After a long regulatory pause, Binance is re-entering South Korea through the acquisition of the GOPAX crypto exchange. The deal received approval from the FIU and opens the door for new growth in Asia.
Official Return of Binance to South Korea
On October 16, 2025, Binance received final approval from South Korea’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) for its acquisition of the local exchange GOPAX. This marks the platform’s first official return to the country since 2021.
With the approval, Binance will hold a majority stake in GOPAX and can restart its operations in one of Asia’s most dynamic crypto markets.
Importance of the Deal for Both Parties
- Binance: regains presence in Asia without regulatory barriers
- South Korea: gains access to Binance’s global expertise and resources
- GOPAX: can benefit from the technology and liquidity of the world’s largest crypto exchange
The acquisition places Binance in direct competition with major local exchanges such as Upbit and Bithumb.
Why the Deal Was Previously Blocked
In February 2023, Binance announced the acquisition of 67% of GOPAX, but regulatory and legal issues in the United States delayed the approval. The FIU expressed concerns about compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.
Additionally, in June 2023, the SEC filed a lawsuit against Binance for providing unregistered services and misusing user funds. This led to the resignation of founder Changpeng Zhao as CEO in November of the same year.
Following these events, Binance started fresh with the US and relaunched its international strategy.
Next Steps – Binance Alpha and New Tokens
On October 17, 2025, Binance will launch an airdrop program through its emerging assets platform – Binance Alpha.
Two new tokens will be listed with an airdrop:
- ANOME (ANOME)
- SubHub (SUBHUB)
Users will be able to claim their airdrop points via the Binance Alpha system once trading begins for these tokens.
This initiative aims to provide early access to innovative tokens for users and attract new activity to the platform.
Conclusion
Through the strategic acquisition of GOPAX, Binance is reestablishing its presence in South Korea—a market with over 6 million crypto users. The deal not only stabilizes Binance’s position in Asia but also affirms the company’s new regulator-compliant vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions below.
Binance paused operations due to regulatory uncertainties and compliance requirements.
Yes, with the FIU's approval for the GOPAX acquisition, Binance can legally operate in the South Korean market.
Binance Alpha is Binance’s platform for launching emerging tokens, starting with airdrops for ANOME and SUBHUB in October 2025.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal or investment advice. Crypto-assets are highly volatile, so only invest funds that you are willing to lose and use your own research and risk management.
