Bitcoin News: South Korea Eyes Spot Bitcoin ETFs, Whales Close Long Positions

Key Insights:

• As per the latest Bitcoin news, South Korea is set to launch spot Bitcoin ETFs this year as it shifts from its previously strict crypto policy.
• Large holders are reportedly closing their leveraged BTC longs. Here’s the potential implications.
• 30-day long-term holder spending approaches a historically significant level. Here’s what it means.

The cryptocurrency market volatility cooled down substantially this past week amid uncertainty driven by external forces. Nevertheless, here is a recap of some of the most interesting Bitcoin news this weekend.

South Korea made it into Bitcoin news headlines after announcing plans to pursue SPOT Bitcoin ETFs. The Asian country previously maintained strict regulatory policies that were not exactly crypto-friendly.

South Korea’s government revealed the plan to pursue spot Bitcoin ETF launches as part of its 2026 economic growth strategy. The fact that its plans involve a push towards accumulating BTC was a major statement considering that South Korea is one of the top Asian economies.

The announcement means South Korea may unlock institutional flows into Bitcoin this month. This highlights the growing institutional demand for cryptocurrency outside the US and may have a positive impact on Bitcoin price.

Bitcoin Whales Close Long Positions: Impact on BTC Price?

Recent market data revealed that whales have been closing their Bitcoin long positions on Bitfinex. Under normal circumstances, this may be interpreted as a bearish sign since closing longs may indicate that they do not anticipate bullish activity.

However, past observations suggest that Bitcoin whales tend to close their leveraged long positions just before the market enters another rally. Similar outcomes were observed in December 2024 and in April 2025.

This counterintuitive move may still lead to a bit of a selloff and may be a setup for the leverage slate to be wiped clean before the market moves up. Similar outcomes in the past led to significant moves without a lot of volatile pullbacks, and this is why whales exiting long positions is important.

Historic observations may not always follow a similar pattern; hence, investor caution was warranted. Nevertheless, it may be a sign that Bitcoin price may be headed for a sizable rally in the second half of January.

Long-term Holders Spending Signals Upcoming Market Structure

A CryptoQuant analyst under the pseudonym CryptoZeno recently cast the spotlight on long-term holder spending. In other words, the amount of BTC exiting long-term holder accounts.

The Long-term holder spending indicator registered a massive surge in late 2025, especially in November. It peaked at levels observed during previous Bitcoin price tops.

In short, long-term Bitcoin holders sold aggressively during the Q4 2025 downturn. This would traditionally be considered a bearish sign for the months to come. However, this time things are different, and it mostly has to do with institutional activity.

While long-term holder outflows historically signal shifting demand dynamics, this time, whales have been absorbing the sell pressure. The overwhelming sentiment now is that institutional demand will push Bitcoin higher. However, ETF flows have been mostly negative for the last 3 weeks.

Moreover, macro factors have also held back Bitcoin price action recently despite bullish momentum rising at the start of January. The cryptocurrency hovered near the $90,600 price level this weekend as uncertainty gripped the market.

Nevertheless, its price action also demonstrated strength at its current level despite macro tailwinds and ETF outflows.