The following messages of condolence and symbols
have been added in memory of Tae.

Dear Seol,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. I will never forget the time I get to look after Tae and what a blessing it was to get to meet you and your family. It brought me so much reward to contribute in the tiny amount. I felt the hard work and dedication you put into looking after Tae and his upbringing despite all your adversities deserve an admiration. I am sorry for your lost and my apology I did not receive this email earlier as I am only now working here casually. I am sending you me thoughts and prayer. Take care. Yours sincerely, Thuy (twee)

Dear Seol, Lea and family,

I am so sorry for your loss, and I send you my love and deepest condolences. Even though I am a writer, words seem to fail me. The loss of a loved one is always unimaginable, but to lose a precious soul at such a young age is beyond words. I learned of Taeyoon through my brother, Eric, who received a message on Instagram from Won. I then contacted Won, who told me more about Taeyoon and shared some photos, which moved me to tears. I was told that Taeyoon was a huge fan of The Barnabus Project, a picture book I had co-authored and illustrated with my two brothers, Eric and Devin Fan.

It was a profoundly emotional, humbling and overwhelming experience to realize what an impact our book had on Taeyoon, and it’s something I’ll always cherish. I wish somehow I could have met Taeyoon, but we will always be connected to him in this way - through the power of stories and imagination. I saw a wonderful drawing of Barnabus that Taeyoon had done, and his skill and artistry struck me as remarkable for one so young. Through everything I’ve read and seen about Taeyoon, what emerges is a portrait of an exceptionally kindhearted, sensitive, courageous and imaginative personality who touched the hearts of anyone lucky enough to know him. I can see that he had the soul of an artist, and like Barnabus, he was a dreamer. Despite everything, in all the photos I saw, Taeyoon always had a beautiful, life-affirming smile. I will never forget his smile.

Dear Taeyoon, thank you. We are honoured to dedicate our next picture book to you, a sequel to The Barnabus Project. Your presence blessed the world, and we will always hold you in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers. ❤️

Terry Fan

I would like to offer my deepest condolences to Taeyoon’s family, and thank them for sharing their memories of him with us. I never had the privilege of meeting Taeyoon in person; instead, we met through a book. Taeyoon loved our book, The Barnabus Project. He also embodied the best qualities of Barnabus himself - bravery, kindness, imagination, and resilience. He was the type of reader every writer dreams of having - someone who genuinely understands and connects with your book. That’s the real magic of books; they can connect people across continents and over time.

Taeyoon, I wish we could have met in person. Learning about you through your family, and reading all the beautiful memories posted about you, I feel like I’ve gotten to know you. It’s been a profound and humbling experience. Our next book is a sequel to The Barnabus Project, and will be dedicated to your memory. We will never forget you.

Tae Yoon, I feel so privileged to be a part of your life. To know you is to love you! You made everyone you met feel so special and heard. One of your many superpowers was your ability to build rapport and engage with people. You were always so curious to know every detail about everyone you met and would remember all those details that were so important to that person. You have made more impact on so many people in your eleven years than most people will make in a lifetime. I am comforted to think you are now with Dad and I can only imagine all the stories you are now sharing with him. You have left a giant Tae size hole in my heart, but I am so grateful to have been a part of your life. Arte says woof and she will take care of Lea!
- Love Sharon and Arte xx

Tae yoon whereever you are i wish you always stayed next to me if i am depressed

태윤아~ 정연이 이모야. 얘기 듣고 마음이 많이 아프고 슬펐지만 오늘 미사를 하면서 분명 천사같은 태윤이가 하느님 곁에서 평안하고 행복하게 있을거란 생각이 들었어. 여기선 가족의 사랑 안에, 이제 하늘에선 하느님 사랑과 은총 안에 잘 지내길 기도할께!!

사랑스런 태윤아, 영혜이모야.

