South Korea Exchange Ban Hits KuCoin, MEXC and 25 Other Platforms

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October 13, 2026

South Korea Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) disclosed that authorities had ordered a domestic access ban on 27 websites operated by unregistered overseas crypto exchange platforms, including KuCoin, MEXC, Phemex, BingX and BitMart. The move extends enforcement from app stores to websites, with the FIU warning that users could have difficulty accessing funds or making withdrawals.

The exchange ban targets unregistered crypto exchanges that regulators consider to be operating locally in South Korea. The FIU assesses that connection using factors including Korean-language websites, marketing aimed at Korean users and support for payments in won. The communications review body approved the requested measures following reviews held on October 6 and 7.