South Korea is intensifying regulation of crypto platforms by leveraging app store policies and new laws. Recent amendments to the Capital Markets Act and Electronic Securities Act establish a legal framework for security token offerings, defining such tokens as securities managed via blockchain. These laws, overseen by the Financial Services Commission, will take effect in January 2027 after a preparatory period and are aimed at institutionalizing blockchain-based securities and facilitating smart contract adoption. Regulatory enforcement extends to digital distribution: Google Play now requires crypto exchanges and wallet providers to register with South Korea’s Financial Intelligence Unit to remain listed. From January 28, 2025, Android users in South Korea will be unable to download or update apps from unregistered overseas exchanges, effectively blocking most global platforms like Binance and Bybit while domestic ones remain accessible. This affects over 80% of mobile users. Workarounds such as browser-based trading or APK sideloading are considered impractical for most users. Although Google acted independently, the move aligns with Korean regulatory trends and may prompt further restrictions, potentially including Apple’s app ecosystem and decentralized exchanges. Crypto futures remain banned, but bitcoin on exchanges is subject to seizure.