Google Play Korea to Delist Unregistered Overseas Crypto Exchange Apps, Effective January 28

Odaily News Google Play Korea will prohibit the listing or updating of applications from overseas cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets that are not locally registered. According to Google's official policy, crypto trading platforms and wallet service providers must register with the Korean Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) as Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) to continue operating on the app store.

Affected by this policy, starting January 28, Korean Android users will be unable to download or update apps from unregistered overseas exchanges through Google Play, including platforms such as Binance, Bybit, and OKX. Currently, only 27 domestic platforms, including Upbit and Bithumb, have completed registration.

The report notes that while web access will remain available, this move may impact Korean retail investors who rely on overseas platforms for high-leverage trading, arbitrage, and access to a wider selection of tokens. The local community has begun discussing workarounds such as using VPNs or installing APKs, but these methods are considered to carry significant security risks. (The Block)