• XRP dominates South Korea’s crypto market, hitting $800M trading volume on top exchanges, with Bitcoin and Ether trailing far behind.

  • Rising on-chain activity and strong trading metrics hint at a potential XRP price breakout despite underlying volatility risks.

XRP has taken the spotlight in South Korea’s crypto market, outshining Bitcoin and Ether with soaring trading volumes. In the past 24 hours, trading volumes across UpBit, Bithumb, and Korbit—the country’s top exchanges—hit an impressive $800 million. 

XRP alone accounted for $200 million on Bithumb and $600 million on UpBit, leaving Bitcoin trailing with less than half the activity. Ether and Dogecoin fared even worse, managing only a fraction of XRP’s demand.

The sudden surge in XRP trading often signals brewing volatility. High trading activity can mean traders are positioning themselves ahead of potential developments, which could lead to price breakouts or, conversely, sharp reversals. South Korean traders, known for fueling dramatic rallies, have driven XRP’s popularity throughout the year. 

XRP Surges Amid Political Upheaval

Tuesday saw a spike in XRP interest following a controversial political development in South Korea. A local court issued an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol after his contentious decision to impose martial law earlier in December. Such events have historically influenced XRP’s local markets, amplifying trading volumes and speculation.

Adding to this wave of activity is the rising number of South Koreans investing in cryptocurrencies. Bank of Korea data shows that 15.59 million retail investors—approximately 30% of the population—had accounts on major exchanges by the end of November, as CNF earlier reported.

The South Korean market rose by 610,000 investors in just a month, driven by enthusiasm over US President-elect Donald J. Trump’s plans to expand the crypto market. This broader participation reflects a deepening connection between global and local crypto trends, with South Korea serving as a hotspot for emerging digital assets.

🔾XRP’s On-Chain Signals Potential Breakout

As the year wraps up, XRP’s on-chain activity hints at a potential price breakout. The average number of transactions per ledger has steadily climbed throughout December, indicating strong network engagement. Historically, such activity has been a precursor to significant price movements.

Currently trading near $2.14, XRP has shown remarkable stability despite the market’s ups and downs. The 50-day exponential moving average (EMA) marks a critical support level at $2.199. If this level holds, it could pave the way for XRP to test its $2.35 resistance, a gateway to a possible rally toward $2.50 or beyond.

However, risks persist. A drop below $1.92 might trigger bearish sentiment, with the next major support at $1.50. Even so, the robust transactional metrics and increased network activity suggest a resilient foundation.

XRP seems poised for growth as 2025 approaches. The combination of institutional interest, rising trading volumes, and strategic price levels has placed XRP in a favorable position for significant gains. Analysts anticipate a 40% or more price increase if XRP momentum holds.

$XRP