The cryptocurrency market is once more dazzled by a meteoric rise of a meme coin. This time round, the Pudgy Penguins ( PENGU). The token has rallied by over 71% over the last 7 days. What was initially seen as a regular meme coin rally has now turned into a more broader discussion about the future of meme-based cryptocurrencies. 

Unlike most other tokens that go parabolic on hype alone, the breakout of PENGU appears to be catalyzed by several underlying factors. These comprise the proposed exchange-traded fund (ETF) listing, surging institutional interest, huge accumulation by whales, and strategic listings. Collectively, these factors are transitioning PENGU  from a community-driven asset, into a real player in the digital finance market. 

PENGU’s 71% Pump Over the Last 7 Days

According to data by CoinMarketCap, Pudgy Penguins is trading at $0.01430. While on the daily chart the parabolic surge has dimmed to a mere 3% surge, the coin is still up by 71.69% on the weekly timeframe. 

This surge is also accompanied by surging trading volume as the meme coin records $640.73 million over the last 24 hours. However, the crypto market is wondering what has been driving the parabolic surge in PENGU’s price. 

Factor’s Behind Pudgy Penguin’s Rally

One of the key factors contributing to PENGU’s rally is the rather unprecedented ETF filing. Recently, the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) – in partnership with Canary Capital – applied to create a new ETF featuring Pudgy Penguins. Should the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approve it, the ETF would become the second meme coin to enter the U.S.-regulated ETF market. 

The idea of a PENGU ETF has generated investor interest, driving demand and interest in PENGU. According to market analyst Rypto, this is more of a milestone not only to the token but also to the meme coin market. The ETF could open up PENGU to a wider section of investors, including institutions that need regulated access to digital assets.

$PENGU Soars as ETF Filing Pushes Memes into TradFi @PudgyPenguins pic.twitter.com/ErYjZXpd1E

— Rypto (@Rypto__) June 30, 2025

The other major trigger for the PENGU meme coin rally is the listing on the Upbit – the largest crypto exchange in South Korea. Biconomy crypto exchange also announced earlier today the listing Pudgy Penguins for spot trading. The listing makes PENGU widely available for high-appetite investors. South Korean investors have been at the center stage of past hitting meme-coins including Dogecoin and Shiba Inu.  

Whale Accumulation Signals Long-Term Confidence

A steadily increasing whale accumulation trend supports the bullish trend. According to crypto analyst CryptoniteUae, whales recently amassed more than 200 million PENGU, which is approximately valued at $2.4 million. This activity is normally an indicator of insider optimism or hope of future price gains. 

An analysis by Nansen shows that Pudgy Penguins whale holdings have gone up by 11.37%. Public figure wallets have grown by 7.07% meaning influential persons have joined the market. Additionally, PENGU’s top 100 wallets have increased by 2.27%. 

Whales are usually the first trace of major market shifts. The increasing whale interest in PENGU is an important sign that the current rally can hold for long. It is not the usual flash-in-the-pan price run brought on by retail hysteria. Rather, smart money is taking positions now before the rest of the market catches on. 

What PENGU’s Pump Means for Meme Coin Market

The spectacular rally by PENGU is not merely a testament to investor confidence, it also shows the shifting balance of power within the meme coin market. Community-based tokens are currently transitioning into organized assets with real-world functionality, wider exposure, and more legitimacy in the form of regulated financial products and listings.

With a combination of ETF speculation, international exposure, and strategic accumulation, meme coins appear to have reached a new stage. Investors that initially characterized these coins as fads will need to review their perspective as memecoins like PENGU edge at mainstream adoption.