[Bank of Korea Launches Survey on Financial Institutions' Entry into Virtual Asset Market] According to Yonhap News Agency, the Bank of Korea (the central bank) has begun monitoring the market, requesting banks and securities firms to provide information on the progress of their virtual asset-related businesses and their risk assessments. On the 23rd of last month, the Bank of Korea sent requests to 18 banks (including the five major banks: KB, Shinhan, Hana, Woori, and NH Nonghyup) and 13 securities firms, requesting their participation in a "Survey on the Current Status of Financial Institutions' Entry into the Virtual Asset Market." The survey covers each institution's organizational structure and budget regarding virtual assets, current market access status, business-related risk assessments, and risk management measures. The survey also addresses the potential impact on financial institutions should a major event occur at South Korea's largest virtual asset exchange (such as a large-scale hacking attack causing temporary operational disruption).