BTS member SUGA (real name Min Yoongi) has donated 5 billion won ($3.6 million) to establish a specialized autism treatment center at Severance Hospital in Seoul. The Min Yoongi Treatment Center will focus on long-term care for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
The groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 23, 2025, at Jejungwon Hall. The center will provide language therapy, psychological support, and behavioral programs to help ASD patients develop social independence. It will also combine clinical treatment and research to improve mental health care.
SUGA has been involved in charity work for years, especially in mental health. In November 2024, he met Professor Chun Geun-ah, a child psychiatrist at Severance Hospital. They discussed the need for long-term autism treatment, as short-term programs often fail to bring lasting results.
“Beyond financial support, SUGA’s sincerity and volunteer work over the past months have been inspiring. His dedication to children with ASD is truly commendable.” – Professor Chun Geun-ah
Together, they developed the MIND program, a music-based therapy designed to improve social skills in children with autism. The name MIND stands for:
- Music – Using instruments and songs to enhance interaction.
- Interaction – Helping children communicate and build relationships.
- Network – Teaching social skills in group settings.
- Diversity – Encouraging acceptance of individual differences.
From March to June 2025, SUGA personally volunteered in weekend sessions, playing instruments and teaching children how to express emotions through music. Many kids who struggled with speech started engaging more with others.
“Music can be a powerful tool to express emotions and connect with the world. Being part of these children’s treatment has been a blessing.” – SUGA
The Min Yoongi Treatment Center will officially open in September 2025. It will expand the MIND program, train professionals, and offer therapies like speech therapy and behavioral analysis. The center will also conduct research to improve autism care.
This is the largest donation ever made by a K-pop artist to a medical institution. Fans praised SUGA for his generosity and hands-on involvement.
“SUGA is not just donating money but also his time and effort. He truly cares about making a difference.” – Fan tweet
SUGA recently completed his mandatory military service on June 21, 2025. His first public activity after discharge was attending the center’s ceremony, showing his deep commitment to the cause.
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The Min Yoongi Treatment Center aims to help children with autism become independent while changing public perceptions about the disorder.
Credits: Korea Times, Korea JoongAng Daily
