[OSENWORLD] BTS member Suga (real name Min Yoon-gi) has transformed his philanthropy into a lasting legacy. On Sept. 30, Severance Hospital opened the Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center, funded by the singer’s 5 billion KRW (approx. $3.6 million) donation earlier this year.
The center, located on the first floor of Jejung Hall, is designed for children with autism spectrum disorder. It features specialized rooms for speech and behavioral therapy, along with a state-of-the-art group music therapy space equipped with soundproofing and acoustic systems. A warm, art-filled waiting area showcases pieces by autistic artist Lee Kyu-jae.
The project extends Suga’s hands-on volunteer work with children over the past year, during which he joined Professor Cheon Keun-ah in playing guitar and leading music activities. Together, they developed the MIND program — the world’s first hospital-based group therapy system integrating music, behavior, and social training.
Unlike traditional therapy, MIND leverages music as a nonverbal medium, allowing children with limited speech or cognitive ability to express themselves. Participants choose instruments, learn to wait their turn during ensemble play, and gradually build social interaction skills. A multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, music therapists, speech therapists, behavior specialists, and clinical psychologists supports each child with tailored care.
Real-world results have already been observed. Children previously unresponsive to speech therapy began actively engaging by selecting instruments and keeping rhythm, while one saxophone-playing child, who rarely spoke, started expressing emotion through facial cues and responded positively to encouragement.
Later this year, the center will host two landmark events: the “Camp on the Spectrum” in November, a two-day retreat featuring band practice, parent education, and family recreation, followed by a December concert at Yonsei University Auditorium where children will showcase their progress on stage.
Professor Cheon Keun-ah emphasized that the Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center is a global first: “By blending music, language, and social training, we not only enhance therapy outcomes but also help shift public perception of autism. This is about building independence and changing lives.”
Looking ahead, the center aims to expand its facilities, publish program manuals, and establish international partnerships to globalize its model. It also plans to pursue clinical research and academic presentations to strengthen the program’s credibility and impact worldwide.
Suga’s contribution shows how a star’s influence can move beyond the stage — bringing harmony, hope, and healing to children and families who need it most.
/k_inside@osen.co.kr
Courtesy of OSEN
