Ripple has overtaken Ethereum as the second-most preferred cryptocurrency among South Korean investors, following Bitcoin, according to a recent survey. Despite facing challenges, including a lawsuit with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Ripple saw a significant 400% price increase in 2024, maintaining its popularity since 2017.In other news, Backpack, a crypto exchange founded by former FTX executives, has acquired FTX EU, enabling it to offer regulated crypto derivatives in Europe. The new branch aims to launch in Q1 2025, providing a range of financial products and integrating traditional payment systems.