South Korea

South Korea's Tax Agency Seeks AI Platform to Hunt Crypto Tax Evasion

South Korea's National Tax Service has issued a procurement tender for an AI platform to analyze cryptocurrency trading data and flag potential tax evasion. The move marks a step up in enforcement and could raise compliance costs for traders and exchanges.

Published at 2026-03-12 12:30:07
ICP Soars 20% After Upbit Adds KRW, BTC and USDT Pairs

Internet Computer (ICP) jumped more than 20% on March 11 after South Korea’s Upbit listed the token with KRW, BTC and USDT trading pairs. The new pairs drove a sharp pickup in volume and price as local access expanded.

Published at 2026-03-11 09:15:31
Bithumb Faces Proposed Six-Month Partial Ban Over AML Breaches

Local media report South Korean authorities have proposed a six-month suspension of virtual asset transfers for newly registered Bithumb users over alleged AML violations, while existing customers would remain unaffected.

Published at 2026-03-09 12:45:47
South Korea Targets Corporate Trading of USDT and USDC

South Korean authorities are moving to restrict corporate trading in USDT and USDC amid concerns that dollar‑pegged stablecoins could crowd out other currency alternatives. The proposal raises questions about liquidity, corporate treasury use, and the future of local digital currency options.

Published at 2026-03-08 07:15:08
South Korea Lifts 9-Year ‘Shadow Ban,’ Allows 3,500 Firms to Invest in Crypto

Seoul has removed a nine-year restriction that barred listed companies from investing in digital assets, enabling about 3,500 firms to enter the crypto market. Regulators say stablecoins such as USDC and USDT are expected to remain excluded under the new rules.

Hana Card, Circle and Crypto.com Roll Out USDC Tourist Payments in South Korea

Hana Card, in partnership with Circle and Crypto.com, has launched USDC stablecoin payment services for international tourists in South Korea, enabling faster cross-border payments and lower FX friction.

KOSPI Surges More Than 11% in Historic One-Day Rebound, Outpacing Crypto

South Korea’s KOSPI jumped more than 11% Thursday, reversing the previous day’s record single-day loss in one of the index’s most dramatic turnarounds. The equity surge outpaced gains in major crypto markets and highlighted acute volatility across risk assets.

Published at 2026-03-05 03:00:27
South Korea to Cap Crypto Exchange Ownership at 20%

South Korea's government and ruling party have reportedly agreed to cap major shareholders in cryptocurrency exchanges at 20%, with narrow exceptions for newly established platforms. The move is pitched as a way to limit concentration of control and reduce systemic risk.

Korean Finance Minister Vows Reform After Crypto Custody Failures

South Korea's finance minister pledged urgent reforms after past custody failures revealed weaknesses in how authorities safeguard seized cryptocurrency. The announcement signals possible procedural, technological and legal changes that could affect enforcement and market actors.

South Korea Seeks Law Forcing Crypto Influencers to Disclose Holdings

The Democratic Party in South Korea has proposed a bill that would require influencers to disclose their stock and crypto holdings when promoting assets, targeting undisclosed promotions and potential market manipulation.