South Korea's revised KOSDAQ regulations, effective July 1, 2026, introduce stricter requirements for Digital Asset Treasury (DAT) crypto firms. The market capitalization threshold rises to ₹1,600 crore (~₹145 million) by the end of 2026 and ₹2,170 crore (~₹217 million) from January 2027. According to reports from CryptoSlate, firms failing to meet the minimum for 30 consecutive trading days face managed stock status and risk automatic delisting within 90 days unless they recover the required level for 45 consecutive days.
Several DAT crypto firms that recorded major paper profits through Bitcoin holdings now face immediate delisting review under the new retention rules. As reported by CryptoSlate, these companies may have gains that fall within the scope of the new retention threshold, exposing them to delisting risk. The reform signals a broader regulatory stance as Korean authorities continue tightening every layer of the digital asset ecosystem, from exchange ownership caps to stablecoin frameworks.
Bitplanet represents the most visible example of South Korea's emerging DAT crypto sector, created in July 2025 when a consortium led by Asia Strategy and Sora Ventures acquired KOSDAQ-listed SGA. According to CryptoSlate, the company now holds 300 BTC and aims to accumulate 10,000 BTC over the long term. CEO Lee Seong-hoon has publicly cited Strategy and Metaplanet as inspiration for Bitplanet's model, positioning it as Korea's first true treasury-focused listed crypto vehicle.
Beyond treasury accumulation, Bitplanet is expanding into operational businesses through strategic partnerships. As reported by CryptoSlate, the firm recently signed an MOU with Nasdaq-listed Antalpha to deploy Bitcoin mining equipment valued at approximately ₹120 crore (~₹10.8 million) across sites in Oman and Paraguay. The company is also developing AI data center plans as a second revenue stream alongside its core treasury accumulation business.
The regulatory changes raise structural questions about South Korea's crypto market landscape. According to CryptoSlate, South Korea remains one of the largest retail crypto markets globally, but the path for listed DAT crypto firms now depends on how strictly regulators apply the July 1 threshold and whether transparency can outweigh formal compliance gaps under the new framework. The latest developments also highlight the broader regulatory challenges facing crypto markets, particularly regarding stablecoin oversight and cross-border payment systems.
