Nextrade’s Rapid Growth Dominates South Korea’s Stock Market

South Korean stock market activity has seen a seismic shift since Nextrade launched in March 2025, capturing nearly 30% of trading volume and challenging the long-held dominance of the Korea Exchange (KRX). The platform’s success lies in its extended trading hours and lower fees, attracting a surge of retail investors seeking greater market access. This growth has prompted KRX to reduce its own fees, marking a historic response to the competitive pressure from Nextrade. The rapid market share gain raises questions about the future of South Korea’s financial landscape, prompting potential regulatory adjustments.