Digital Currency and Global Monetary Hegemony: Korea's Strategic Positioning

This study analyzes how the proliferation of digital currencies is transforming global monetary hegemony and the international financial order, while exploring the strategic positioning of Korea as a middle power. The digital currency strategies of major countries—the U.S., China, EU, and BRICS—differ in terms of technology, regulation, and policy, leading to a multipolar and fragmented currency landscape. Using qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) and a 2×2 matrix (algorithmic sovereignty, crypto-mercantilism) based on policy documents and institutional cases, the study compares national strategies. The findings suggest that Korea should position itself as a regulatory coordinator, balancing technological autonomy with international cooperation, and act as a standard negotiator and financial hub. This research provides practical policy implications for middle powers in the digital currency era.