WEMADE | MADE FOR THE FUTURE

• Joint research and testing planned for “Web3-legacy convergence payment infrastructure” connecting Web3 with existing financial payment networks

• The partnership unlocks real-world usability of WEMADE’s digital assets across merchants in South Korea

• NICE I&T also joins the WEMADE-led Global Alliance for KRW Stablecoin (GAKS) alongside other members like Chainalysis and Chainlink

WEMADE Co., Ltd. (CEO Park Kwan-ho) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NICE Information & Telecommunication, Inc. (NICE I&T) (CEO Kim Seung-hyun) to to partner on the research and development of a Web3-traditional finance payment infrastructure.

The strategic agreement establishes a collaborative foundation for both companies to leverage their expertise in the realms of blockchain technology and payment solutions respectively. Together, WEMADE and NICE I&T will conduct joint research, preparatory implementation, and testing aimed at bridging the Web3 domain with existing traditional financial payment networks — marking the first step in a long-term partnership built on mutual trust.

The scope of the partnership will cover extensive information sharing on stablecoins and blockchain-based payment technologies. A primary focus of the phased research will include evaluating methods to incorporate blockchain technology within legacy financial systems to accelerate cross-border payments. Specifically, WEMIX, WEMIX’s native coin, and USDC.e, a stablecoin that enables the use of the Ethereum-based stablecoin USDC on the WEMIX 3.0 mainnet, will be integrated into NICE I&T’s established payment networks. As NICE I&T’s footprint spans virtually all merchants in South Korea, this move will unlock real-world usability across almost all stores nationwide. Additionally, the two companies plan to explore the commercial viability and applications of tokenized assets, including Real-World Assets (RWA).

In tandem with the partnership, NICE I&T will officially join the WEMADE-led Global Alliance for KRW Stablecoin (GAKS). Formed in November 2025 to drive the real-world utility of KRW-backed stablecoins, GAKS consists of industry-leading global blockchain and fintech institutions, including Chainlink, Chainalysis, CertiK, and Sentbe. Within the alliance, NICE I&T will cooperate on joint strategies regarding digital asset regulatory trends, external market shifts, and the successful issuance of the KRW stablecoin.

Shane Kim, CEO of WEMIX and EVP of WEMADE, said, “This partnership represents a shared vision to explore how blockchain technology can seamlessly and naturally interface with the traditional financial environment. Alongside NICE I&T, the undisputed leader in South Korean payment infrastructure, we are committed to delivering meaningful milestones through rigorous research and thorough testing, while establishing an industry-leading stablecoin ecosystem aligned with GAKS’ vision.”

Kang Se-Hyun, Managing Director leading the Stablecoin Task Force Team at NICE I&T, added “NICE has continuously explored ways to seamlessly connect digital asset-based payments with the existing financial ecosystem, drawing on the extensive payment infrastructure and stability we have built over the years. Through this partnership, we will rigorously test the real-world potential of Web3 payment technology and commit to building a next-generation payment experience that both users and merchants can rely on.”