BTS Suga Donates 5 Billion Won to Severance: Behind the Scenes of Developing Autism Treatment Through Music

'Min Yoongi Treatment Center' to Open in September
BTS member Suga donates 5 billion won and participates in program development
Music-based group therapy program 'MIND' to support children with autism spectrum disorder

Group BTS Suga. Photo by Asia Economy DB

Severance Hospital is establishing a specialized treatment facility for patients with autism spectrum disorder, the 'Min Yoongi Treatment Center,' in collaboration with BTS member Suga (real name Min Yoongi). The center is scheduled for completion in September.

On June 24, Professor Chun Geuna of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Severance Hospital stated in a video released on the hospital's official YouTube channel, "'The Min Yoongi Treatment Center' is a miraculous space that fulfills a dream I have cherished for a long time," adding, "I have always believed that it is essential for hospitals to have programs that support social independence for children with autism spectrum disorder as they grow into adulthood."

Suga donated 5 billion won for the construction of the center and also participated directly by contributing his musical talents. The Min Yoongi Treatment Center will offer a variety of programs that integrate clinical care and research, including language, psychological, and behavioral therapies. In particular, a vocational rehabilitation program will be established to support the independence of adult patients.

Professor Chun said, "Suga first approached me in November last year, expressing a deep interest in child and adolescent mental health and treatment for autism spectrum disorder," adding, "He had read a significant portion of a 500-page textbook I had written, and I was surprised by the depth and sharpness of his questions."

Suga did not simply provide financial support; he first proposed contributing his musical talent. Based on this, the hospital developed a new group therapy program using music, called the 'MIND Program.' Professor Chun explained, "I was initially concerned about how to implement therapy through music, but Suga's sincerity actually led us to create this new program."

Director Kim Kigang of Yonsei Medical Center and Suga (left) are taking a commemorative photo. Big Hit Music

MIND stands for Music, Interaction, Network, and Diversity. It is a group therapy program that uses music as a medium to foster the formation of social relationships and communication skills. Participating children express their emotions and thoughts through playing instruments, singing, and writing.

Professor Chun said, "Throughout the preparation and implementation of the program, Suga was never late, and he often arrived earlier than I did to practice guitar or hold pre-meetings with the therapists," adding, "I was deeply impressed by his efforts to communicate at the children's level, and his sincerity had a profound impact on the therapists as well."

The children participating in the program were unaware of Suga's presence, and only their parents were informed that he was participating as an assistant therapist. Professor Chun stated, "Suga is also interested in the ongoing development of the center, and he has expressed his intention to continue his support," adding, "We plan to gradually expand and enhance the center's functions."