After completing his military service, BTS member Suga (Min Yoon-gi) made an impactful announcement. Min Yoon-gi, known to millions as Suga from BTS, has made an incredible donation of ₩5 billion (around US$3.6 million) to Severance Hospital in Seoul to establish a specialized treatment facility in his name, known as the “Min Yoon Gi Autism Treatment Center.” This center focuses on helping kids and teens in South Korea with Autism Spectrum Disorder for a brighter future. BTS Suga already touches us with his music, and now, with this profound generosity, he’s literally building a place of hope. Here are seven powerful reasons why this initiative is so significant:
Min Yoon Gi Autism Treatment Center: Music, Mind, Mission & The “SUGA Effect”
1. A Landmark Commitment: The “Min Yoon Gi Autism Treatment Center”
BTS member Suga has made an extraordinary donation of 5 billion won (approximately USD3.6 million) to Severance Hospital, also known as Yonsei Medical Center, in Seoul, for the establishment of a specialized facility for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, named after him, the Min Yoon Gi Treatment Center.
His donation is the most significant single donation by a K-pop artist to the institution. The Min Yoon Gi Treatment Center isn’t a mission; it’s the ultimate proof of how deeply he’s committed—personal investment and public commitment—to something he truly believes in. He’s not just helping; he’s leading the way and setting a new benchmark for philanthropic involvement in the industry.
2. Focus on Children & Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
At this center, children and adolescents with ASD will receive special therapy tailored to their needs and long-term. The main goal is to foster mental health and foster social independence. This approach will give them a strong foundation to flourish.
3. The Power of “Music”: Co-Developing the MIND Program
The exciting part of this new center is the “MIND Program,” which stands for Music, Interaction, Network, and Diversity. Suga co-developed this innovative music-based therapy approach with Professor Cheon.
Suga has a deep connection with music. The program will involve children and adolescents with ASD in various musical activities. They will play musical instruments, sing, and write lyrics. The program aims to help children find their own voice, express their emotions effectively, and build social skills. Ultimately, the program celebrates their unique spark and fosters connections through the universal language of music.
4. Beyond the Donation: Suga’s Personal “Mind” and Involvement
Since November 2024, Suga has been actively and personally involved in this project and working closely with Professor Cheon Geun-ah, a leading child psychiatrist at Severance Hospital. He also dedicated his weekends to volunteering directly with children, participating in music-based activities, and even teaching instruments.
Her hands-on involvement shows that his true dedication goes beyond donations. He has a genuine desire to understand the therapy process and truly contribute. It demonstrates a very engaged and focused “mind” on the individuals the center seeks to help.
In an interview Prof. Cheon conveyed,
“My observation of Suga, from the planning phases all the way to the program itself, I understood his involvement was significantly deeper than a mere donor. He always arrived on time, often even before I did, which truly showed his dedication. This dedication, especially his early presence for therapy prep on weekends, left me feeling truly reverent.”
Professor Cheon Geun Ah
5. A Comprehensive Vision: Therapy, Research, and Training
Scheduled to open in” September 2025, the Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center will offer a range of specialized therapies. These include language, psychological, and behavioral therapies (like ABA – Applied Behavior Analysis) alongside the MIND program.
The center is also set to become a real hub for research. They will be busy developing long-lasting therapy methods, training professionals, and running clinical trials.
With this innovative, forward-thinking approach, the center’s “mission” is more than to treat those who walk through its doors; it will create new ways to help and have a more significant impact.
6. Deep-Rooted Empathy: Understanding from “Amygdala” to “Almond”
Through his solo track “Amygdala,” Suga opens up about his personal trauma and the fight for mental well-being, proving he gets what internal battles are like. Reading books, such as “Almond”—which explores alexithymia and emotional understanding—further shows his genuine interest in neurodiversity.
This personal and artistic exploration into the complexities of the “mind” and human emotion shows a strong and authentic foundation for his commitment to those with ASD.
7. The “SUGA Effect”: Inspiring a Wave of Generosity
Suga’s incredible generosity and personal dedication made an immediate, powerful impact a day after the news broke; his generosity inspired fans (ARMY) and many others. They rallied to donate an additional 200 million won (around $145,000) to the autism center project. Severance Hospital even added a donation link to its homepage. This development shows how Suga’s actions can influence others.
Suga translates his artistic empathy and personal understanding into a powerful mission at “Min Yoon Gi Autism Treatment Center.” His dedication and commitment can inspire a whole community to act. This collective action fuels a movement of hope, promising a brighter tomorrow for countless young lives.
The impact Min Yoongi (BTS Suga) creates—whether on stage, off stage, through his actions, or within his music—is profound, soul-stirring, heart-fluttering, and life-altering change.
Please watch the interview with Prof. Cheon about the establishment of the new facility, “Min Yoon Gi Treatment Center,” and BTS member Suga’s generous donation and involvement in the program.
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