Children Who Discovered the Magic to Overcome Darkness 2024-11-27

At 10 a.m. on October 18, Smilegate Foundation hosted the exhibition “The Power of Magic: Overcoming Darkness” at a café in Pangyo. 

The exhibition was held to showcase the children’s book Little Author Alice: The Power of Magic – Overcoming Darkness (hereafter “Alice”), written by children who had experienced abuse. Heemang Speakers—including broadcaster Jung So-rim and game streamers Park Seo-rim, Ida, Romaler, and JohnnyWorld—served as docents and personally introduced the works, making the event even more meaningful. Although the autumn rain brought a chill to the air, the venue was filled with warmth thanks to those who came to support the children’s creations. 

Children Who Dreamed of Becoming Writers Create Storybooks 

Leading up to the exhibition, Smilegate Foundation ran a storybook writing program for children who had experienced abuse and launched a donation campaign to support the publication and exhibition of their books. From May to October, 1,344 donors contributed approximately KRW 42 million.

Eight children who benefited from the donation campaign participated in the writing program as “little authors.” The social enterprise Alice and Rabbit, specializing in children’s psychological therapy, supported them in learning how to write and immersing themselves in the creative process. These children, who had endured domestic violence, created stories where their dark experiences were overcome through magic—perfectly aligning with the exhibition’s title. Around 600 people attended the event to cheer on the children. 

A section of the venue was dedicated to introducing the young authors—Tongtong Bomb, Choco, Pencil, and Peeking Haribo—whose unique personalities showed even in their names. Visitors couldn’t help but smile as they viewed the adorable displays and artist profiles.

Choco’s story followed Muns, a protagonist who turns into a werewolf under the full moon—fearsome on the outside, but a true hero at heart. Another young author, Pencil, wrote about a character with a leg disability who receives a magic wand and begins helping others, spreading hope along the way.

Each of the children’s stories brimmed with vibrant imagination. Even a few short lines drew readers into their worlds. With unique protagonists and heartfelt themes, the stories opened a window into a world of childlike wonder.

The audience praised the children's creativity and emotional depth—but above all, they applauded the courage it took to turn their own pain into stories of strength and resilience. 

The Little Authors’ Strongest Supporters: Heemang Speakers and Alice and Rabbit

Many people contributed to the creation of the young authors’ works. Among them were the Heemang Speakers—public figures who helped spread awareness of the project and actively promoted participation in the donation campaign and the exhibition. 

Park Seo-rim, one of the Heemang Speakers, shared, “I never imagined I could help someone just by being a game streamer. I’m grateful to Smilegate Foundation for giving me the chance to share this project. It was a deeply moving experience—I felt like we were building a network of positive influence.”

Park Seo-rim and five other Heemang Speakers served as docents to guide curious visitors through the little authors’ imaginative worlds and untold stories. By conveying the characters and narratives from the children’s point of view, the Heemang Speakers helped bring the audience closer to the innocence and creativity of the young authors. 

Choi Min-soon, CEO of Alice and Rabbit, also built close relationships with the children throughout the process, creating a safe space where they could begin healing emotionally. This in turn helped them unleash their creativity and craft stories filled with hope.

“The magical items weren’t something we suggested—the children came up with those ideas on their own.

They started saying things like, ‘Maybe I can change this with magic.’

I believe that was the first sign of hope taking root in them.”

–Choi Min-soon, CEO of Alice and Rabbit-

The little authors used the motif of magic to complete their works. In their stories, magic served as a means to overcome real-life wounds and find happiness. As their characters freely wielded magic to overcome hardships, the children may have discovered a warm spark of hope rising from within—something they hadn’t imagined before. 

Visitors to the Exhibition Experience the Magic Together 

““The young authors have an amazing command of language.

It’s incredible how they expressed their healing journey so clearly—there was something profound about it.” –Visitor 1

““I’ve played Lost Ark for a long time and followed Smilegate Foundation’s activities—they’ve done so many great campaigns.

I was thinking about how I could contribute, and I ended up coming here with my kids.” –Visitor 2

Visitors remarked that just as the storybook characters overcame darkness through magic, the little authors, too, had risen above their pain during the writing process. They shared that the stories of characters emerging from shadows into light felt like a gift of courage. In that way, the visitors embraced the magical power of healing with open hearts.

Merchandise based on the young authors’ imaginative stories also drew attention. What made them even more meaningful was that proceeds from book and merchandise sales would go toward scholarships for the children. The exhibition gave visitors a chance to experience the authors’ powerful stories and make a positive impact. All funds raised through the event will be given to the young writers. 

“The Power of Magic: Overcoming Darkness” was more than just a storybook exhibition. It was a testament to the children’s efforts to turn pain into hope, and to the hearts of those—Smilegate Foundation, Alice and Rabbit, and the Heemang Speakers—who supported them. Together, they took a step toward a better world. 

<Recommended Storybooks>

“I had many deep conversations with the child who wrote The Secret of the Old Warehouse.

By simply listening to that child’s voice as it was, I watched them grow.”

–Choi Min-soon, CEO of Alice and Rabbit

“The story Magical Jelly left the biggest impression on me.

I was moved by how the character’s negative emotions transformed into something positive.”

–Park Seo-rim, Heemang Speaker