1. Early Life and Career Beginnings
Lee Ho was born on January 6, 1986, in South Korea. He distinguished himself during his collegiate years, particularly while attending Kyunghee University. His notable performance led him to be named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the U-League in 2008. Following his impressive university career, Lee Ho began his professional journey in football. He was selected as one of sixteen priority members to join Gangwon FC on November 18, 2008. His professional debut occurred on May 27, 2009, in Gangwon's final league cup match of 2009 against Chunnam Dragons.
2. Club Career
Lee Ho's professional football career spanned several clubs, where he established himself as a reliable defender and contributed significantly to his teams' successes, including a pivotal role in Daejeon Citizen's promotion to the top division.
2.1. Gangwon FC
Lee Ho commenced his professional football career with Gangwon FC, having been an inaugural priority signing on November 18, 2008. He made his professional debut for the club on May 27, 2009, during their last League Cup match of the 2009 season against Chunnam Dragons. After the conclusion of the 2009 season, he transferred to Daejeon Citizen.
2.2. Daejeon Citizen
After the 2009 season, Lee Ho attracted the attention of Daejeon Citizen manager Wang Sun-jae, who personally scouted him in Gangneung. Lee Ho officially transferred to Daejeon Citizen on January 5, 2010. Manager Wang Sun-jae praised him, stating that Lee Ho was "a player who will be responsible for Daejeon's future." During the 2011 season, he became a key starting defender, appearing in 25 league matches. Ahead of the 2012 season, Lee Ho was appointed captain of the team. After completing two years of mandatory military service, he returned to Daejeon Citizen in 2014. Upon his return, he played as a starting defender in the latter part of the season, playing a crucial role in the team's successful promotion to the first division of the K League.
2.3. Overseas Club and Retirement
Following the conclusion of the 2014 season, Lee Ho became a free agent. He then moved to Thailand to join Port FC, where he played for one year. After his single season with Port FC, Lee Ho officially retired from professional football.
3. Post-Retirement Activities
Following his retirement from professional football, Lee Ho successfully transitioned into a multi-faceted career as an entrepreneur and media personality. His activities primarily revolve around sports education, content creation, and community development, aiming to foster a broader engagement with football.
3.1. Goale Company
In 2018, Lee Ho acquired Goale Company and assumed the role of its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Under his leadership, Goale Company diversified its business ventures into sports education and recreation. A significant part of its operations involves the creation of football-related content, including Lee Ho's active role as a YouTuber on the Goale YouTube channel. The company also engages in media production, operates football academies, and markets apparel, pursuing a multi-pronged approach to its business.
3.2. Social Contributions and Football Development
Lee Ho is actively involved in philanthropic endeavors and initiatives aimed at promoting football at the grassroots level. He has consistently made charitable contributions, including donations of funds and goods to child welfare facilities, demonstrating his commitment to social responsibility. In his efforts to revitalize amateur football, Lee Ho developed and launched "Train with Alle," a specialized football training program designed for amateur players. Furthermore, he established the "Goale League," an amateur 7-a-side football league, which serves to increase accessibility and community engagement within the sport.
3.3. Media Appearances
Beyond his business and philanthropic activities, Lee Ho has expanded his public profile through various media appearances. He notably featured on the tvN digital football entertainment show, 'FC Entourage', where he served as a team coach. This involvement further broadened his reach and influence within the public sphere, connecting him with a wider audience interested in football entertainment.
4. Career Statistics
The following table provides detailed statistical records of Lee Ho's professional club career up to the end of the 2011 season.
| Club performance | League | Cup | League Cup | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| South Korea | League | KFA Cup | League Cup | Total | ||||||
| 2009 | Gangwon FC | K-League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2010 | Daejeon Citizen | K-League | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 0 |
| 2011 | 25 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 27 | 1 | ||
| Career total | 30 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 35 | 1 | ||
5. Honours
Lee Ho received several individual and team honours throughout his football career, reflecting his talent and contributions to the sport.
5.1. Individual Honours
- U-League Most Valuable Player: 2008
- Korea Football Association Awards College Division MVP: 2009
5.2. Team Honours
- Kyunghee University
- National Fall 1st & 2nd Year Football Tournament: 1st Place (2006)
- National Sports Festival University Division: 2nd Place (2007)
- National Sports Festival University Division: 1st Place (2008)
- U-League: 1st Place (2008)
- Daejeon Citizen
- K League Challenge: 1st Place (2014)