Crypto commentator Digital Asset Investor (@digitalassetbuy) highlighted data showing South Korea’s Upbit exchange recorded a 273% surge in trading volume, reaching $1.84 billion.
That marks the exchange’s highest volume since March. XRP led the activity, outpacing both Ethereum and Bitcoin on the country’s largest exchange. XRP pulled in $399 million in 24-hour volume on Upbit alone.
Digital Asset Investor noted that “XRP is smoking everything else,” referencing how XRP has outperformed the rest of the top 10 digital assets during the current move. He added that “the mega volume comes out of South Korea” in nearly every XRP bull run, and that is exactly what is happening now.
XRP BOOMING In South Korea
Watch The Full Youtube Video Here:https://t.co/oGRwd2nP9x pic.twitter.com/EsMJd3M1oW— Digital Asset Investor (@digitalassetbuy) August 22, 2026
Korea’s Role in XRP Price Moves
South Korean retail participation has historically played a significant role in XRP price action. Digital Asset Investor pointed to the 2017-2018 bull run as the clearest example, noting that the volume at that time came almost entirely out of South Korea. That pattern is now repeating, and investors are paying attention.
Ripple’s institutional reach in South Korea is also expanding. Jeonbuk Bank became the third South Korean financial institution to partner with Ripple in 2026. That deepening institutional presence signals that South Korea is not just a retail trading market for XRP but an emerging hub for Ripple-powered financial infrastructure.
Prediction Markets Show Growing Confidence
Beyond Korea, broader sentiment around XRP is shifting. Prediction markets on Kalshi show 73% of traders expecting XRP to reach $1.50. 35% expect it to surpass $2, and 25% vote for $2.50. Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan offered context for the current environment, stating that buyers entering this rally are making “a four-year investment, not a four-hour bet.”
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Regulatory Clarity Adding Momentum
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse appeared before the CFTC and acknowledged that Ripple spent $150 million on outside legal counsel during its four-year SEC battle. He told attendees that “the status quo is not good enough for consumers or for innovation,” calling for clear regulatory rules to allow responsible businesses to build in the U.S.
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong is optimistic that the CLARITY Act has a strong chance of passing, citing broad agreement across both sides of the debate. White House representative Patrick Witt described the legislative effort as something too far along to abandon, saying he remains “optimistic that we’re going to be able to get it done.”
A cleaner regulatory environment removes one of the largest overhangs that has historically limited institutional participation in XRP markets. As that picture improves, the conditions supporting continued volume growth in South Korea and beyond become more durable.
Disclaimer: This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses.
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