12, including children and teens from migrant backgrounds in Korea, to play for Korea in the 2027 Hope Cup

[Financial News] Twelve people, including children and teens from migrant backgrounds in Korea, will compete as members of the Korean team in next year’s ‘2027 Hope Cup (HOPE CUP).’ A player who was unable to take part in the previous tournament due to injury is also taking on the challenge again after treatment and rehabilitation.
On the 2nd, according to Hope Friend Hunger Countermeasures, an international relief and development NGO, the Korean team’s Hope Cup send-off ceremony was held on the 30th of last month. Around 40 people, including players, sponsors and staff from affiliated centers, attended. The players pledged to follow the tournament rules and compete in the spirit of fair play.
The Hope Cup is a growth-support program that gives children at Hope Friend Hunger Countermeasures’ project sites the opportunity to participate in soccer and cultural exchange. The first tournament was held in 2016. At the previous edition, in 2024, 120 children from 10 countries took part and played 22 matches.
David, who is from Uzbekistan, has joined this year’s Korean team. His participation in 2024 was ruled out because of a leg injury, but with support from a sponsor, he completed treatment and rehabilitation and was selected for the team for this tournament.
Park Jeong-ho, a director at Mobin Sports Management and owner of the Korean team, formed a connection with children from migrant backgrounds at the 2024 Hope Cup send-off ceremony. Since then, he has supported their training by coaching the children himself and arranging for soccer professionals—including current and former professional players, managers and coaches—to volunteer their expertise.
David said, “I’m glad I can take part in the Hope Cup again thanks to my sponsor’s support, and I want to do my best and put on a good performance at this tournament.”
The fourth Hope Cup will take place from April 29 to May 17 next year, with children from 10 countries, including Korea, Nepal, Ghana and Thailand, taking part. The soccer matches will be held at Hyochang Stadium in Seoul from May 13 to 15.
Hope Friend Hunger Countermeasures Chairman Choi Chang-nam said, “David’s story of overcoming an injury and taking on the Hope Cup again shows the children’s determination to pursue their dreams and the importance of continued support.”

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