Severance Hospital has officially opened the Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center, named after BTS member Suga, who donated 5 billion KRW last year to support the initiative.

On September 30, the hospital announced the launch of the center on the first floor of its Jejung Building in Seodaemun, Seoul. Professor Chun Geun-ah of the Department of Child Psychiatry has been appointed as its director.

Specialized Facilities and Artwork

The center is equipped with therapy rooms for language and behavioral treatment, as well as music and social group therapy rooms fitted with soundproof and acoustic systems. The waiting area also features artwork by autistic artist Lee Gyu-jae, adding an inclusive and meaningful touch to the space.

Suga's Talent Donation and Program Development

Beyond financial support, Suga personally visited Professor Chun in November last year and expressed his desire to contribute through music. He later volunteered by playing guitar and interacting with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through the first half of this year.

Together, Suga and Professor Chun co-developed the "MIND" program (Music·Interaction·Network·Diversity), which integrates music into therapy to enhance social skills in children with ASD. The program encourages children to express themselves by choosing instruments and supports turn-taking through ensemble sessions.

Positive Early Results

Severance reported that children who had shown little response to language therapy alone became more engaged when music was introduced. During Suga's volunteer sessions, children actively chose instruments and played in rhythm, showing increased interest and participation.

Comprehensive, Team-Based Care

The center offers multidisciplinary treatment, bringing together child psychiatrists, music therapists, speech therapists, behavioral therapists, and clinical psychologists to provide tailored care.

Professor Chun emphasized, "At the Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center, children are taught music while also receiving therapy to strengthen their social skills. We hope this will not only support their independence but also improve public awareness of developmental disorders."

Upcoming Events

Later this year, the MIND program will host special events, including a two-day retreat in November for about 10 children and teenagers with ASD. In December, a concert will be held at Yonsei University's main auditorium to showcase the participants' progress.