Bithumb and NH Bank renew their real-name account contract for just six months

Zep joins hands with NEAR Protocol to elevate Web3 experience for usersSouth Korean metaverse platform Zep announced on Monday (local time) that it has partnered with the Layer 1 blockchain network NEAR Protocol. The two companies aim to jointly pursue a business model catered to developers and Web3 users, accelerating the widespread adoption of Web3.Zep plans to leverage the collaboration to enable its partners to issue and distribute various Web3-based digital assets while enhancing the user experience on its metaverse platform.Photo by GuerrillaBuzz on Unsplash“Working with NEAR Protocol will be an opportunity to provide a new experience for both Web2 and Web3 users. The collaboration will allow us to provide Zep users with more diverse and rich content and establish ourselves as a leader in the metaverse industry by providing a seamless user experience in the Web3 space,” said Kim Sang-yeop, Co-CEO of Zep.Bringing the metaverse to diverse audiencesZep is a joint venture between game developer SUPERCAT and Naver Z, the operator of the 3D avatar social platform Zepeto. Following its beta launch two years ago, the platform has since accumulated 8.3 million users and recently surpassed 1.3 million monthly active users.Zep has been consecutively launching special features for enterprises, such as single sign-on (SSO) authentication and data dashboards, prompting businesses and public organizations to recognize its versatility. Based on its success in the Korean market, the platform is on the verge of entering the Japanese and Southeast Asian markets.Dominating the dApp sphereMeanwhile, NEAR Protocol has experienced rapid growth as an operating network for decentralized apps (dApps), making it one of the fastest-growing blockchain networks this year. According to data from major dApp store DappRadar, NEAR Protocol-based dApps have secured the top two rankings among all blockchain applications, proving that it is the preferred choice for companies considering mass adoption.

WOO Network Repurchases Shares in 3AC SettlementWOO Network, a Taiwan-based liquidity provider, has reached a settlement with Teneo, the liquidator of bankrupt Singapore hedge fund Three Arrows Capital (3AC).The settlement involves the repurchase of shares and tokens acquired by 3AC during WOO’s Series A fundraising round in November 2021. This resolution brings finality to 3AC's contentious involvement with the Taiwanese firm.Photo by Joss Woodhead on UnsplashClosing out 3AC involvementOn Wednesday WOO announced the share and token repurchase via a blog post published to its website, signaling the resolution of its dealings with Three Arrows Capital and, consequently, bringing an end to the uncertainties that had enveloped their partnership.In addition to this, a total of 20 million WOO tokens, valued at over $3 million, were repurchased and sent to a burn address to ensure they couldn’t be accessed by anyone. 3AC had not only acquired equity but also 25 million WOO tokens, with the remaining set to vest over the next 12 months.Jack Tan, Co-Founder of WOO Network, emphasized the significance of resolving the 3AC-related issues. Tan commended the proactive collaboration with liquidators to secure a fair agreement for repurchasing their shares, along with vested and vesting tokens, from 3AC’s estate. Tan also welcomed the opportunity to move on from the 3AC entanglement, stating:“The past 18 months have seen a concentration of bad news hit our industry from large-scale failures to more overzealous regulators. A thorough cleansing of the system has taken place and we are looking forward to rebuilding with our partners and team.”Equally WOO Network community members are happy with the outcome, with one stating on X (formerly Twitter): “This is a huge win for the project and its community.”By repurchasing these shares and tokens, WOO Network has effectively severed its ties with 3AC and its creditors, paving the way for a more focused growth trajectory in the upcoming year. Jack Tan observed that the cryptocurrency industry has faced an influx of adverse developments in recent times, including significant failures and heightened regulatory scrutiny. He emphasized that a comprehensive restructuring of the system has occurred and expressed optimism about the future, looking forward to rebuilding alongside their partners and team.In light of these recent developments, WOO Network is poised to move forward with renewed vigor, leaving behind the tumultuous period of the 3AC fallout. This strategic resolution not only ensures a fair and equitable outcome for shareholders but also heralds a promising future for WOO Network in the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency.According to data from CoinGecko at the time of publication, the WOO Network token price experienced an increase of 1.45% over the past 24 hours, settling at $0.1709, with its trading volume increasing by 2.8% to $8.79 million. However, over the past 30 days, the crypto token has recorded gains of nearly 10.8%, indicating resilience and a positive outlook as it navigates the evolving landscape of the digital asset market.This development, along with the cryptocurrency’s recent performance, underscores the potential for growth and renewed promise within the WOO Network ecosystem. More clarity has been brought to the future of the business as a consequence of bringing finality to this contentious issue.

South Korean insurance companies, DB Insurance (DB) and DB Life Insurance (DB Life), are hosting the 2024 InsurTech Startup Incubation Program (ISIP) in collaboration with Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA), local media Daily Korea reported.  Insurtech is a compound word of insurance and technology. This year, the ISIP focuses on recruiting blockchain-based insurtech startups with high potential that can contribute to the insurance business value chain, including activities such as product launch, marketing and customer service. The program is open to any insurtech startup with innovative technologies and services. Photo by Tierra Mallorca on UnsplashLaunched in 2020, the ISIP has been supporting insurtech startups with innovative ideas to expand their business in the insurance industry, aiming to create a robust and collaborative insurtech ecosystem. Over the past four years, the program has served as a mentor for 21 startups, supporting their product release, new technology verification and business pivoting.  Business growth opportunity for insurtch startups Startups selected for the ISIP are provided with the opportunity to receive mentorship – including mentoring services from insurance experts, business strategy advice and IR pitching coaching sessions – that will help facilitate their business growth.  In addition, selected startups will be eligible to apply for surety credit to the Korea Credit Guarantee Fund on favorable terms and gain opportunities to raise funds from venture capitalists. Those deemed profitable enough for commercialization will be able to have a chance to collaborate with DB and DB Life.  Application forms are available on the KISA’s website and can be submitted via e-mail between Feb.27 to March 27. Applicants should undergo document screening and a presentation test to join the ISIP.