A terminal cancer father's essays find life in print — the story behind 'Goodbye, Peter Pan'

"I wrote these words with the hope that at least one person would look after my son, who will have to survive on his own."

A writer's dream has become reality through Brunch, Kakao's content publishing platform. A father given a terminal diagnosis of late-stage liver cancer has seen his writings — notes left behind for a son with autism who will one day be alone — published as a book.

Kakao announced Thursday that "Goodbye, Peter Pan," an essay collection by Brunch writer Jeon Gyeong-cheol (pen name Kkokdu), was officially published June 25.

Jeon's story first came to public attention in March through MBC's investigative documentary program "Silhwa Tamsa-dae."

He had been documenting on Brunch his efforts to secure a care facility and residential space where his son — who has severe autism spectrum disorder — could live safely after Jeon is gone. Once his story aired, viewers sought out his Brunch page directly and began sending words of encouragement.

Brunch readers rallied around Jeon, leaving more than 1,900 supportive comments and raising about 80 million won ($51,500) in donations to support his writing.

Brunch connected Jeon with its publishing partners. A deal was struck with partner publisher Iyagi Jangsu, and the entire process — from contract to publication — was completed in just one month.

The momentum has since extended beyond the book itself, with Jeon now pursuing the establishment of the Peter Pan Foundation, a care foundation for people with severe autism spectrum disorder.

Kakao said the case is significant not only as an outpouring of support for one writer, but because it sparked broader public attention to the issues of housing and care for people with severe autism spectrum disorder.

"The story recorded on Brunch drew empathy from readers, and that empathy translated into voluntary support for the creator and wider social resonance," Kakao said.

"I never dreamed that a moment I couldn't even have imagined would come to us," Jeon said. "I am simply grateful for every day up to today, and to every person who has been part of it."

Lee Seung-hyeon, Kakao's head of social impact performance, said the case "is a meaningful achievement that proves in real life Brunch's unique creative virtuous cycle — where good writing moves readers, and readers' support in turn fuels the creator." Lee added that Kakao would "continue to build a stronger, mutually beneficial ecosystem connecting creators and readers, so that creators can realize their dreams through the power of writing alone, without barriers."

Brunch marked its 10th anniversary last year. As of the first quarter of 2026, 102,000 writers are active on the platform, and books originating from Brunch number 11,000. The Brunch Book Publishing Project has received about 77,000 entries to date, producing 346 winners and 369 winning works. Cumulative support paid out to creators has surpassed 650 million won.

To become a Brunch writer, applicants submit a self-introduction, an activity plan and writing samples for review. Those who pass the approval process are given a dedicated space to publish their work.