January 14, 2026. A major decentralized exchange launched Korean equity perpetual futures, offering onchain trading for Hyundai, Samsung, SK Hynix, and the KRCOMP index with up to 10x leverage. Hyundai Motor ($HYUNDAI), Samsung Electronics ($SAMSUNG), SK Hynix ($SKHYNIX), and the Korean Composite Index ($KRCOMP) are now tradable as synthetic contracts, giving users exposure to these assets without holding the underlying stocks or using traditional brokers. The markets operate 24/7 and integrate seamlessly into the DEX’s existing perpetual framework.
High Signal Summary For A Quick Glance
- The DEX has launched the first Korean equity perpetual futures markets.
- Live markets include HYUNDAI, SAMSUNG, SKHYNIX, and the KRCOMP index.
- All contracts are available with up to 10x leverage.
- The launch expands onchain derivatives into traditional Asian equity exposure.
- Crypto-native traders seeking leveraged exposure to Korean equities.
- Global users unable to access local Korean stock markets.
- Derivatives traders rotating between crypto and traditional assets.
- Liquidity providers supporting synthetic equity markets onchain.
Background and Trends Leading Up to Korean Equity Perps
Lighter DEX launched Korean equity perpetual futures as part of DeFi’s move into real world assets. Traders can now access leveraged positions on Hyundai, Samsung, SK Hynix, and the Kospi index without traditional brokerages. The launch follows growing interest in South Korea’s tech and EV sectors, while Lighter’s Optimism based platform offers low cost, fast, on chain exposure.
The move was partly expected as DeFi expands into tokenized equities, but Lighter claiming the “first DEX” for Korean perps was a surprise. No prior teasers were made, though Crypto Twitter buzzed about undervalued Korean tech stocks. Early engagement was high, but trading volumes remain modest, showing adoption is still developing.
Timeline: Lighter DEX from Mainnet Launch to Korean Equity Perps
Mainnet launch on Optimism
Lighter DEX launches on Optimism with zero-fee perpetual trading powered by zk-proofs for verifiable order matching and liquidations, reaching billions in daily volume during invite-only access.
$LIT TGE and community airdrop
The $LIT token generation event distributes 25% of supply to the community, enabling revenue sharing with 50% of supply allocated to ecosystem growth and buybacks.
U.S. stock perpetuals launch
Lighter expands into real-world assets with leveraged U.S. equity perpetual contracts on mainnet, marking its entry into tokenized TradFi exposure.
$LIT staking rollout
Staking for $LIT goes live, granting gated access to internal liquidity providers and funding rate rebates for participants.
Korean equity perps go live
Lighter becomes the first DEX to launch on-chain Korean stock perpetuals at 10x leverage, including $HYUNDAI, $SAMSUNG, $SKHYNIX, and the $KRCOMP index.
EVM scalability and shared collateral
Planned infrastructure upgrades include EVM scalability improvements and shared collateral mechanisms across exchanges, alongside potential expansion into FX, commodities, options, and prediction markets.
Points farming program ends
The ongoing points farming campaign concludes, with remaining community token allocations reserved for future incentive programs.
Comparable Past Events and Market Reactions
Korean equity perps on a DEX are new, but similar launches have occurred. Perpetual Protocol added equity synths in 2021, boosting $PERP, drawing positive Crypto Twitter attention, inspiring copycat DEXes, and increasing DeFi TVL. GMX added tokenized equities in 2022–2023, driving $GMX momentum, low fee narratives, and institutional interest.
Hyperliquid expanded to equity contracts in 2024, generating massive volumes and $HYPE gains. Reactions highlighted tokenized RWAs and TradFi DeFi bridges, while systemic effects included fee-driven capital rotation, Layer 2 improvements, and liquidity fragmentation, showing both growth potential and risks.
Comparison of Korean equity perps launch vs. prior U.S. stock perps rollout
What Readers Should Watch Next
After Lighter DEX launched Korean equity perps for $HYUNDAI, $SAMSUNG, $SKHYNIX, and $KRCOMP at 10x leverage on February 11, 2026, investors should watch adoption, liquidity, and ecosystem integration. Additionally, updates in Q1 2026 and the March 24 end of the $LIT points program will signal demand and retention. Furthermore, early trading volumes, funding rates, and aggregator integrations will show how the markets are performing and impacting DeFi.
Governance and roadmap milestones matter as well. Lighter’s revenue-sharing model for $LIT holders could evolve through DAO proposals. Expansions to additional Korean or global equities and multi chain margin features could drive growth. Positive shifts may come from market volatility or oracle partnerships, while technical issues, low adoption, or regulatory action by the Korean FSC could slow momentum and affect token performance.
