South Korea’s FIU Appeals Dunamu’s Ruling as Crypto License Fight Escalates

South Korea’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has appealed a court ruling that overturned Dunamu’s three-month partial business suspension, sending the case to a second trial. The agency filed the appeal with the Seoul Administrative Court on April 30. 

As per a local report, the dispute involves alleged violations of financial information rules and regulatory compliance requirements. The FIU says the sanctions are justified, while Dunamu says it implemented corrective measures after identifying compliance gaps

Court split deepens Dunamu compliance dispute

On April 9, 2026, the Seoul Administrative Court ruled in favor of Dunamu, overturning a three-month partial business suspension that would have barred the exchange from onboarding new users or facilitating external transfers. While the FIU has clear standards for transactions above 1 million won, the court found that guidelines for smaller transfers were not specific enough to justify punitive business closures. It also acknowledged that Dunamu introduced monitoring systems and internal corrective measures after the issues emerged.

The court said that later improvements did not automatically establish intent or gross negligence. It concluded that the sanction lacked proportional justification at that stage. The FIU now argues that the original violations still warrant regulatory penalties. It is also seeking clearer enforcement standards under the Specific Financial Information Act.

The case remains under appeal. The Seoul Administrative Court will review the arguments in the next trial phase.

Broader exchange crackdown intensifies in South Korea

Coinone and Bithumb are facing separate regulatory actions from South Korea’s Financial Intelligence Unit. Coinone filed an emergency injunction after receiving a suspension order linked to anti-money laundering violations. The exchange moved to challenge the order shortly before it was set to take effect.

Bithumb faces a potential six-month suspension over compliance issues involving overseas virtual asset operators. The FIU also cited deficiencies in customer due diligence and proposed disciplinary measures against executives. Final penalties remain under review pending internal assessment.

Both cases involve enforcement actions under South Korea’s virtual asset compliance framework. The FIU continues to review exchange practices under anti-money laundering requirements. Court proceedings and regulatory decisions remain ongoing in both cases.

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