BTS member SUGA (real name Min Yoongi) has made an unprecedented donation to support children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
On June 23, Severance Hospital announced the establishment of a specialized treatment center for individuals with ASD, in partnership with SUGA. The “Min Yoongi Treatment Center” held its groundbreaking ceremony that day at Jejungwon Hall. The center will focus on language, psychological, and behavioral therapies, and operate diverse programs that integrate clinical care and research to support mental health.
Throughout his career, SUGA has consistently engaged in charitable activities, showing particular concern for mental health issues, especially youth depression. Seeking to use his musical talents for good, he began exploring meaningful ways to contribute.
In November last year, SUGA met with Professor Chun Geun-ah, a leading child psychiatrist at Severance Hospital. Through several discussions, they recognized the need for customized, long-term treatment approaches for individuals with ASD, as existing short-term interventions often fall short. They agreed on the necessity of a specialized, mid- to long-term care center and SUGA pledged a ₩5 billion donation — the largest ever made by an artist to Severance or Yonsei Medical Center.
From late 2023 to early 2024, SUGA and Professor Chun worked on developing a music-based social skills program called MIND, tailored for children and adolescents with ASD.
MIND stands for:
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Music – Enhancing interaction through musical and sensory experiences
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Interaction – Facilitating communication and relationship-building
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Network – Learning social dynamics in a community setting
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Diversity – Embracing individual uniqueness and social integration
The program involves playing instruments, singing, writing lyrics, and expressing emotions through music and writing. Between March and June, SUGA personally participated in weekend sessions, playing instruments and helping children engage rhythmically and emotionally. He even taught them how to play instruments, encouraging self-expression and peer cooperation. The results were notable: children who previously showed limited verbal or emotional responses began to engage, express themselves, and collaborate with peers.
The MIND program proved effective in helping nonverbal or verbally limited children build social relationships and emotional awareness.
Looking ahead, the Min Yoongi Treatment Center aims to expand the MIND program, develop a sustainable music-based therapy model, and train professionals to maintain program quality. Once construction is completed in September, the center will officially launch expanded therapy sessions, including ABA, speech therapy, and other treatments. Academic research, publications, and clinical trials will support the program’s long-term credibility and impact.
Professor Chun expressed deep gratitude, saying, “Beyond financial support, SUGA’s sincerity and consistent volunteer work over the past several months have been deeply inspiring. His dedication to children with ASD is truly commendable. The ultimate goal of the Min Yoongi Treatment Center and MIND program is to help these children grow as independent, healthy members of society, while also changing societal perceptions of autism.”
SUGA shared, “Over the past seven months of working with Professor Chun, I’ve realized how powerful music can be as a tool to express emotions and connect with the world. It’s been a blessing to be involved in the treatment process for children with ASD. I’ll continue to support efforts that help more children become part of our community.”
SEE ALSO: 12 Years of BTS: A Song for every Year and their Story Through Music
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