diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f6cf803
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,50 @@
+# BadgeMe Frontend UI (feature/frontend-ui Branch)
+
+This branch contains the frontend UI for BadgeMe, a zk-KYC verification demo built with Next.js and Tailwind CSS. It integrates a mock API to simulate badge verification and is ready for backend integration (e.g., key gen/attest routes).
+
+## Key Features
+- Privacy-focused KYC badge UI with verified/not verified states.
+- Mock API for fetching badge data (flags, region).
+- Wallet input validation (starts with '0x' for mock Ethereum-style addresses).
+- Re-verify button for dynamic updates.
+- Responsive design with Tailwind utilities.
+
+## Functionality Demo
+<img width="1366" height="608" alt="image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/971ebc45-c871-44e1-983f-476ca07bc4e5" />
+
+- Enter "0x123" or "0xABCDEF456" in the wallet field and submit to see a verified badge with flags (OVER18, AML_OK).
+- Enter "abc" to see not verified (no flags).
+- Spaces and special chars are not allowed.
+- The mock API simulates zk-proof responses—replace with real backend for production.
+
+## How to Run and Test
+1. Switch to this branch:
+   - git checkout feature/frontend-ui
+2. Navigate to the frontend folder:
+   - cd frontend
+3. Install dependencies:
+   - npm install
+4. Start the development server:
+   - npm run dev
+5. Open http://localhost:3000 in your browser.
+6. Test the UI:
+- Enter a valid wallet (starts with '0x') and click "Verify KYC" to see green "Verified" badge.
+- Enter an invalid wallet to see red "Not Verified".
+- Use the "Re-Verify" button to refetch data.
+- Check responsiveness on mobile (resize browser).
+
+## Known Issues/Notes
+- Mock API is temporary—needs real integration with backend (e.g., attestation endpoints).
+- Wallet validation is simplified—update to Midnight's Bech32 format if needed.
+- Feedback welcome—test and report issues in the PR!
+
+## Dependencies
+- Next.js for routing and API.
+- Tailwind CSS for styling.
+- React hooks (useState, useEffect) for interactivity.
+
+## License
+MIT License (consistent with project).
+
+## Contributing
+Contributions to this frontend branch are welcome—fork and PR!
diff --git a/frontend/src/app/api/status/route.js b/frontend/src/app/api/status/route.js
index 24554e3..93b8fd7 100644
--- a/frontend/src/app/api/status/route.js
+++ b/frontend/src/app/api/status/route.js
@@ -2,10 +2,10 @@ export async function GET(request) {
   const url = new URL(request.url);
   const wallet = url.searchParams.get('wallet') || 'default';
 
-  const verified = wallet.startsWith('0x');
+  const validWallet = /^0x[a-fA-F0-9]+$/.test(wallet);
   return new Response(JSON.stringify({
-    verified,
-    flags: verified ? ['OVER18', 'AML_OK'] : [],
+    verified: validWallet,
+    flags: validWallet ? ['OVER18', 'AML_OK'] : [],
     region: 'IN'
   }), {
     status: 200,