Google Declares War on 17 Crypto Apps in Epic Korean Drama! 🎭

by

In the latest installment of “South Korea’s Financial Melodrama,” Google has been roped into the fray, heroically (or begrudgingly, who knows?) heaving 17 crypto exchange apps off its Play Store platter. Among the casualties? Household names like KuCoin and MEXC, now removed faster than unsold Christmas sweaters in January.

The mastermind behind this financial strafing run? None other than South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC), a sort of financial Sherlock Holmes—but with fewer deerstalker hats and more spreadsheets. The FSC fingered these platforms for flouting local laws (how dare they!) by eschewing proper registration as virtual asset service providers (VASPs). Evidently, the FSC takes paperwork very seriously.

A full casualty list has been prepared for your reading (and grieving) pleasure: KuCoin, MEXC, Phemex, XT.com, Biture, CoinW, CoinEX, ZoomEX, Poloniex, BTCC, DigiFinex, Pionex, Blofin, Apex Pro, CoinCatch, WEEX, and BitMart. Yes, even BitMart. Hold onto your ledger, Barbara.

Google's ban on crypto apps

So, what’s the big fuss? Apparently, South Korea’s Specific Financial Transactions Act demands crypto exchanges register with its Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). It’s their way of saying, “If you want to play, file your forms—or face the wrath of fines and/or free lodging behind bars.”

Word on the street is this crackdown is part of a noble crusade to curb shady dealings, like money laundering and fraud. The FSC identified illicit exchanges based on three mortal sins: having a Korean-language site, luring in local traders, or daring to meddle in Korean won transactions. Who knew localization could be so dangerous?

Of course, not everyone’s crying. Upbit, South Korea’s reigning crypto overlord, is positively thriving in this new regulatory climate. With foreign platforms snipped away, Upbit’s already substantial monopoly looks set to expand like an inflatable castle at a kids’ party. Somewhere, a smug executive is probably pouring champagne.

And lest you think Apple dodged this financial inquisition, rest assured that the FSC is on their tail too. Talks are underway to banish similar crypto content from the Apple App Store, leaving late-night crypto dabblers staring forlornly at home screens void of temptation. One can almost hear a faint corporate sigh from Apple Korea.

As regulations tighten, one must ask: Is this the death knell for unregistered platforms—or just a pre-show warmup before they find new loopholes to exploit? Only time, and perhaps another FSC press release, can tell. 🎭

Read More

2025-03-26 20:21