Seoul Auction Blue seeks to register security tokens with the FSS for Andy Warhol’s artwork

Haru Invest Considers Server Suspension as Troubles PersistIn the wake of halting withdrawals in June, Haru Invest, a Singapore-headquartered cryptocurrency platform, is contemplating the suspension of its server. This decision is part of the firm’s ongoing efforts to streamline operations and reduce maintenance costs.Photo by David Guenther on UnsplashCost reductionCEO Hugo Lee made the announcement on Monday, underscoring the significant burden of server maintenance costs on the company’s finances. He acknowledged that this cost represents a substantial portion of their fixed expenses and is thus a top priority for the firm.Lee disclosed:“We plan to suspend the service in a few weeks, backing up all member information.”However, he also noted that the company is yet to finalize a concrete plan for the server suspension.The move to shut down the server aligns with Haru Invest’s broader strategy to lower all costs associated with its services. Lee explained:“Some of the current fixed expenditures include the upkeep of Haru Invest services, the cost of workspace like the office, and the cost of communication with our members.”The company is actively seeking ways to reduce these expenses and preserve its assets.Asset distributionAdditionally, Lee assured users that the assets conserved thus far would be included in the distribution to those who have had their funds locked on the platform since June, offering a glimmer of hope to impacted users.Nevertheless, the announcement of the server suspension has raised concerns within the Haru Invest community. Some users have expressed skepticism about the purported high costs of server maintenance, believing the firm’s claim to be exaggerated.One user, voicing this discontent, commented on Haru Invest’s Telegram channel, “Server costs cost nothing.” Another remarked: “Servers are gone soon guys, huge costs, 200 USD a month.” According to industry standards, the maintenance costs for running a server for a small to medium-sized business typically range between $35 to $500 per month.Unhappy platform usersLee’s statement regarding the impending server suspension follows the platform’s earlier decision to terminate deposits and withdrawals in June. This decision was coupled with the closure of Haru Invest’s offices and the dismissal of numerous employees, as reported by local news agencies.Haru Invest attributed these issues to the fraudulent activities of the consignment operator B&S Holdings, formerly known as Aventus. While some investors accused the firm of orchestrating a “rug pull,” Haru Invest denied these allegations and maintained its innocence. One user posted the following claim on X (formerly Twitter) last week: “Rugpull. If justice is served, the scammers will be behind bars.”In a bid to address concerns over its corporate rehabilitation application, Lee appeared in court in September, emphasizing that Haru Invest was actively cooperating with investigating agencies. However, the company has yet to provide a timeline for the recovery of users’ assets as of early October.Lee also addressed the matter in Monday’s statement: “We are also responding to the rehabilitation proceedings that some of our members have filed with the court as mentioned in our previous announcement, in addition to actively cooperating with other authorities’ investigations. ”Haru Invest is reportedly facing a class-action lawsuit with disgruntled investors alleging fraud.

Korean health management app leverages blockchain for iris-based solutionsIRIS, a blockchain foundation focused on healthcare, announced on Wednesday (local time) the launch of a health management app developed in collaboration with Hongbog, a South Korean provider of iris-based biometric systems. This app offers services customized to each user’s health status and lifestyle.Photo by Kalea Jerielle on UnsplashIridology-based health analysisUnlike other healthcare platforms that primarily focus on exercises, IRIS’ app offers long-term and periodic health trend analysis reports through iris photography. This approach is based on “iridology,” a concept used in traditional Korean medicine, and the app also recommends visits to specialized healthcare providers based on its findings.The app instantly analyzes a user’s biometric information through artificial intelligence once a picture of their eyes is captured with a smartphone camera. Within 15 seconds, users can view their results, based on which the app recommends personalized exercises and nutrients.This platform serves both personal disease management and prevention, and can also be utilized by public health centers for monitoring the health of local residents. Presently, it provides five health ratings for cholesterol, stress levels, and four specific organs: the brain, lungs, liver and kidneys. Future updates will optionally include information on an additional 15 organs, such as the heart, bronchi, pancreas and stomach.Blockchain-powered privacy protectionA representative from IRIS conveyed that their goal in an aging society is to assist customers in preventing serious illnesses and promoting longer, healthier lives. They emphasized that the app enables regular measurement of health indicators, aiding in disease prevention and management. The representative also mentioned that by storing sensitive healthcare information on the blockchain, the service eliminates the risk of personal data leaks.

Korea Securities Depository Spotlights the Significance of a Security Token PlatformDuring a press conference held today in Seoul, Chairman Lee Soon-ho of the Korea Securities Depository (KSD) highlighted the need for developing innovative financial infrastructure, including a security token platform, as reported by local tech news outlet etnews.Photo by JEONGUK -on UnsplashBlockchain-based securitiesIn recent times, there has been a surge in demand for blockchain-based securities, prompting the South Korean government to issue guidelines on security tokens in February of this year. Consequently, securities firms, fractional investment platforms, and technology companies have been collaborating to form consortia.The KSD has been actively studying the legislative and institutional aspects of security tokens to establish a foundation for their widespread acceptance. Furthermore, it has devised a mid-to-long-term roadmap for the security token platform. Since February, the KSD has been spearheading a security tokens council with an aim to develop a business model for a security token platform starting in July.KSD’s roleSpecifically, the KSD intends to provide feedback on subsequent legislative revisions pertaining to security tokens, review security token registrations, and establish methods for managing the total volume of security tokens under the Act on Electronic Registration of Stocks and Bonds.Additionally, the KSD aims to expedite the construction of a new system for the capital market infrastructure. This endeavor entails revamping the operational system to enable flexible responses to internal and external changes, as well as creating a smart workplace suited for the digital era.Since its establishment in 1974, the KSD has played a crucial role in supporting the development of the Korean capital market by providing diverse securities services, including the issuance and distribution of securities. Nonetheless, participants at the conference concurred that the agency needs a fresh vision and strategy to maintain its position in the future.Chairman Lee emphasized that the agency’s 50th anniversary will take place next year, prompting a thorough assessment of its current status and the formulation of a new vision and strategy to adapt to the ever-evolving financial landscape. As part of these efforts, he underscored the recent establishment of a task force dedicated to devising future plans.