BTS’s SUGA and Severance Hospital Join Forces to Launch the “Min Yoon-gi Center” for Autism Treatment
In a heartfelt collaboration that bridges art and medicine, BTS member SUGA (real name Min Yoon-gi) and Severance Hospital are establishing a specialized treatment center to support children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This visionary project, the Min Yoon-gi Center, aims to offer comprehensive care and empower young patients toward social independence.
A Gift of 5 Billion KRW and a Vision for Long-Term Support
On June 23, Severance Hospital held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new center on the first floor of its historic Jejungwon building. The facility will provide a range of integrated services, including language, psychological, and behavioral therapy, along with research-backed programs tailored for ASD patients.
SUGA, known not only for his artistry but also for his quiet yet impactful philanthropy, has long shown a deep concern for mental health issues—particularly youth depression, emotional well-being, and behavioral challenges. Despite his global schedule, he has consistently sought ways to use his platform and talent to contribute meaningfully.
That mission took a decisive turn in November 2023 when he connected with Professor Geun-a Cheon, a leading expert in child psychiatry at Severance Hospital. Their conversations led to a profound realization: effective autism care requires customized, long-term treatment that current short-term interventions often fail to provide. Moved by this insight, SUGA decided to donate 5 billion KRW (approx. $3.6 million)—the largest donation ever received from an artist in the history of Yonsei Health System, including Severance Children’s Hospital.
Creating the MIND Program: Music Meets Social Growth
From late 2023 through early 2024, SUGA and Professor Cheon began developing an innovative music-based program designed to enhance social skills in children with autism. The result was “MIND”—a group therapy program that integrates musical content into social interaction training.
MIND stands for:
Music – Enhancing sensory experience and emotional expression
Interaction – Promoting meaningful communication
Network – Encouraging community engagement
Diversity – Embracing individual differences
Through this program, children engage in singing, playing instruments, writing lyrics, and expressing emotions through music and words. It’s a safe space where they can interact, express themselves, and build social confidence.
SUGA’s Hands-On Involvement with ASD Children
Between March and June 2024, SUGA personally joined weekend volunteer sessions to work directly with children in the MIND program. Playing guitar and other instruments, he guided children to harmonize with rhythms, explore sound, and expand their emotional vocabulary.
His presence wasn’t symbolic—it was active. He encouraged children to participate, taught them how to play instruments, and helped them discover joy and connection through music.
The results were remarkable. Children who previously showed minimal verbal response began to engage, collaborate, and express themselves. For instance, 10-year-old O and 12-year-old L, previously unresponsive to traditional speech therapy, showed talent and enthusiasm in rhythm-based activities. Even 18-year-old Kim, who rarely expressed emotion, started showing facial reactions during group performances and responded positively to encouragement and praise.
From Music Therapy to Lifelong Independence
With the Min Yoon-gi Center set to open officially in September 2025, the MIND program will be expanded into regular sessions. The center plans to offer broader therapeutic services including music-based social training, ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis), and language therapy.
A key focus will also be on developing professionals in music-based therapy, ensuring the sustainability and scientific rigor of the programs. Clinical studies, academic publications, and a program manual will be pursued to validate the MIND model.
Breaking Stigma and Building a Better Future
Professor Cheon expressed deep appreciation for SUGA’s sincerity:
“More than his financial support, we are touched by the time and care he has given to these children over the past several months. His calm, intelligent, and consistent dedication has deeply inspired us.”
She added that the ultimate goal of the Min Yoon-gi Center and the MIND program is twofold:
To empower children with autism to grow into independent, socially engaged individuals through music
To change public perceptions and break the stigma surrounding developmental disorders
SUGA’s Closing Words
Reflecting on the journey, SUGA said:
“Over the past seven months of working with Professor Cheon, I’ve come to deeply appreciate how music can be a bridge between the heart and the world.
Being part of these children’s healing journey has been a profound honor and joy.
I will continue doing what I can so that more children can grow and thrive as part of our society.”
The Min Yoon-gi Center is not just a building—it’s a promise. A promise to listen, support, and believe in every child’s potential, one note at a time.
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