Google Play Korea will remove unregistered overseas cryptocurrency exchange apps on January 28

Google Play in South Korea will prohibit the listing or updating of overseas cryptocurrency exchanges and wallet applications that are not registered locally. According to Google's official policy, cryptocurrency trading platforms and wallet service providers must register as virtual asset service providers with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of South Korea in order to continue operating in the app store.

As a result of this policy, starting from January 28, South Korean Android users will be unable to download or update unregistered overseas exchange applications through Google Play, including Binance, Bybit, and OKX. Currently, only 27 local platforms, including Upbit and Bithumb, have completed registration.

Reports indicate that while web access may still continue, this measure could impact South Korean retail investors who rely on overseas platforms for high-leverage trading, arbitrage, and access to a wider range of tokens. Local communities have begun circulating methods to bypass this, such as using VPNs or APK installations, but these practices are considered to carry significant security risks.