Forbes Mexico has named Hyunki Hwang, CEO of Punkvism, in its prestigious ‘40 Under 40 Líderes Tech – KOL Capital’ list, which recognizes 40 global innovators under the age of 40 who are expected to lead the future of the digital economy.
Forbes highlighted Hwang for building a “platform-based Web3 model” that integrates RWA (Real-World Asset) tokenization, NFTs, and a token economy. He was praised for establishing a participatory and reward-driven system where fans and creators can grow together. After co-founding MetaKongz in 2021 and building community-building expertise, he launched Punkvism in 2022.
Punkvism has been well-received for implementing a multi-layered utility structure that connects NFT ownership to RWA access and real-world benefits through initiatives such as a real estate and art token exchange, a PVT token-based payment and burn system, and immersive metaverse services.
Currently, Punkvism operates its RWA token exchange, NFT & IP platform—including its flagship collection PunkyKongz—and a PVT token ecosystem. With a global community of over 300,000, the company is preparing to adopt DAO-based governance. PunkyKongz is regarded as a “lifestyle NFT” model, offering tangible benefits such as 30–50% discounts at the Fairmont Hotel in Yeouido, 30% discounts at partner hospitals, PVT mining rewards, and priority access to RWA projects.
Punkvism envisions itself as a “decentralized super app” where fans and creators co-share value and revenue.
“This recognition by Forbes is the result of collaboration between the Punkvism team and our community,” said Hwang. “Korea has a real chance to set the global standard in a Web3 ecosystem where NFTs, RWAs, and the metaverse converge.” He also emphasized, “NFT adoption is still under 1% of the global population. This is the moment to look at Web3 assets the way people viewed land in Gangnam during the 1970s-undervalued, but inevitable.”
Looking ahead, Punkvism plans to list the PVT token on major overseas exchanges and launch “PunkPay,” a payment network connected to 7,000 offline merchants that will feature automatic PVT token burning at the point of transaction. Additionally, the company will build a global RWA exchange based in Southeast Asia, expanding token listings and institutional partnerships in real estate and art.
Industry experts note that utility-based NFTs with clear real-world benefits and financial structure could become the global standard, and expect Punkvism’s developments to play a major role in expanding the Korean Web3 ecosystem.
