Former Korea Republic international Keun-ho Lee is the Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee for the 2024 Homeless World Cup Seoul, that will kick off this Saturday. FIFPRO and the Homeless World Cup are celebrating the 10th anniversary of their partnership.
Lee, who is also the co-president of the Korean Professional Footballers Association (KPFA), talks about the significance of the Homeless World Cup and the legacy it can leave in Korea Republic.
How did you become the Chairperson for the Homeless World Cup in Seoul?
The proposal was made by Junhee Han, a legendary figure in South Korean football commentary. Since Team Korea’s first participation in the Homeless World Cup in 2010, he has served as an ambassador and a volunteer contributor. I was not aware of the Homeless World Cup until he introduced it to me. Later, after watching the movie ‘Dream’ (2023), the Netflix original film ‘The Beautiful Game’ (2024), and various YouTube videos, I came to realise the immense value of this tournament in addressing social issues through the power of football. With the belief that I should contribute in any way I can, I accepted the proposal to serve as Chair of the local organising committee.
Can you explain what your role is?
Due to a lack of publicity for the event, the organising committee’s office has requested my involvement in external promotional efforts. Even among my acquaintances, there were very few who knew about the Homeless World Cup. Whenever opportunities arose, I appeared on broadcasts, gave interviews to media, and participated in online fundraising campaigns to raise awareness.
What do you enjoy about this role?
The idea that I can bring about positive impact and change to countless isolated and marginalised individuals around the world through football, something I've done the longest and excel at the most, is truly an incredible experience. Soon, people from all over the world will gather in Seoul, united by the common language of football, to compete. While winning would be great, it’s okay if you don’t. The true goal of this tournament lies in inspiring each homeless player and in changing societal perceptions to ultimately make a difference in the world. The participants who truly enjoy the tournament will be the real winners. I hope that, together with the spectators, we can all enjoy this as another ‘World Cup’.
Why is this event so important for Korea and Seoul?
The term ‘Homelessness’ itself is still unfamiliar to many in Korean society. I believe that this tournament holds significant meaning simply by raising awareness of the broad spectrum of ‘homelessness’ as defined by the United Nations and by showing it directly to the public.
The South Korean government enacted the Homeless Welfare Act in 2012, and at the time of its enactment, the term ‘homelessness’ was excluded because it was considered a foreign word. Instead, the target group for policy support was defined using a Chinese character notation meaning "the homeless and others". While the term ‘others’ appears to encompass various groups, in practice, the scope of the policy has been interpreted very narrowly. As a result, individuals such as those living in non-residential spaces, foreigners, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people under the age of 18 have been excluded, perpetuating a cycle where gaps in housing rights continue to emerge.
Moreover, public awareness in South Korea regarding the right to housing as a fundamental right remains low. Although around 10 percent of all households are living in housing poverty, and the youth housing poverty rate in Seoul exceeds 20 percent, people do not recognise housing as their right. Instead, they tend to view it as a personal responsibility rather than the government's.
In response to this situation, Big Issue Korea has conducted research aimed at addressing the fundamental issue of housing rights gaps experienced by those affected by homelessness. The goal was to propose improvements to laws and systems. However, to move forward with legal reforms, there needed to be a way to generate broader social interest, which led to the decision to host the Homeless World Cup in Seoul. Through the legacy of this tournament, I hope that support groups will emerge, helping us achieve the goal of improving laws and policies.
Can you explain how important the connection between football and the Homeless World Cup is?
The power and influence of football is limitless. The Homeless World Cup has proven that through football, it is possible to restore social safety nets and achieve cultural urban regeneration. Since its inception in 2003, it has had a positive impact on 1.2 million people, both directly and indirectly. It has not only transformed the lives of the participating players but also shifted public perceptions.
The Homeless World Cup continues to use football as a tool to open people's hearts, demonstrate the achievements that can be attained through hard work, and foster mutual support, inspiring lives and creating remarkable changes.
During your career as a footballer, you were involved in various activities to help fellow athletes or other people in society, often those who had experienced bad luck. You’ve supported people in hospitals, victims of natural disasters, organised various charitable events. Where does your motivation come from to make a difference in the lives of all these people?
I, too, was able to continue playing football thanks to the support of those around me. In return for that help, I wanted to become someone who could offer strength to others. Most of all, I feel a strong sense of responsibility to give back the love I’ve received from fans. I believe that professional footballers have a duty to return the love they receive as athletes back to society. Even though what I’m doing now may not completely change someone’s life, I have faith that it will eventually lead to positive outcomes.
What do you expect of the Homeless World Cup event in Seoul?
I hope that the Homeless World Cup in Seoul will also be remembered as the most beautiful World Cup in people’s hearts, as it brings people together through football, challenges societal perceptions, and improves the lives of marginalised individuals.
What is your main goal for the upcoming Homeless World Cup?
The vision of the Homeless World Cup – a world where the societal structures that lead to homelessness are eradicated – is a vision of a better world that we all aspire to. We will work together to achieve that goal. As the Chair of the organising committee, my top priority is to ensure the safe completion of the event. I hope that no harm comes to the players, staff, volunteers, or spectators, both physically and mentally.
The beautiful goal of the Homeless World Cup — to restore the social safety net — is something that cannot be achieved by a select few alone. It is essential that the social interest and support groups formed through the legacy of this tournament continue to thrive. I sincerely hope that this event becomes a catalyst for addressing the housing insecurity faced by those experiencing homelessness.
