"No One Would Take My Son In": The Final Wish of Jeon Gyeong-cheol, the 'Peter Pan Dad'

[Financial News] The final video letter from writer Jeon Gyeong-cheol, who cared for his son with severe autism alone for more than 20 years while battling liver cancer, has been released. During his lifetime, Jeon had worked to establish a community and foundation for people with severe disabilities like his son.
Storyseller Publishing released Jeon’s video letter on social media on the 7th. The publisher said, "We are on our way to see Jeon off. We never imagined that we would release the writer’s video message after his death, but today, we are sharing with the many people mourning his passing a video letter that he filmed himself at home after raising himself up."
In the video, Jeon introduced himself by saying, "I am Jeon Gyeong-cheol, whose name tag has somehow become 'Peter Pan Dad.'" He continued, "This is the final journey of my life. Many people are walking alongside me to build a Neverland village where people with severe disabilities can live with dignity and to establish the Peter Pan Foundation for that purpose. Please join forces with us on this journey."
The publisher said Jeon devoted himself to establishing the Peter Pan Foundation and building the Neverland village until the end of his life. It added, "Please remember Jeon, who devoted all his strength until the end of his life to establishing the Peter Pan Foundation and building the Neverland village," and stated, "Even after today, we will continue asking for encouragement, support and interest in the Peter Pan Foundation and the records left by the writer."
Jeon died at around 7:56 p.m. on the 5th. He was 63.
His funeral was held without a viewing room, in accordance with his wishes. After divorcing his wife, Jeon had raised his son Jewon, 26, alone after the boy was diagnosed with severe autism. He regarded his son, whose mental age had remained at two, as Peter Pan of Neverland, who would never grow into an adult.
Jeon’s story became known through Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC)’s "True Story Expedition." In April last year, he was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. Although he was reportedly given six months to live, he could not find a place willing to care for his son after he was gone.
Jeon personally visited more than 1,000 care facilities across the country in search of a place for Jewon to stay. However, no facility would take him in, and the process became known through online platforms and television broadcasts. Jeon later published a book titled "Hello, Peter Pan."
Readers and viewers who learned of their story continued to offer encouragement and donations. As a result, Jewon was able to live in a community village for people with the most severe developmental disabilities.
Jeon also pursued the establishment of the Peter Pan Welfare Foundation for Autistic People to help adults with severe autism.
Aladdin, an online bookstore, is currently holding a comment-based donation campaign to support the establishment of the Peter Pan Foundation.
Meanwhile, Minister of Health and Welfare (MOHW) Jeong Eun-kyeong said on social media the previous day that she had learned of Jeon’s death and stated, "I offer my deepest condolences to the deceased."
Jeong said the care of people with developmental disabilities should not be left solely to their families. She stated, "I remember the father’s words that the reality of the years spent providing care was not something one could easily become accustomed to. To ensure that families do not bear the burden of care alone, the government plans to announce this week a comprehensive, government-wide policy to support people with developmental disabilities so that they can enjoy ordinary lives and everyday routines."
Jeong added, "We will carry forward the profound impact that the Peter Pan Dad gave our society through policies for people with developmental disabilities and their families."
[email protected] Han Seung-gon Reporter