Insufficient Disclosures: Pundi AI Trading to End on Upbit and Bithumb
Just weeks after Upbit embraced Caldera with a 60% price surge, it’s slamming the brakes on Pundi AI. What went wrong for the once-promising token?
South Korea’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges, Upbit and Bithumb, have announced the suspension of trading support for Pundi AI (PUNDIAI), citing concerns over insufficient disclosure and communication from the project team.
The delisting comes amid rising scrutiny on low-transparency tokens and follows a pattern of regulatory-driven cleanups in Asia’s most tightly watched digital asset markets.
Upbit and Bithumb Raise Compliance Red Flags on Pundi AI
Pundi AI, a token built on the Ethereum blockchain and associated with blockchain-based AI and payment solutions, failed to meet the information disclosure requirements set by Upbit and Bithumb.
According to the official notices, both platforms determined that the project’s team did not sufficiently communicate crucial updates regarding token operations, tokenomics, and technology development—criteria required under Korea’s Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) framework.
Upbit will halt trading support on August 30, 2025, at 12:00 PM KST, while Bithumb will follow suit on September 6. Withdrawals will remain open for a limited time, with users advised to move their assets before deadlines expire. According to a WuBlockchain post, “Users can withdraw assets until September 29”.
This enforcement reflects a growing trend among South Korean exchanges to delist tokens that exhibit low liquidity, security risks, or transparency issues.
In a similar move, Bithumb and Upbit previously delisted Quiztok (QTCON) for similar violations earlier this month.
In Contrast: Caldera (ERA) Soars on Listing
The delisting of Pundi AI starkly contrasts the recent listing success of Caldera (ERA). Two weeks ago, Upbit added Caldera to its trading platform with pairs in KRW, BTC, and USDT. The listing caused ERA to surge 60% in value. The momentum was amplified by Binance’s “HODLer Airdrop” program, positioning Caldera as a rising Ethereum Layer 2 solution with strong institutional support.
This contrast highlights the strategic importance of disclosure, development, and compliance for tokens looking to succeed in South Korea’s highly competitive exchange ecosystem.
Upbit and Bithumb, recognized as top-tier digital asset exchanges in Asia, play a significant role in determining market direction. Their compliance-driven practices often set the tone for regional investors and projects seeking legitimacy.
The removal of Pundi AI from both exchanges serves as a cautionary signal to token teams and investors alike—projects that neglect transparency risk being phased out, regardless of past performance. As seen with Caldera’s recent rise and Pundi AI’s fall, the South Korean market rewards transparency, regulatory alignment, and proactive engagement.
Exchanges are drawing firmer lines, and tokens that fail to meet evolving standards may likely face similar outcomes.
