A Father's Love Endured Beyond Terminal Liver Cancer: "He Left After Securing a Home for His Autistic Son"

Jeon Kyungchul Passes Away at 63

Author Jeon Kyung-chul, who raised his son with severe autism alone for 27 years, has passed away at the age of 63.

Jeon Gyeongcheol, artist. YouTube tvN You Quiz on the Tube

According to Jeong Yujin, head of the Forum for Developmental Disability Support Specialists, Jeon died at 7:56 p.m. on the previous day.

Jeon is survived by his 27-year-old son, Je-won, who has profound autistic disorder. After his divorce, Jeon had single-handedly cared for his son for more than two decades.

Because his son’s mental development remained at the level of a two-year-old, Jeon affectionately called him “Peter Pan,” likening him to a literary figure who never grows up.

In April of last year, Jeon was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer and was given a prognosis of just six months to live. His foremost concern was his son, who would be left alone after his passing. He began searching for facilities and organizations throughout the country that could care for Je-won in the future.

Jeon contacted about 1,000 institutions, but it was extremely difficult to find a place that could accommodate an adult male with severe autism who is nonverbal. In some cases, Je-won was admitted only to be discharged again due to difficulties.

Jeon began documenting this journey on the content platform Brunch. The story of a father with a terminal illness desperately searching for a safe place for his son gained widespread attention through media coverage, and his writings were later published as the essay collection "Goodbye, Peter Pan."

The response from readers continued. Jeon’s posts received about 2,000 supportive comments, and approximately 80 million won was raised through donations.

Through the combined efforts of many people and Jeon’s determination, Je-won is now able to live in a community village for people with the most severe developmental disabilities.

Author Jeon Kyung-chul and his son Je-won. Photo by MBC

Jeon lived almost a year longer than doctors had originally anticipated.

During the remainder of his time, he worked to lay the institutional foundation not only for Je-won, but for other adults with severe autism. He initiated the establishment of the “Peter Pan Foundation for Autistic Welfare,” and on August 25, news was shared of a preparatory committee being launched for the foundation. Now that the committee is fully formed, discussions on establishing the foundation are expected to continue, led by the committee members even after Jeon's passing.

In a broadcast, Jeon shared, "I want to tell you to forget your father completely and live only for your own happiness, but that's not how I honestly feel. If your memories fade, and you don’t remember who I am, it’s okay. But I hope you feel a sudden longing when you recall me. That would be enough. Naturally, I will always be holding in my arms that beautiful baby who brought me happiness for 27 years," leaving this message for his son.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no funeral service or visitation.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.