우리 태윤이 너무 많이 기특하고 사랑스럽다. 많은 사람들에게 행복과 사랑을 주고 태윤이를 통해서 이모는 많은것을 배운다. 세상에 와줘서 너무 고맙고 지금은 같이 할수 없지만 언젠간 우리 또 다시 만나자. 사랑해!

태윤아. 서연이 이모야.
너무 멀리 살아서 태윤이 어릴때 보고 우리가 만나지는 못했지만 태윤이가 얼마나 많은 사람들한테 사랑을 받았는지 사랑을 주었는지 알겠더라. 천사가 이 세상에 와서 사람들에게 웃음과 행복을 주고 다시 하늘 나라로 갔으니까 하느님 나라에서 행복하길 기도할께. 안녕. 미카엘 천사.

A happy beautiful young man who always put a smile on everyone’s face with his generous gift of kindness and love
It was a pleasure to help care for him during his life journey
He will be in heaven with all our kookaburra angels that have left us
Rest in peace forever Tae till I meet you with a huge smile and hug
Trina saxton RN RCH

Dear Tae Yoon - though we met only for a short while, you have certainly left a lasting impression. Your smile was contagious, and we all loved your enthusiasm. Daniel Hyunga was so happy to speak to you in Korean at Kookaburra, and Sean Hyunga was so looking forward to having mandu with you when you both got out. We will see you again in heaven and we hope you are having so much fun with Jesus and your father.

태윤아 안녕??
다나누나야

항상 밝게 웃고 누나랑 형아 많이 좋아해줘서 고마워

누나는 항상 태윤이 웃음이 엄청 이쁘다고 생각했는데 아픈 와중에도 웃는걸 보니 너무 태윤이가 씩씩한거 같아

그리고 매번 만나러 간다 했는데 못 가서 너무 마안해..
태윤이가 아빠 많이 사랑했는데 아빠 곁으로 가게 되서 다행이다

태윤이 안 본지 좀 됐는데 사진으로나마 이쁜 웃음을 볼 수 있어서 감사해

많이 힘들었을텐데 너무 잘 견뎠어 태윤아. 너무 멋져. 수고했어

태윤아 사랑해
다나누나가

태윤아 안녕?
그동안 우리가 자주 만나지는 못했지만 나는 태윤이를 알아서 너무 좋았어.
항상 제일 밝게 웃고, 귀여운 태윤이를 볼수 있어서 너무 행운이라고 생각해.

태윤이가 많이 아프다는 소식을 듣고 나는 계속 태윤이가 빨리 나을 수 있게 기도했어..

하지만, 몇일 전에 태윤이가 하늘나라에 갔다는 이야기를 듣고 마음이 너무 아프고 잘 안 믿겨졌어.
나는 그래도 마지막으로 태윤이랑 통화를 하면서 태윤이의 목소리를 들을 수 있어서 기뻤어.그때는 내가 누군지 모른다고 했지만, 날 기억하고 있는걸 알아. 우리 같이 레고도 만들었고, 카누도 타고, 자동차 이름도 만들어 냈잖아.
기억나지?

비록 내가 살아있을 동안은 못 만나겠지만 나중에 하늘나라에서 꼭 만나자.
아직도 우리 냉장고에 붙어있는 태윤이랑 찍은 사진을 보면서 기억할게.
항상 힘들어도 기쁜 얼굴로 우리를 봐줘서 너무 고마워.
사랑하고 항상 보고 싶을 거야.

태윤이를 좋아하는 노아 형아가

"모든 눈물을 그 눈에서 닦아 주리니 다시는 사망이 없고 애통하는 것이나 곡하는 것이나 아픈 것이 다시 있지
아니하리니 처음 것들이 다 지나갔음이러라"

태윤아 사랑해..그리고 많이 미안해..
천국에서 다시 만나자♡♡

Dear Seol and Lea
There are no words that can comfort you in your grief, but let the love and support of your family and friends wrap around you.
We all loved Tae Yoon. His carefree spirit in the face of such adversity, his sense of fun and his ability to reach out to people. He is safe now, together with his father again, and has found peace.

