'Peter Pan's Dad,' Late Author Jeon Kyung-cheol's Dream..500 Million Won Raised, Foundation Establishment Moves Forward [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

The minimum donation of 500 million won required to establish the 'Peter Pan Foundation,' which late author Jeon Kyung-cheol dreamed of during his lifetime, has been secured.

On the 26th, publisher Storyteller's Hand announced via its official account that "the minimum donation of 500 million won needed to establish the Peter Pan Foundation has been secured."

According to this, as of the 17th, general donations totaled only about 11 million won, raising concerns that the foundation establishment might be canceled and donations returned. However, following continued support, more than 270 million won had been raised by the 23rd. At that point, a donor expressed their intention to "cover whatever amount is needed to complete the final funding for the foundation's establishment," ultimately securing the full 500 million won.

Storyteller's Hand stated, "Thanks to all the 'Peter Pan supporters' who used every means possible to spread the word through their own SNS and communities as if it were their own cause." The publisher added, "Many people left messages saying they felt sorry for donating small amounts, but we realized there is no such thing as a small donation for the Peter Pan Foundation. There is only the 'great heart' of those who protect author Jeon Kyung-cheol's wishes as if they were their own," expressing gratitude.

Storyteller's Hand also revealed words left by author Jeon Kyung-cheol to an acquaintance while struggling to establish the foundation during his lifetime. The late author reportedly confided in the acquaintance, "Should I stop dreaming? It must be difficult, right? If it fails, what kind of a mess will that make—for me and for those who dreamed with me?" Additionally, Storyteller's Hand announced that it is preparing to publish a posthumous collection of works by author Jeon Kyung-cheol.

The Peter Pan Foundation plans to focus on building 'Neverland Village,' a community where severely disabled individuals can live with dignity even after their parents pass away. Storyteller's Hand said, "Although we have secured the 500th million won required for the foundation establishment review, continuous interest and support are needed to break ground on Neverland Village," urging continued attention.

Meanwhile, author Jeon Kyung-cheol passed away at 7:56 p.m. on the 5th after battling liver cancer. In accordance with his wishes, his funeral was held as a non-public memorial service.

Author Jeon Kyung-cheol was a father who cared for his son, who has severe autism with a mental age of 2–3 years, alone for 27 years. He shared his experiences in the essay 'Hello, Peter Pan,' earning him the title of 'Peter Pan's Father.'

Notably, even after being diagnosed with terminal liver cancer and given a limited life expectancy, he worried about his son's life after his death. To ensure his son could live stably, he traveled across the country and dreamed of creating a community where people with developmental disabilities and their families could live together with peace of mind.

His story received widespread attention after being featured on MBC's 'Real Story Investigation Team' in March last year, followed by an appearance on tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block' last month.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.