17 Crypto Apps Pulled from Google Play in South Korea

Crypto News Regulation

17 Unregistered Crypto Trading Apps Pulled from Google Play in South Korea

Written by Aaron S.,

Editor-In-Chief

Last Updated: March 26, 2025

Key Takeaways

17 unregistered crypto trading apps were removed from Google Play in South Korea for failing to meet local legal requirements;
The FSC aims to prevent money laundering and protect users by restricting access to non-compliant crypto trading platforms;
Authorities are also working with Apple and internet regulators to block these exchanges from other digital channels.

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17 Unregistered Crypto Trading Apps Pulled from Google Play in South Korea

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17 crypto trading apps have been removed from Google Play in South Korea following a request from local regulators.

On March 26, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) released a list of unregistered exchanges, which confirmed that these apps can no longer be downloaded or updated through the Android store.

The goal of this action is to reduce the risk of money laundering and protect users from financial harm.

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Under South Korean law, any company offering digital asset services must register with the authorities. This is required under the Act on Reporting and Using Specified Financial Transaction Information.

The exchanges affected include KuCoin $2.75B , MEXC $3.27B , BTCC $727.87M , CoinEX $172.77M , Phemex $802.16M , XT.com $2.18B , CoinW $3.31B , ZoomEX $771.73M , Poloniex $1.21B , DigiFinex $1.81B , Pionex $4.87B , Blofin $1.08B , CoinCatch $0 , WEEX $2.06B , BitMart $3.09B , Biture , and Apex Pro. According to officials, these services were operating in South Korea without meeting the country’s legal requirements.

Additionally, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) is working with Apple Korea and the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) to block access to these exchanges on the App Store and through websites.

The FIU, which is part of the FSC, said on March 21 that it was reviewing possible action against companies that had not followed the local reporting rules.

Meanwhile, on March 20, South Korean authorities investigated Bithumb, a cryptocurrency exchange. What happened? Read the full story.