Hey TaeYoon,

You will forever take up a large part of a hearts. Your radiant smile and personality brought so much joy to everyone around you. I will miss the times we would eat, play and take photos together..

We wish we could have been there for you more throughout the years but your legacy will live on in our lives.

We love you very much.

From Yosup and the Kim Family

"Hey Tae Yoon,

I know you would be looking down on us now, with Greg by your side with a big smile on your face. You have always been that kind of guy, always looking at the good side of other people and trying to bring out the goodness in their hearts. You have touched the hearts of so many people, more than anyone could imagine.

I wish I could have been a bigger part of your life. Of course, I would've needed to wait in the long queue. I could see how much love you received from other people, and this only tells me how much you have given. I've learned such a valuable life lesson from you, and I don't know how to repay you. Maybe a Lamborghini?

You will be in our memories forever as a happy, smiling, cheeky boy who loved to shout. We will always love you.

Jagun Appa."

Carissimo Taeyoon, siamo i genitori di Federico dall'Italia, noi non ci siamo mai conosciuti di persona ma solo con qualche videochiamata quando eri con nostro figlio, ma subito sei entrato nel nostro cuore con la tua grande simpatia e quel bel sorriso che donavi. Ti volevamo ringraziare di cuore per aver reso Federico un ragazzo migliore, gli hai aperto il tuo cuore senza esitazione, lo hai fatto crescere e con te è stato molto felice. Grazie di cuore.....rimarrai per sempre dentro di noi.....Riposa in pace piccolino insieme al tuo papà e proteggi da lassù la tua mamma e la tua sorellina.♥️

Hi Taeyoon,
You have been the most amazing nephew one could ever have and you leave us lots of fun memories that we will treasure for the rest of our lives.
We have not seen you much in the past year and a half and we are very sorry that we were not there by your side when you were going through the most difficult times.
As I listened in to your friends memories of you that i missed out on, i could feel the love you gave them and you got back in return. I felt bits and pieces of you as I listened to all the stories and it really does feel that you live in all of us and will be so for a long long time. When we get together all of our memories make you wholesome again.
Like your dad had done, you bring smile to the people around you and i am sure you will be doing the same now.
No doubt you are happy to be with your dad now and please say hi to him for me as well.
We will miss seeing you and playing with you. We will keep you in our hearts, always.....
Jjappa

Hi Taeyoon
This is Chloe your older cousin. You have been the best cousin I could ever ask for. You were the most kind and funniest person ever. I loved all the memories we had together and how you made me laugh. Even though I couldnt visit you as much as I hoped and could not be there for your last moments in this world I hope you fulfilled your life with happy memories and great friends.I have always loved you and your personality and I hope you have a great time up in heaven and do all the things that you couldn't do here.
Love Chloe

늘 주변을 환하게 비추던 태윤이가 우리 곁을 떠나 사랑하는 아빠에게 훨훨 날아갔구나. 작고 어린 태윤이가 많이 아프고 힘들었을텐데 짜빠랑 작은엄마가 곁에 있어주지 못해서 너무 미안해. 태윤이가 만들었던 재밌고 예쁜 기억들 한아름 가지고 천국으로 가서, 그리웠던 아빠에게 이야기 보따리 풀어드리렴. 눈에선 눈물이 흐르지만 태윤이를 생각하면 입가에 미소가 번진다. 이렇게 사랑스런 모습으로 우리에게 남아줘서 정말 고마워. 먼 훗날 우리가 다시 만나면, 마지막에 하지 못했던 인사로 태윤이를 꼬옥 크게 안아줄께. 안녕.
사랑하는 작은엄마가

Dear Seol, Tae Yoon and Lea,
It has been a privilege to know and care for your family over the last two years. I have many precious memories of Tae, who could make a friend of anybody he met - and did so, drawing us all into his unique orbit of curiosity and.acceptance.
Over the last week at Very Special Kids I have heard Seol recount many stories of the kindnesses given and received by Tae at the RCH. One of his gifts was to see the good in every person and situation, despite
the undeniable hardships he suffered through his illness. It is impossible not to feel moved by the many acts of compassion which he inspired through his ability to see the beauty in others.

