BTS’s Suga is once again proving his heart is just as big as his talent — by donating 5 billion won (around $3.6 million USD) to build a special treatment center for children and teens with autism spectrum disorder.
On June 23, Severance Hospital held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Min Yoon Gi Treatment Center, named after Suga’s real name. The new center will be built inside Jejung Hall and is designed to offer long-term care for kids and teens with developmental conditions. It will provide therapy programs, support their independence, and also carry out medical research.
The donation is officially the biggest gift ever made by an artist in the history of Yonsei Medical Center — a huge moment not just for Suga, but for the future of autism care in Korea.
What makes this even more meaningful is how personally involved Suga has been. He didn’t just donate money — he worked closely with child psychiatry expert Professor Chun Geun Ah and even volunteered directly with the children, joining weekend therapy sessions to help develop a music-based program called MIND.
MIND stands for:
- M: Music – building emotion and sensory experiences
- I: Interaction – encouraging social skills
- N: Network – learning group relationships
- D: Diversity – embracing differences and growing together
Suga played guitar and other instruments alongside the kids, helped them express feelings through music, and taught them to create rhythm and harmony together. Some of the children, who barely responded in regular therapy, opened up during the sessions — showing big emotional changes and improved communication.
One 10-year-old child who rarely reacted in speech therapy started choosing instruments and playing along. Another 18-year-old, who showed almost no expression before, began smiling and responding to others while playing the saxophone.
The MIND program, developed with Suga’s help, is set to officially launch when the Min Yoon Gi Treatment Center opens in September. The center will also expand existing therapies like ABA and speech therapy, and lead scientific research to support the benefits of music-based therapy.
Professor Chun shared,
“What touched me most was not just the donation, but how sincerely Suga participated in the whole process. He inspired everyone with his commitment and warm heart.”
Suga also spoke about the experience, saying,
“After working with Professor Chun for 7 months, I truly felt how powerful music can be. I’m thankful to be part of these children’s journey, and I’ll keep doing my best to help more kids grow up strong and be accepted in society.”
Fans around the world are praising Suga for using his fame and passion for music to support kids with autism in a truly life-changing way.
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