B’s case shows, Asian firms are increasingly viewing Bitcoin as both a financial asset and a strategic tool for rebranding in the digital era. Whether the strategy will sustain long – term growth remains to be seen, but for now, the company’s bold bet on Bitcoin has made it a focal point of South Korea’s crypto – stock mania.
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