I am reminded of these words by Alice Walker:

"Love, if it is love, never goes away.
It is embedded in us,
like seams of gold in the Earth,
waiting for light,
waiting to be struck."

Even now, amidst grief, Tae's great big heart remains as a seam of gold in our lives - a reminder to seek out joy, love and connection, to cherish our loved-ones and to be generous in our friendship.

With love to you all,
From Katie.

태윤아. 이모는 태윤이가 그동안 얼마나 아팠는지 잘 몰랐었는데 말이야. 태윤이 마지막 사진에서 태윤이가 고통속에서도 얼마나 용기있고 의연하게 병과 싸웠는지 보이는거 같아 태윤이가 정말 기특하고 자랑스러웠어. 우리 태윤이는 태윤이가 좋아했던 또봇 보다도 훨씬 더 멋지고 용감한 영웅이야.
이모는 태윤이가 사랑이 많은 아이니까 커서 신부님이 되지 않을까? 생각했어. 나중에 이모한테 람보르기니도 태워준다고 했으니까 람보르기니를 타는 신부님이 되지 않을까 그렇게도 생각했지. 그런데 지금 돌이켜보니까 우리 태윤이는 이미 태어날 때부터 세상에 사랑을 나눠주는 천사로 왔던거 같아.
태윤아. 이모한테 백번도 넘게 뽀뽀해주고 백번도 넘게 사랑한다고 해줘서 고마워. 이모한테 그림도 많이 그려주고 카드도 많이 써줘서 고마워. 이모한테 커피도 타주고 자동차 이름도 많이 알려줘서 고마워. 태윤이는 낯선 멜번에서 이모의 좋은 친구였어.
이모가 멜번을 떠나 올 때 태윤이를 다시 못 볼 거라는 생각은 하지 못했는데 다시 돌아갈 멜번에는 우리 태윤이가 없네.
유난히 크고 맑았던 태윤이 눈망울. 까슬까슬했던 태윤이 곱슬머리. 토끼처럼 귀엽게 톡 튀어나왔던 태윤이 앞니. 늘 거칠어서 항상 안스러웠던 태윤이 손. 태윤이는 없어도 하나하나 잊지 않고 이모 마음속에 다 기억할게 태윤아.
우리 태윤이 지금쯤은 아빠 손잡고 좋아서 깡총깡총 뛰고 있겠지.
그곳에서도 가끔은 우리 태윤이가 얼마나 많은 사람들에게 사랑 받은 사람인지 기억해줘. 태윤아. 천국에서는 더이상 아프지 말고 행복해. 태윤아 정말 많이많이 사랑해♡

Tae Yoon, it is hard to say goodbye to you but I have few words in my mind that I thought it could wait for later.
At the last moment of your father’s passing, I promised him that I would look after you and help you become a mature man. Since that day, I have wondered how to become a good godfather to you. I often pictured myself as the cool uncle in the movie called ‘brave heart’ who appeared on horseback and trained the young William Wallace in time of need for a role model.
I wanted to be someone you can trust and listen to when you need guidance and help along your journey. I was waiting for my moment I can be the cool guy who shows the way of life.
However, you already lived the way of love with big brave heart. It was you inspired me not to hold back love for others and live the life to the fullest. You touched so many people’s hearts with kindness and purity. I guess I need to live up to the challenges if I don’t want to embarrass myself when we meet again.
Now that you are in Heaven, please watch over your little sister and mother.
You have been nothing but a joy and happiness for me.
Thank you.

