In a significant move for the cryptocurrency ecosystem, Star Xu, chairman of the global cryptocurrency exchange OKX, has outlined the company’s strategic plans for expanding its operations in South Korea, leveraging its recent partnership with local exchange Coinone. Speaking at a press briefing held at Coinone’s offices in Seoul’s Yeouido district, Xu underscored the importance of enhancing product offerings and improving customer protection as central goals of this collaboration.
Xu emphasized that one of the primary objectives is to cultivate a regulatory environment that fosters trust among users and authorities alike. This emphasis comes in the wake of increasing scrutiny on cryptocurrency exchanges globally, underscoring the importance of compliance and stability in the digital currency space. OKX holds a 20% stake in Coinone, making it the exchange’s third-largest shareholder, thereby positioning the company to influence the growth trajectory of Coinone significantly.
The partnership aims to harness OKX’s extensive experience, built over 13 years in the digital asset industry, to support Coinone’s ambitions in the competitive South Korean market. Xu noted that the exchange’s strengths lie in its advanced trading-system stability and security technologies. He pointed out that during periods of market volatility, such as the sharp fluctuations observed last October, many exchanges faced significant outages. In contrast, OKX successfully maintained consistent service, a critical factor in fostering user confidence.
Additionally, Xu highlighted the robust measures that OKX is implementing to safeguard customer assets. The introduction of an AI-based fraud-detection system, alongside proprietary custody technology and innovative key-management solutions, reflects the exchange’s commitment to prioritizing user security.
Looking ahead, Xu expressed optimism regarding Coinone’s leadership under CEO Cha Myung-hoon, envisioning a transformative phase for the company. He articulated a vision of delivering enhanced value to Korean users through improved products and services, reinforcing OKX’s commitment to supporting the local cryptocurrency landscape as it evolves.
This partnership not only marks an important step for OKX in its global expansion strategy but also signifies a potential shift in how South Korean users engage with digital assets through enhanced technological capabilities, security, and regulatory alignment.



