Can an individual become a professional investor?

Yes, if they meet the requirements. The Enforcement Decree recognizes as a professional investor an individual who, for at least 1 of the last 5 years, held financial investment products specified by the Financial Services Commission with an average month-end balance of KRW 50 million or more, and who meets income or asset criteria or financial expertise requirements.

At the time of the November 2019 reform, the criteria were any one of personal income of KRW 100 million or more (KRW 150 million combined with a spouse), net assets of KRW 500 million or more excluding one's residence and the like, or finance-related expertise such as being an accountant or lawyer; the detailed criteria may change.