Upbit Lists Only One Domestic 'Kimchi Coin' Among 54 New Assets in 2025
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
Source: Coinmarketcap
Updated: Dec 30 2025- Market Share Shift: In 2025, Upbit listed 54 new crypto assets, but only one was from a domestic project, indicating a significant decline in local innovation that directly undermines South Korea's ambitions as a global crypto hub.
- Regulatory Pressure Impact: The implementation of strict anti-money laundering regulations and the Travel Rule has led Upbit to adopt a conservative listing policy, resulting in higher compliance costs and longer listing times for local projects, thereby stifling entrepreneurial spirit.
- Investor Impact: With fewer local projects, South Korean investors are increasingly skewing their portfolios towards international assets, exposing them to different market cycles and geopolitical risks while reducing opportunities to invest in familiar domestic concepts.
- Industry Outlook Concerns: Industry experts warn that Upbit's trend may lead to a drain of capital and talent, and without improvements in the regulatory environment, South Korea risks losing its competitive edge in the global digital asset market.
About the author
Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.
