On June 23, Severance Hospital announced the establishment of a specialized treatment center for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), in collaboration with singer Suga (BTS).
Min Yoongi Treatment Center held a groundbreaking ceremony today at Jejungwon Hall. The center will focus on language, psychology and behavior therapy, while operating many diverse programs combining clinical care and research to support mental health.
Throughout her career, Suga has always been actively involved in charitable activities, caring about mental health issues, especially depression in adolescents.
With the desire to use his musical talent for good purposes, he began to explore meaningful ways to contribute.
In November last year, Suga met Professor Chun Geun-ah, a leading pediatric psychiatrist at Severance Hospital. Through many discussions, they realized the need for long-term, customized treatments for individuals with ASD, because the current short-term interventions are often not enough.
They agreed on the need for a specialized, medium and long-term care center and Suga pledged to donate 5 billion won - the largest amount of money that an artist has ever donated to Severance or Yonsei hospitals.
From late 2023 to early 2024, Suga and Professor Chun have collaborated on developing a music-based social skills program called MIND, exclusively for children and adolescents with ASD.
The program includes playing musical instruments, singing, writing lyrics and expressing emotions through music and text. From March to June, Suga personally attended weekend classes, taught playing musical instruments and helped children participate in a rhythmic and emotional way.
The MIND program is effective in helping slow- Speaking children build social relationships and emotional awareness.
Looking forward, Min Yoongi Treatment Center aims to expand the MIND program, develop a sustainable music-based therapy model and train experts to maintain the quality of the program.
After completing the construction in September, the center will officially deploy expanded therapies, including ABA, language therapy and other treatments. Academic research, publications and clinical trials will support the program's reputation and long-term impact.
Professor Chun expressed his deep gratitude to Suga: In addition to financial support, Suga's sincerity and continuous volunteer work over the past many months have inspired him deeply. His dedication to children with ASD is truly commendable.
The ultimate goal of Min Yoongi Treatment Center and the MIND program is to help these children develop into independent, healthy members of society, while changing society's awareness of autism.
SUGA shared: During 7 months of working with Professor Chun, I have recognized the power of music as a tool to express emotions and connect with the world.
It is a great opportunity to participate in the treatment process for children with ASD. I will continue to support efforts to help more children become a part of our community.
Meanwhile, Suga was discharged from the army on June 21 as a community service worker. He will soon reunite with the entire BTS group in music activities.
