Log in

News

South Korean gaming giant to acquire 65% stake in leading local cryptocurrency exchange

Updated: Aug 31, 2024
Published: Jan 7, 2021
0
Share:

Nexon, a leading South Korean video game publisher has reportedly ‘stepped up’ to acquire Bithumb, the country’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, for roughly 500 billion won ($460 million.)

Post Feature Image

The deal is being led by Nexon CEO Kim Jeong-Joo, showing how important this transaction is for the gaming giant.

According to local media reports, Nexon signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the exchange at the beginning of the month to acquire a 65% stake. Nexon is said to be working Vidente, the second-largest shareholder of the Bithumb, to get full control of the exchange.

The deal is perceived by some analysts as a major stepping stone for the local crypto industry. Bithumb is the biggest exchange by trading volume but has endured some issues in the past including being investigated for fraud.

The acquisition by the leading gaming conglomerate could turn around the fortunes of the exchange and strengthen the industry’s argument that it is ripe for mainstream adoption.

The news comes at a time when the industry’s market capitalization surpassed $1 trillion. With prices soaring higher, exchanges could be in for a busy period as traders and investors buy and sell digital assets.

Nexon is not a new kid on the crypto industry block. It has previously acquired Bitstamp and Korbit and if this deal is finalized, Nexon will own three exchanges.

Nexon bought Bitstamp in October 2018 through NXMH, an investment firm owned by NXC. NXC is the parent company of the gaming giant.

Korbit was purchased in September 2017 for around $80 million.

Bithumb’s acquisition

It was reported in September last year that the exchange was looking for a buyer. Accounting firm Samjong KPMG was given the task of selling Bithumb for a price ranging from $430 million to $604 million.

Several domestic and foreign buyers showed interest in acquiring the exchange but had to back down due to some hurdles.

The interested buyers slowed down after a revelation that the exchange and Chairman Lee Jung Hoon were being investigated for fraud. They are alleged to have sold Bithumb’s native BXA tokens worth $25 million to investors but failed to list the token, leaving investors to count their losses. Lee faced additional charges.

In September last year, Digital Currency Group (DCG), a firm that buys and invests in bitcoin and blockchain companies, acquired the cryptocurrency exchange Luno for an undisclosed fee.

100% Success Money Back Guarantee

If our approach doesn’t outperform the overall crypto market during your subscription, we’ll give you a full refund of your membership. No questions asked. For quarterly and monthly subscribers this is applicable once your subscription runs for 6 consecutive months.

Terms & Conditions apply

Star

Trusted by 300,000+ traders

Take your next step towards crypto success

Save 50%

$799/year

Get everything you need to actively manage your portfolio and stay ahead. Ideal for investors seeking regular guidance and access to tools that help make informed decisions.

VisaCardImageMsCardImageCoinbaseCardImageSolanaCardImage

For your security, all orders are processed on a secured server.

What’s included in Pro:

  • Success Guarantee, if we don’t outperform the market, you get 100% back, no questions asked

  • 24/7 access to experts with 50+ years’ experience

  • All of our top token picks for 2025

  • Our latest memecoins pick with 50X potential

  • On hand technical analysis on any token of your choice

  • Weekly livestreams & ask us anything with the team

  • Daily insights on Macro, Mechanics, and On-chain

  • Curated list of top upcoming airdrops (free money)

Our track record speaks for itself

With over 2.4M tokens and widespread misinformation in crypto, we cut
through the noise and consistently find winning assets.

/images/advertorial/corpcomm3.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm4.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm5.webp

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We've consistently identified winners across multiple cycles. Bitcoin under $1,000, Ethereum under $70, Solana under $10, WIF from $0.003 to $5, PopCat from $0.004 to $2, SPX blasting past $1.70, and our latest pick has already 200X'd since June 2025. Everything is timestamped and public record.

No. When we founded Cryptonary in 2017 the market was new to everyone. We intentionally created content that was easy to understand and actionable. That foundational principle is the crux of Cryptonary. Taking complex ideas and opportunities and presenting them in a way a 10 year old could understand.

Signal vs noise. We filter out 99.9% of garbage projects, provide data backed analysis, and have a proven track record of finding winners. Not to mention since Cryptonary's inception in 2017 we have never taken investment, sponsorship or partnership. Compare this to pretty much everyone else, no track record, and a long list of partnerships that cloud judgements.

We share highly sensitive, time-critical research. Once it's out, it can't be "returned." That's why membership is annual only. Crypto success takes time and commitment. If someone is not willing to invest 12 months into their future, there is no place for them at Cryptonary.

Yes. You will have 24/7 to the team that bought you BTC at $1,000, ETH at $70, and SOL at $10. Through our community chats, live Q&As, and member only channels, you can ask questions and interact directly with the team. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience which you can tap into every single day.

Daily. We provide real-time updates, weekly reports, emergency alerts, and live Q&As when the markets move fast. In crypto, the market moves fast, in Cryptonary, we move faster.

If our approach to the market doesn’t beat the overall crypto market during your subscription, we’ll give you a full refund of your membership fee. No questions asked. For quarterly and monthly subscribers this is applicable once your subscription runs for 6 consecutive months.

Recommended from Cryptonary
This Week's Setup: 27th of October
Market Updates
This Week's Setup: 27th of OctoberIt’s a big week in markets, and you don’t want to miss what’s coming. The Fed meets, Trump and Xi ar...
7 min read
Oct 27, 2025
Time Sensitive: The 4x Market-Neutral Trade Everyone’s Missing
PRO
Research Report
Time Sensitive: The 4x Market-Neutr...Opportunities like this are rare in crypto. Most launches are driven by hype or speculation with no ...
11 min read
Oct 27, 2025
BTC, ETH and More: Breakouts Loom on Pennants, Key Levels Ahead
PRO
Market Direction
BTC, ETH and More: Breakouts Loom o...The market is coiling in pennants after the inflation beat. All eyes on major resistance and breakdo...
6 min read
Oct 24, 2025