Reports from the Korea Times suggest that the OKCoin cryptocurrency exchange is planning a South Korean launch in the near future - with some industry insiders suggesting it could be as soon as February 2018.

OKCoin is apparently hoping to form a partnership with a Korean company called NHN Entertainment, which acts as a developer and publisher of video games for PC and mobile apps. Although no deal has been finalised, it is believed that NHN Entertainment is contemplating making an equity investment as well as entering into a partnership with OKCoin.

Established in Beijing in 2013, OKCoin had to cease its domestic cryptocurrency exchange in October 2017 in response to a crackdown launched by Chinese financial regulators. The company adopted an over-the-counter business model and focused on international markets.

The OKCoin Korea webpage is up and running and is currently accepting pre-orders for various cryptocurrencies in anticipation of the official launch. Once the exchange is fully operational, it will offer over 60 cryptocurrencies which will be traded against the South Korean won.

If the launch does go ahead, it will occur in the midst of a crackdown against cryptocurrency markets by the South Korean authorities. However, Cho Jung-hwan, the OKCoin Korea CEO is confident that the service will be fully compliant with any local regulations.