South Korean Court Greenlights Removal of FLOW from Upbit, Bithumb, and Coinone

• Why Did the Court Side with the Exchanges?
• How Has FLOW’s Market Performance Reacted?
• What Options Does the Flow Foundation Have Now?
• FAQ

A Seoul court has rejected the Flow Foundation's emergency injunction, allowing major South Korean exchanges—Upbit, Bithumb, and Coinone—to proceed with delisting FLOW by March 16, 2026. The decision follows months of legal tension and market volatility, with FLOW's price plummeting 50% since its March peak. This article unpacks the ruling's implications, FLOW's market struggles, and what’s next for the token in South Korea’s crypto landscape.

Why Did the Court Side with the Exchanges?

The Central District Court of Seoul, presided over by Judge Lee Sang-hoon, ruled that the Flow Foundation failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify halting the delisting. The court emphasized that exchanges retain the right to enforce their own listing standards without judicial interference unless proven otherwise. This isn’t the first time South Korean courts have backed exchanges in such disputes—similar rulings favored the Digital Asset eXchange Alliance (DAXA) in 2022 and 2025.

How Has FLOW’s Market Performance Reacted?

FLOW’s price surged briefly on March 10, hitting $0.074 amid speculation about the injunction’s success, but crashed to $0.037 after the ruling. South Korea accounts for nearly half of FLOW’s global trading volume, making the delisting a significant blow. Upbit alone handles 70% of the country’s crypto trades, amplifying the token’s liquidity crisis. Despite the setback, FLOW remains listed on Korbit and international platforms like Coinbase and Binance.

What Options Does the Flow Foundation Have Now?

The Foundation can still seek relisting by addressing the exchanges’ concerns, likely through improved transparency or compliance measures. It has expressed willingness to engage in “constructive dialogue” with DAXA and explore partnerships with other Asia-Pacific exchanges. For now, FLOW’s fate hinges on whether it can reassure traders and regulators—no small feat in South Korea’s tightly regulated market.

FAQ

Why was FLOW delisted in South Korea?

The exchanges cited unresolved issues with the token’s circulation supply, though specifics weren’t disclosed publicly. The court upheld their right to delist without a full trial.

Can FLOW be relisted?

Yes, if the Foundation resolves the exchanges’ concerns. Korbit’s decision to relist FLOW in February 2026 suggests a path forward.

How does this affect FLOW’s global market?

While South Korea is a major hub, FLOW’s availability on global platforms like BTCC may cushion the impact.