A father’s enduring love: Cancer-stricken Korean man who searched for a home for his autistic son dies at 64

According to the Korea Herald, Jeon, who spent more than two decades as the sole caregiver to his 27‑year‑old son with severe autism, received a terminal diagnosis in April last year. — Picture courtesy of Iyagijangsu

By Malay Mail

First Published: Tuesday, 08 Sep 2026 2:29 PM MYT

SEOUL, Sept 8 — Jeon Gyeong‑cheol, the writer known nationwide as the “Peter Pan Dad” for his public quest to secure long‑term care for his autistic son, has died at age 64 after battling late‑stage liver cancer, according to the Developmental Disabilities Support Expert Forum.

According to the Korea Herald, Jeon, who spent more than two decades as the sole caregiver to his 27‑year‑old son with severe autism, received a terminal diagnosis in April last year. With only months left to live, he travelled across South Korea, contacting nearly 1,000 care facilities in hopes of finding a safe and permanent home for his son, whose developmental level is assessed as that of a toddler.

His search — documented in essays he published on the platform Brunch — resonated deeply with readers and later reached a wider audience through television programs including MBC’s True Story Expedition and tvN’s You Quiz on the Block. Jeon compiled his writings into the book Annyeong, Peter Pan, released in June.

Public support grew rapidly, with readers donating about 80 million won (US$59,000). The funds helped secure a place for his son, Je‑won, in a community village for people with profound developmental disabilities. In a recent appearance on You Quiz on the Block, Jeon said he hoped his son would “forget about his dad and live happily,” but still remember him “with a faint sense of longing.”

Even as his health declined, Jeon pushed to improve support systems for families like his. On August 26, just days before his death, he announced the launch of a preparatory committee for a welfare foundation dedicated to adults with severe autism‑related disabilities. Members are expected to continue discussions on formally establishing the foundation.

Jeon’s funeral will be held without a formal wake, in accordance with his wishes.