BTS Suga Donates 5 Billion Won to Build Autism Treatment Center at Severance Hospital
Suga’s donation will fund long-term treatment programs for children with autism, including a music-based social skills project developed with psychiatrist Dr. Chun Geun-ah.
BTS Suga Donates ₩5 Billion to Support Autism Treatment
BTS member Suga (Min Yoon-gi) has donated ₩5 billion KRW (approximately $3.6 million USD) to Severance Hospital in Seoul to establish a specialized treatment center for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The new facility, named the “Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center,” aims to support both therapeutic care and social integration for children with ASD.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 23 at Severance Hospital’s Jejung Building. The center will provide services such as speech therapy, psychological support, behavioral treatment, and clinical research-based programs tailored to children’s mental health.
“Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center” to Offer Long-Term Care for Children
BTS Suga has long shown interest in mental health, particularly in adolescent depression, and has consistently engaged in philanthropic efforts throughout his career. In November 2023, he began working closely with Dr. Chun Geun-ah, a renowned child psychiatrist at Severance. Their discussions revealed a pressing need for long-term, personalized treatment rather than short-term interventions.
Recognizing that ASD symptoms require sustained therapy over a decade or more, Suga pledged his donation to build a center capable of delivering specialized, extended care. His ₩5 billion contribution marks the largest artist-led donation in Severance and Yonsei University Medical Center’s history.
Developing MIND: A Music-Based Social Skills Program
Following multiple meetings, Suga and Dr. Chun co-developed the MIND program (Music, Interaction, Network, Diversity), a music-based social skills training initiative. The program uses music as a tool to help children express emotions and build social relationships.
Children participating in MIND sing, play instruments, write lyrics, and share their thoughts through musical expression. The curriculum enhances sensory experience and emotional communication, fostering both individual expression and group interaction.
BTS Suga’s Hands-On Volunteering Behind the Scenes
From March to June 2025, Suga personally participated in weekend sessions with children diagnosed with ASD. He played guitar, guided children in musical harmony, and even taught them to play instruments.
Children who had previously been unresponsive during traditional language therapy showed marked improvement. For instance, a 10-year-old and 12-year-old in the program began actively choosing instruments and performing rhythmic ensembles. An 18-year-old with limited verbal ability responded to group performances with visible facial expressions and emotional reactions, highlighting the program’s effectiveness.
Future Plans for the Center and Program Expansion
Once construction concludes in September, the Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center will expand its regular therapy offerings, including ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis), speech therapy, and other development programs. The MIND program will also undergo clinical studies and be published as a formal treatment manual.
Plans include training new specialists and building a self-sustaining music therapy model. Dr. Chun emphasized that the center ultimately aims to help children with ASD grow into independent, socially engaged individuals, while also changing public perceptions and reducing stigma.
Suga reflected, “Preparing this program over the past seven months made me realize how powerful music is as a way to express emotions and communicate. I’m grateful to have been part of this and will continue supporting children with autism as they find their place in society.”
Dr. Chun added, “Beyond financial support, Suga’s sincere volunteer efforts and commitment to this cause deeply moved us. His consistent and thoughtful involvement made this project possible.”
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