KERNEL Surges 25% to $0.23 Following Upbit Exchange Listing: Restaking Protocol Joins Top Gainers
Introduction
The cryptocurrency market witnessed a significant surge for KernelDAO’s native token, KERNEL, as it climbed over 25% to reach $0.23 early Tuesday. This sharp uptick followed the official listing of KERNEL on Upbit, one of South Korea’s premier cryptocurrency exchanges. The token’s daily trading volume skyrocketed by 1,540% to over $316 million, positioning KERNEL among the day’s top-performing altcoins alongside Hedera’s HBAR, Pump.fun’s PUMP, and Bittensor’s TAO. With the restaking sector gaining momentum and KernelDAO boasting a total value locked (TVL) of $1.7 billion, this development marks a pivotal moment for the project and its growing ecosystem.
Upbit Listing Propels KERNEL to $0.23 High
On October 28, 2025, Upbit announced the listing of KERNEL on its KRW market, enabling trading support for the token on the Ethereum network. This move triggered an immediate bullish response, driving KERNEL from lows of $0.16 to an intraday peak of $0.23. The surge in buying pressure underscores Upbit’s influence as a gateway for retail and institutional traders in South Korea, a region known for its vibrant and active crypto community.
The listing not only enhanced KERNEL’s visibility but also unlocked access to fresh liquidity pools. Historically, tokens listed on major exchanges like Upbit have experienced similar short-term volatility and price appreciation due to increased accessibility and trading activity. For instance, previous listings on Upbit have catalyzed double-digit gains for other altcoins, reinforcing the exchange’s role as a significant price driver in the crypto space.
Why Such Interest in KernelDAO?
KernelDAO has emerged as a leading restaking protocol, with a TVL of $1.7 billion underscoring its growing prominence. Backed by YZi Labs, the project operates across major blockchains like Ethereum and BNB Chain, offering a suite of products including Kernel, Kelp, Gain, and Kred—a recently introduced product focused on real-world assets (RWAs).
At its core, KernelDAO provides restaking infrastructure that enables users to restake assets on BNB Chain, utilize BNB Liquid Restaking Tokens (LRTs), and explore Bitcoin (BTC) restaking opportunities. Additionally, the platform runs an Ethereum-based restaking protocol managed through vault-style smart contracts designed to handle staked ETH, rsETH, and liquid staking token (LST) assets. The native KERNEL token serves multiple utilities within this ecosystem, including governance rights, restaking mechanisms, and slashing insurance.
The project’s alignment with the expanding restaking narrative has positioned it as a key player in the decentralized finance (DeFi) landscape. As interest in restaking grows—driven by demand for enhanced yield opportunities and security—KernelDAO’s comprehensive offerings have attracted both developers and investors.
KernelDAO Bulls Target $0.50 Next
KERNEL’s recent price action has reignited bullish sentiment among traders. The token reached an all-time high (ATH) of $0.46 in April 2025 before declining to lows of $0.09 in June. Since then, it has recovered by more than 115%, with current prices around $0.19 placing it approximately 57% below its ATH.
Historical data suggests that breaking past key resistance levels could pave the way for a retest of the ATH and potentially a push toward $0.50. However, robust buyer activity around support levels of $0.18 and $0.16 will be critical to sustaining upward momentum. The broader cryptocurrency market rebound—fueled by institutional interest, regulatory clarity, and macroeconomic shifts favoring risk assets—could further bolster KernelDAO’s prospects.
Broader Market Context and Sector Trends
KernelDAO’s surge aligns with a resurgence in the restaking sector, which has gained traction as investors seek innovative yield-generating strategies. Protocols offering liquid restaking tokens (LRTs) and multi-chain compatibility have particularly stood out, with TVL across the sector reflecting heightened capital inflows.
Comparatively, KernelDAO’s $1.7 billion TVL places it among the top restaking protocols by scale and adoption. Its cross-chain functionality and diverse product suite differentiate it from competitors, while its focus on real-world assets through Kred adds a layer of utility that resonates with current market trends.
The token’s performance also mirrors gains seen in other altcoins like HBAR, PUMP, and TAO, indicating a broader appetite for niche projects with strong fundamentals. As the crypto market evolves, sectors like restaking are likely to play an increasingly central role in shaping DeFi’s future.
Conclusion
KernelDAO’s listing on Upbit has undeniably catalyzed a significant price surge, propelling KERNEL to $0.23 and amplifying its visibility within the crypto community. With a TVL of $1.7 billion and a robust product ecosystem spanning Ethereum and BNB Chain, the protocol is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing interest in restaking.
While bullish traders may eye a return to April’s ATH of $0.46 and beyond, maintaining support at key levels will be essential for sustained growth. As the restaking sector continues to evolve amid broader market tailwinds, KernelDAO’s innovative approach and strategic exchange listings could further solidify its role in the DeFi landscape.
For readers tracking this space, monitoring developments in restaking infrastructure, regulatory updates, and broader market sentiment will provide valuable insights into KernelDAO’s trajectory—and the opportunities it may unlock in the months ahead.