Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin Records Negative Kimchi Premium of 1.36% on July 28

Bitcoin experienced a negative Kimchi Premium of -1.36% on July 28, marking a reversal of its typical price premium in South Korea. At 12:00 AM KST, Bitcoin (BTC) traded at 161.65 million KRW on Upbit, South Korea’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, a 0.47% increase from the previous day. Meanwhile, the global price on Binance stood at 163.87 million KRW, resulting in a 2.22 million KRW discount for South Korean traders. This divergence reflects a growing divergence in regional market dynamics, with Korean buyers now paying less for Bitcoin compared to international counterparts [1].

The trend extended beyond Bitcoin, with major altcoins also trading at discounts. Ethereum (ETH) recorded a -1.24% Kimchi Premium, while Solana (SOL), XRP (XRP), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Shiba Inu (SHIB) posted discounts ranging from -1.15% to -1.27%. The data underscores a broad shift in cross-border pricing disparities, with top altcoins collectively trading between -1.1% and -1.3%. This phenomenon contrasts with historical patterns where South Korean markets often exhibited premiums due to higher demand from retail investors [1].

The negative Kimchi Premium suggests evolving market pressures, including regulatory scrutiny, liquidity imbalances, or shifting investor sentiment. South Korea’s stringent crypto regulations and enforcement actions against unlicensed exchanges have historically influenced price differentials. However, the July 28 data indicates that global liquidity and macroeconomic factors—such as cross-border arbitrage opportunities—may now play a stronger role in shaping pricing dynamics. Analysts note that the discount could also reflect reduced speculative activity in Korean markets following recent regulatory crackdowns [1].

The event highlights the increasing interconnectedness of global crypto markets. As major exchanges like Upbit and Binance adjust to regulatory and competitive pressures, regional price gaps are likely to remain volatile. For traders, the narrowing premium—or even discount—signals a shift toward more standardized pricing mechanisms, though localized factors such as trading volumes, fee structures, and regulatory frameworks will continue to drive short-term fluctuations.

Source: [1] [title: Bitcoin Records Negative Kimchi Premium of 1.36% on July 28] [url: https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/68864cfbf196495074ef7ac3/]