"I realized that music can be a precious means of connection… I hope more children can become part of our society." (SUGA)

BTS's SUGA is establishing the "Min Yoongi Treatment Center" to support children with autism spectrum disorder. He has generously donated 5 billion KRW to Severance Hospital—the largest-ever donation made by an artist.

On the 23rd, Severance Hospital held a groundbreaking ceremony for the "Min Yoongi Treatment Center." A hospital representative stated, "We are establishing a specialized treatment center to support the care and social independence of patients with autism spectrum disorder, in collaboration with SUGA."

SUGA has shown continued interest in adolescent depression. In November last year, he connected with Professor Chun Geun-ah from the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Severance Hospital.

Through their conversations, he learned that patients with autism spectrum disorder require personalized treatment. He strongly agreed on the need for a specialized mid- to long-term treatment center and expressed his intent to donate.

From late last year to early this year, SUGA worked closely with Professor Chun to discuss the establishment of the treatment center and support for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.

He also studied social skills training through music and reportedly participated in the program over 10 times on weekends between March and June.

SUGA met children with autism spectrum disorder, harmonizing with them through music and engaging in meaningful interaction. He even taught them how to play instruments himself.

He helped develop the "MIND" program, where children express their thoughts through writing while playing instruments in sync with music. The goal is to enhance social skills by integrating music into traditional therapy.

According to the hospital, the children showed a noticeable improvement in emotional and verbal expression. In fact, the program proved effective in fostering social interaction among groups of three or more.

Professor Chun Geun-ah shared that she was deeply moved by SUGA's sincere attitude. "Beyond financial support, I am truly grateful for Mr. SUGA's heartfelt talent donation and volunteer work over the past several months," she said.

She added, "The goal of the Min Yoongi Treatment Center is to help children with autism spectrum disorder grow into healthy members of society through music, while also breaking down prejudice and improving awareness of disabilities."

SUGA expressed, "Through seven months of preparing this program and volunteering with Professor Chun, I deeply realized that music can be a precious channel to express one's feelings and connect with the world."

He continued, "It was a great joy and honor just to be part of the children's healing journey. I will continue doing my part so that more children can become included members of our society."

The Min Yoongi Treatment Center is set to complete construction by September. It will continue developing the "MIND" program, establish a self-reliant music project model, and implement a systematic expert training program.

The center also plans to run music-based therapy sessions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. It aims to pursue clinical research, publish academic papers, and develop program manuals.

[Photo Credit: Severance Hospital]