XRP's Rise in South Korea Challenges Bitcoin's Trading Dominance

Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, is currently holding between four and five billion XRP tokens, positioning the asset as the second-largest on the platform after Bitcoin. According to recent disclosures on the Paul Barron Podcast, approximately 2.9 billion XRP is stored in Binance’s main wallet, representing nearly 96% of its XRP balance. This significant concentration suggests that XRP continues to serve as a vital component for liquidity and global trading operations on the platform. While some of the holdings are allocated to customer balances, the magnitude of Binance's reserves underscores XRP’s strategic value in the broader crypto ecosystem.

The growing demand for XRP is particularly notable in South Korea, where the cryptocurrency has emerged as a dominant force in the local trading landscape. Data from analyst Cyclop indicates that XRP accounts for nearly 29% of trading volume on Upbit, South Korea’s largest exchange. This outperforms Bitcoin, which only holds a 4.6% share on the same platform. South Korean traders have shown a marked preference for altcoins, including XRP, often driving rapid price surges. This trend contrasts sharply with platforms such as Binance, where Bitcoin and Ethereum dominate trading volumes, with XRP accounting for less than 4%. The shift in trading behavior highlights how regional markets can significantly influence the dynamics of specific assets.

The surge in XRP activity is part of a broader adoption cycle in the cryptocurrency sector. South Korea, in particular, has demonstrated a strong appetite for blockchain technology and digital assets, with educational workshops and seminars reporting record participation. This indicates a shift from speculative trading to a more informed investor base that is increasingly interested in the long-term utility of assets like XRP. Additionally, the token’s resilience has been remarkable, especially in light of the ongoing regulatory challenges it has faced. Despite years of legal pressure from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), XRP has retained its position among the world’s top traded cryptocurrencies, supported by strong liquidity and growing institutional interest.

Looking ahead, several experts have highlighted the potential for XRP to break key price levels, with a number of forecasts pointing toward a possible move to $4–$5, especially if a spot XRP ETF is approved. Shawn Young, Chief Analyst at MEXC, noted that traders are shifting their focus to altcoins expected to benefit from ETF approvals, with XRP among the leading candidates. Lionel Iruk, senior advisor to Nav Markets, emphasized that ETFs offer a regulatory framework that could attract institutional investors and unlock significant liquidity. Meanwhile, Arthur Azizov from B2 Ventures pointed to whale accumulation and bullish options trading as further indicators of confidence in XRP’s future price trajectory. If these conditions continue, the next phase of adoption could determine whether XRP sustains or even expands its influence in the market.

XRP’s price action has also shown signs of breaking through critical resistance levels. Recent data indicates that the token has surpassed the $3.00 psychological threshold, with volumes nearly three times the average. A key challenge remains between $3.50 and $4.00, where heavy liquidity walls have been established. Analysts suggest that if XRP manages to clear this resistance, the path to $5.42 becomes more viable. This scenario reflects a classic breakout pattern, where the asset could experience rapid upward momentum once the key levels are breached. With South Korea continuing to drive demand and global sentiment shifting toward regulated investment vehicles, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining XRP’s future.