The XRP group has all the time been very lively and protecting of its ecosystem. This has grow to be clear once more after the current controversy involving the self-proclaimed “world's highest IQ holder” and the launch of a crypto token that claims to assist XRP.
What began as a daring declare and attention-grabbing put up rapidly changed into skepticism, backlash, and public warnings from longtime XRP supporters. The individual on the heart of the difficulty was YoungHoon Kim, who claimed to have an IQ of 276 and used that declare to advertise a brand new crypto token linked to the XRP ledger.
Claims that raised pink flags
The controversy additional escalated when Ripple's chief expertise officer, David Schwartz, publicly questioned Kim's {qualifications}. Schwartz stated the so-called certification comes from a company believed to be based by Kim herself and is designed to sound just like a legit recording group.
To be precise, he blocked me after this: https://t.co/fZtB26z6x8
— David 'JoelKatz' Schwartz (@JoelKatz) January 3, 2026
Schwartz additionally particularly identified that an IQ rating of 276 is scientifically inconceivable. Shortly after this interplay, Schwartz was blocked by Kim, and the transfer rapidly caught the eye of your entire XRP group.
For a lot of XRP holders, blocking one of the revered expertise leaders within the ecosystem raised critical issues.
Token promotion utilizing XRP title
Across the identical time, Kim introduced the launch of the token, claiming that it was created to assist XRP and produce actual utility to the XRP Ledger. He described a two-chain construction, with one token centered on rising the group on Solana, and one other XRPL-linked token seemingly powering DAO-related actions.
His messages repeatedly used phrases like “assist for XRP” and “how helpful is the XRP Ledger in observe,” which many group members discovered deceptive. Critics argued that XRP itself doesn’t want unofficial tokens promoted underneath doubtful claims to show its worth.
As scrutiny elevated, many XRP supporters started warning others to remain protected. Some group members publicly accused Kim of utilizing the XRP model and its loyal supporters to create hype across the private token undertaking.
Apology and unblocking
After days of mounting criticism, Kim later posted a public apology. He acknowledged that he had unblocked David Schwartz and apologized to each Schwartz and the XRP group.
In a press release, he acknowledged fault, made no excuses and stated he can be extra cautious and respectful sooner or later.
Unblocked.
My honest apologies, @JoelKatz.
I additionally apologize to my #XRP buddies.
There aren’t any excuses. I'll be extra cautious
And transfer ahead with respect.
– Kim Younger Hoon
— YoungHoon Kim, IQ 276 (@yhbryankimiq) January 3, 2026
Whereas some group members welcomed the apology, others remained skeptical, noting that injury to belief in cryptocurrencies usually happens rapidly and is troublesome to get better from.

