A treatment center for patients with autism spectrum disorder will be established at Severance Hospital in Sinchon, Seoul. Named after BTS member Suga, who donated 5 billion won for the project, the facility is called the ‘Min Yoongi Treatment Center’.
Severance Hospital announced on the 23rd that a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the ‘Min Yoongi Treatment Center’. Completion is expected by September.
This center will support the mental health of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder through language, psychological, and behavioral therapies, while also operating programs linking clinical practice and research.
Suga felt the need to establish a treatment center for autism spectrum disorder after meeting with Professor Chun Keun-ah from the hospital’s pediatric psychiatry department in November last year.
Since then, Suga has regularly met with Professor Chun and agreed on the need for a specialized treatment center, thus expressing his intention to donate 5 billion won. This is the largest donation from a celebrity in the hospital’s history.
Suga also directly participated in developing the social training program ‘MIND’ (Music, Interaction, Network, Diversity) for patients, utilizing his talent in music.
‘MIND’ is designed to enhance interaction and sensory experiences through music, helping individuals naturally learn to build relationships and respect diversity.
To this end, Suga reportedly met with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder over the weekends for about three months starting March while serving as a social service agent.
Severance Hospital stated, “Suga personally played instruments to guide children to expand their emotional expression and interaction through music,” and added, “He also taught children to play instruments themselves.”
As a result, the emotional and language expression of some patients increased significantly, and their social skills were trained through the process of cooperating with other patients.
The ‘Min Yoongi Treatment Center’, to be completed in September, will further develop ‘MIND’ and establish a self-sufficient music project model. A training course for experts will also be structured for sustainable operation.
Professor Chun expressed gratitude towards Suga, saying, “Beyond financial support, I genuinely thank you for your sincere donation of talent and volunteer work,” and added, “I was deeply impressed by his earnest and intellectual approach and consistent sincerity.”
Regarding the new center, it was mentioned that “The ultimate goal is for children with autism spectrum disorder to grow into healthy members of society through music and to improve awareness of disabilities.”
Suga confessed, “I deeply feel that music can be a precious channel to communicate with the world,” and added, “Being able to participate in the treatment process for children with autism spectrum disorder itself is a great gratitude and happiness.”
Suga, who served as a social service agent for 1 year and 9 months starting in September 2023, was discharged on the 21st. Accordingly, all BTS members have completed their military duties and are on the verge of returning to the stage.
