No-one plans to become a failed businessman or an alcoholic. But here he was, both a failed businessman and an alcoholic, a world away from what he had imagined. Although now largely forgotten, the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis cast a long shadow over Korean society, and there are many who are still dealing with its after effects. Big Issue Korea vendor Jeon Seongwoo sells the street paper at exit 1 of Anguk subway station in Seoul. We are often faced with challenges which occur as no fault of our own, and sometimes these challenges are so overwhelming that it’s difficult to come back from them. That’s why it is impossible to suggest that homelessness and poverty are simply a result of individual choices. Jeon Seongwoo has been forced to rethink his understanding of his ‘country’ and ‘homeland’.

Big Issue Korea vendor Jeon Seongwoo: “Life is a carousel”

Changgab’s face has a peaceful and relaxed look, which is perhaps surprising for someone who’s lived many years at sea, slept rough at Seoul Station and lived day-to-day in short-term accommodation. Life is good right now, he says. Changgab has been working as a Big Issue Korea vendor since September 2018 and met his wife in 2020. They now share their lives with their dog, Bo-ri, and live in a rented home.

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Big Issue Korea vendor Jeon Seongwoo: “Life is a carousel”

Big Issue Korea vendor Kwak Changgab: “You can move forward when you earn some of your own money”