Tether, the world’s largest stablecoin issuer, has filed multiple trademark applications in South Korea, including for its corporate brand and gold-linked stablecoin Tether Gold (XAUT). The move comes as discussions advance on tightening stablecoin rules, including possible requirements for foreign issuers to set up local branches. Rival Circle has also stepped up outreach in Korea and expanded platform partnerships. The domestic market is seen as large, though the regulatory framework is still unsettled.

South Korean digital asset exchanges are accelerating efforts to diversify revenue as trading values fall and profitability weakens. The five biggest won-market exchanges logged $27.8 billion in trading from May 1 to 17, down from earlier months. Dunamu and Bithumb reported sharp first-quarter declines in revenue and operating profit, with trading fees accounting for nearly all sales. Exchanges are expanding partnerships, overseas ventures and Web3 infrastructure, while facing regulatory uncertainty.