The UNHCR Representation in Korea announced on July 14 that Taekwondo legend Lee Dae-hoon has been appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

A UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador is a key partner who leverages their recognition and influence in fields such as sports and the arts to raise public awareness and encourage participation in humanitarian campaigns.

Lee will now engage in activities to highlight the challenges faced by refugees and call for international attention to their plight.

Prior to this appointment, he had consistently supported various humanitarian activities of the UNHCR, including participating in several campaigns for the survival and protection of displaced people worldwide.

Lee's decision to become a Goodwill Ambassador was rooted in his connection with the Azraq refugee camp in Jordan.

It began when a refugee boy, who trained in Taekwondo while looking up to Lee as a role model in the camp with poor internet access, sent him a video message through the UNHCR.

The two later met at a World Taekwondo (WT) championship, where Lee was a member of the WT Athletes Committee and the boy was a participant.

Watching the refugee athlete's journey to compete on the Olympic stage as part of the Refugee Olympic Team, Lee decided to become a supporter for refugee youth.

The support from World Taekwondo also played a role.

World Taekwondo established the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) in 2016 and signed a partnership with the UNHCR in the same year.

Since then, they have opened Taekwondo academies in places like the Azraq refugee camp, providing refugee youth with opportunities to learn the sport.

"I will become a strong voice for refugee youth in difficult environments, helping them heal their wounds through sports and confidently kick toward their future," Lee said, expressing his aspirations.

Kim Sae-ryeo, Representative of the UNHCR Representation in Korea, stated, "Lee Dae-hoon's sincere commitment will serve as a significant catalyst in drawing empathy and participation from many people both at home and abroad regarding refugee issues."

(Photo: Provided by UNHCR Representation in Korea, Yonhap News)