Crypto

Claims celebrities were used to promote XRP in South Korea spark dispute over investor losses

A cryptocurrency trader and market commentator has drawn controversy by alleging that promotional activity helped drive South Korean investors’ losses in XRP after its price fell sharply from its peak. Ryker said South Korean celebrities were paid by an “XRP team” to promote the token when it traded at $2 to $3, citing heavy XRP volume on Upbit. No supporting evidence has been made public, and Decrypt reported the claims could not be verified.

Crypto

480,000 ether leaves exchanges, market focus shifts to $1,500

Ether futures open interest fell 25 percent over the past month, bringing $1,500 into focus as a key support level. Exchange-held ether also dropped by about 480,000 ETH in recent days, suggesting leverage is being reduced while spot supply tightens. Analysts pointed to sharp declines in open interest at Gate.io and a similar move at Bybit, while Binance held steadier even as funding rates turned negative.