Dearest TaeYoon,

What bravery and courage for life you inspired in not only me but I am sure countless others!
That smile and liveliness has been with you since time immemorial and you will carry that with you into Heaven. It makes me sad that I did not get to see you one more time in person but I appreciate so deeply the video phone calls we have had of late. You will always be remembered for the positive energy you inspired in others and engendered in situations, what a feat of character! I am sure that your dad will be so happy to be with you, as you are to see him. I know that you will always guide your mum and sister from up there. Thank you for lighting up this world with your smile, with your zest for life and with your kindness. Rest easy and have the most joyful and playful time up there. 형, will miss you and will wish I could have seen you once more. I’ll always cherish this particular afternoon in Seoul when we got to play together. 사랑해 태윤아 🫶🏾

Dear Tae yoon

It seems like Emo has been attending Tae Yoon Jin school for 11years.
Thank you for all the lessons you gave me and i think i can be a better person. I love you.

Dear Seol and Tae-Yoon's big family,

On behalf of the staff in the Intensive Care Unit I express our sincere condolences to you for the loss of Tae-Yoon. All the PICU doctors and nurses considered it was a privilege to look after Tae for long periods throughout his life, and I know the staff in The Children’s Cancer Centre did too.

Tae was exceptional in many ways, particularly his attitude to his life despite how tough it was often. We felt privileged that he considered us doctors and nurses his friends and family - it signified a level of trust that is rarely given by patients. Tae often he showed maturity beyond his years, courage beyond measure, kindness in his approach to people, and his sense of innocent and cheeky fun. For all that I loved him. The last 6 weeks in ICU were very hard, but even in that time and with his troubles, those same characteristics were evident in the way he would address me as “Dr Trevor”, or calm when I held his hand. You should never imagine that the efforts we made were in vain – Tae-Yoon Jin was a very fine idea indeed, and his love and life touched more people than most of us who live many decades longer.

With love,

Dr Trevor

Taeyoon,
So missing your smile and happy face. I was glad I could make you laugh just showing my bold hairstyle. The love you left in us and this world will never be forgotten.

사랑하는 태윤아,

우리 천사 태윤이,
세상에 내려와줘서 고맙고,
우리에게 사람을 어떻게 사랑해야 하는지 알려줘서 고맙고,
비록 짧은 삶이었지만 누구보다 빛나는 삶을 살아서 우리에게 무엇보다 큰 기쁨을 주어서 고마워.

하늘나라에서 아프지 말고
태윤이가 하고 싶은 일 신나게 하고
보고싶은 아빠랑 행복한 시간 보내

태윤이가 정말로 정말로 보고 싶을 거야
너의 사랑 잊지 않을께

사랑해💐💐💐

My beautiful TY, I only had the privilege of knowing you and sharing your journey for a short time. In that time, you touched my heart, brought a smile to my lips with your whit and definitely challenged me with your knowledge. I will forever hold beautiful memories in my heart of the boy who stole part of my heart. Rest easy TY 🤍

Mr TaeYoon Michael Friendly Jin
YOU:
* loved freely 🩵
* cheered all 😊
* brought sunshine ☀️
* taught many 🖍️
* always gave 🎁
* thought of others 💭
* saw the good 👍🏼
* lived with gusto 🥳
* found beauty 🪷
I love you, I love you sooo MUCH
We all do. Who wouldn’t?!(They’re bonkers!)
Keep shining strong - in our hearts, minds and souls - clever boy. So brave. So friendly - not itchy
*** He is free 🕊️ Rest in Power
All my and our love - always xxx

You are a ray of sunshine, now safe in your dads arms. You have left us so inspired by your journey, truly a saint. Take care of Mum & Lea from Heaven. Your phone chats we loved, you were so gorgeous. Love you Tae. Andrew & Helen

Tae - Our hero, best friend, champion, family, beautiful boy!
We will love you forever and ever.
You bought so much love and hope and joy to our lives and it has been an honour and a privilege to be with you. You live on in all of us. We will keep mummy safe, you keep Greg happy!
We will love you forever. You are always with us. And we are always with you.
YOU CHANGED US FOR THE BETTER TAE! We can't thank you enough. We will carry on your legacy.
Love you our little man.
I LOVE YOU
YES!!!!!!
WooHoo
xoxoxo