The XRP neighborhood has at all times been extremely lively and protecting of its ecosystem. That turned clear once more after a current controversy involving a self-proclaimed “world’s highest IQ holder” and a crypto token launch that claimed to assist XRP.
What started as daring claims and attention-grabbing posts rapidly changed into skepticism, backlash, and public warnings from long-time XRP supporters. On the middle of the difficulty was YoungHoon Kim, who claimed to have an IQ of 276 and used that declare whereas selling a brand new crypto token linked to the XRP Ledger.
The Declare That Raised Purple Flags
The controversy escalated after Ripple Chief Know-how Officer David Schwartz publicly questioned Kim’s credentials. Schwartz said that the so-called certifications got here from organizations that seemed to be created by Kim himself and designed to sound much like reliable report our bodies.
To be exact, he blocked me after this:https://t.co/fZtB26z6x8
— David ‘JoelKatz’ Schwartz (@JoelKatz) January 3, 2026
Schwartz additionally made a transparent level that an IQ rating of 276 is just not scientifically attainable. Shortly after this alternate, Schwartz was blocked by Kim, a transfer that instantly drew consideration throughout the XRP neighborhood.
For a lot of XRP holders, blocking probably the most revered technical leaders within the ecosystem raised severe issues.
Token Promotion Utilizing the XRP Title
Across the identical time, Kim introduced the launch of a token, claiming it was created to assist XRP and convey actual utility to the XRP Ledger. He described a two-chain construction the place one token would deal with neighborhood development on Solana, whereas one other XRPL-linked token would supposedly energy DAO-related exercise.
His messaging repeatedly used phrases like “supporting XRP” and “actual utility on the XRP Ledger,” which many neighborhood members felt was deceptive. Critics argued that XRP itself doesn’t want unofficial tokens promoted underneath questionable claims to show its worth.
As scrutiny elevated, many XRP supporters started warning others to remain secure. Some neighborhood members overtly accused Kim of utilizing the XRP model and its loyal following to construct hype round a private token undertaking.
Apology and Unblocking
After days of rising criticism, Kim later posted a public apology. He confirmed that he had unblocked David Schwartz and apologized each to Schwartz and to the XRP neighborhood.
In his assertion, he admitted fault, provided no excuses, and mentioned he can be extra cautious and respectful going ahead.
Unblocked.
I sincerely apologize, @JoelKatz.
I additionally apologize to my #XRP pals.
No excuses. I shall be extra cautious
and respectful transferring ahead.
– YoungHoon Kim
— YoungHoon Kim, IQ 276 (@yhbryankimiq) January 3, 2026
Whereas some neighborhood members welcomed the apology, others remained skeptical, noting that injury to belief in crypto typically occurs rapidly and is troublesome to reverse.




