BTS’s SUGA Donates ₩5 Billion to Launch Autism Treatment Center in His Name

BTS’s SUGA has once again proven that his impact goes far beyond music. On June 23, Severance Hospital announced a groundbreaking collaboration with the global superstar to open a dedicated treatment center for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Named the Min Yoongi Treatment Center, the facility will focus on long-term, personalized care — blending clinical therapy with cutting-edge research — and officially broke ground at Jejungwon Hall that same day.

What sets this initiative apart isn't just the ₩5 billion (approximately $3.6 million USD) donation — the largest ever by an artist to Severance or Yonsei Medical Center — but the heart and hands-on involvement behind it.

Music with a Mission

SUGA has long been known for his philanthropic spirit and advocacy for mental health, particularly among youth. But this project reflects something deeper — a desire to make music more than just art, but a bridge to healing.

In late 2023, SUGA began working closely with Professor Chun Geun-ah, a renowned child psychiatrist at Severance. Their conversations centered on a troubling reality: most ASD therapies today are short-term and often insufficient. They agreed that something more holistic, more sustainable, was needed — and so the idea of a specialized treatment center was born.

Together, they also developed MIND, a unique music-based therapy program designed for children and adolescents with ASD.

What is MIND?

The MIND program is built around four core pillars:

• Music – Creating connection through sound, rhythm, and sensory engagement
  
  

• Interaction – Encouraging communication and relationship-building
  
  

• Network – Navigating social environments and community life
  
  

• Diversity – Embracing individual strengths and fostering inclusion
  
  

Children in the MIND program sing, play instruments, write lyrics, and explore emotional expression through creative means. From March to June, SUGA didn’t just sponsor the program — he showed up. On weekends, he volunteered alongside therapists, playing instruments, encouraging shy children, and helping them find their voices. The impact was powerful: kids who once struggled with speech or expression began engaging, sharing, and connecting with others.

Building a Brighter Future

The Min Yoongi Treatment Center plans to expand the MIND program, establish a robust model for music-based therapy, and train specialists to ensure long-term success. When construction wraps up in September, the center will officially open, offering a wide range of services — from Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to speech therapy — while also serving as a research and training hub.

Professor Chun spoke with heartfelt appreciation:

“SUGA’s support goes beyond financial generosity. His commitment and presence over the past several months have been deeply moving. He’s helping us not only treat autism but change how society views it.”

SUGA himself reflected on the journey:

“Working on this project has shown me how powerful music can be in helping children communicate and feel seen. It’s been an honor to be part of their healing. I’ll keep supporting efforts that bring more children into the heart of our community.”

credits: Alec06