A report released by the Financial Consumer Protection Foundation in South Korea revealed that about 42.1% of those who have experience in trading high-risk exchange-traded funds (ETFs), such as leveraged and inverse ETFs, lack an adequate understanding of the risks associated with these financial products. The survey sampled 2,500 adults aged 25 to 64 and found that while 30.7% had invested in ETFs, only 58.8% of those who invested in high-risk ETFs reported making a profit, with an average return of 42.5%, which was higher than the average return of standard ETFs. The convenience of trading and the ability to diversify investments have led to a rapid increase in ETF investments. Particularly, among younger investors in their 20s, a striking 52.7% reported having experience with high-risk ETFs, showcasing a more aggressive investment inclination than older age groups. However, despite their potential for higher returns, these high-risk ETFs pose significant risks, particularly when it comes to long-term investment strategies, as evidenced by confusion surrounding leveraged ETF performance relative to underlying indexes. This lack of understanding was highlighted by the low percentage of correct responses in a survey question assessing awareness about leveraged ETFs, where only 38.6% of participants correctly understood that investing long-term in a leveraged ETF does not yield double the index return, especially due to the compounding effects of daily fluctuations. This suggests a pressing need for better education and resources for investors considering high-risk investment products in South Korea.