Politics · South Korea · 1 hr ago
South Korea moves to block access to 27 unregistered crypto websites
South Korean authorities have approved domestic access blocking for 27 websites run by unregistered cryptocurrency businesses.
The sites include KuCoin, MEXC, Phemex, XT.com and Bitrue.
South Korea requires crypto businesses to meet conditions, including information security certification, and register with its Financial Intelligence Unit.
The same rules apply to foreign businesses serving South Korean customers.
Authorities had already sought to block access to some of these businesses through app stores, and the new decisions extend blocking to websites.
They say access can now be restricted as soon as unregistered activity is found, without waiting for confirmed losses or a court decision.
Existing users may face difficulties withdrawing funds, so a group of South Korean crypto exchanges plans to provide withdrawal instructions.
Authorities also plan to monitor replacement websites and seek further reviews.
South Korea has decided to block domestic access to 27 websites run by unregistered virtual-asset businesses.
The Financial Intelligence Unit said the decision followed a review by the Korea Communications Standards Commission at its request.
The websites include those of KuCoin, MEXC, Phemex, XT.com and Bitrue.
The move extends access-blocking measures from app marketplaces to websites.
Authorities said the measure is intended to prevent user harm before specific losses are confirmed.
- Who
- South Korea’s Financial Intelligence Unit and the Korea Communications Standards Commission.
- What
- Authorities decided to block domestic access to 27 websites run by unregistered virtual-asset businesses.
- When
- October 13, 2026.
- Where
- South Korea.
- Why
- The FIU said unregistered virtual-asset business activity is illegal and access should be blocked early to prevent harm to users.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Authorities had pursued app-based access blocking and other measures against unregistered virtual-asset businesses.
The FIU announced a decision to block domestic access to 27 websites after a review by the Korea Communications Standards Commission.
- Websites targeted
- 27
- Examples named
- KuCoin, MEXC, Phemex, XT.com and Bitrue
- Announcing agency
- Financial Intelligence Unit
- Reviewing body
- Korea Communications Standards Commission
- User guidance
- DAXA plans to provide withdrawal methods and procedures for affected users
What people are saying
With this measure, user access can be blocked as soon as illegal virtual-asset business activity is detected, without waiting for a judicial decision based on an investigation or confirmation of specific harm.
The effect of preventing harm in advance will increase.
Sources
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