In a powerful testament to music’s healing potential and the growing impact of celebrity-led philanthropy, BTS member Suga has donated 5 billion won (approximately $3.62 million USD) to establish a treatment center for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in South Korea. The donation, made in partnership with Seoul’s Severance Hospital, stands as one of the most significant individual celebrity contributions to children’s mental health care in the country.
The “Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center,” named after Suga’s birth name, held its official groundbreaking ceremony earlier this week. Slated to open in September 2025, the facility will offer a comprehensive range of therapeutic services—including language, psychological, and behavioral treatments—specifically tailored to young patients with autism. What distinguishes the center is its pioneering integration of music into therapy, a method co-developed over the past seven months by Suga and Dr. Cheon Keun-ah, a leading pediatric psychiatrist at Severance Hospital.
Hospital officials praised Suga’s active involvement in the project, emphasizing that his contribution extended far beyond monetary support. Since November of last year, the artist has worked closely with Dr. Cheon to co-develop “MIND” — an acronym for Music, Interaction, Network, and Diversity — a new therapy model that leverages musical elements to enhance communication and social interaction in children with ASD.
During his mandatory military service, which he completed on June 21, Suga served in the social welfare sector and used his off-duty time to volunteer at the hospital. From March through early June, he regularly visited the facility on weekends, conducted music sessions with children—often playing the guitar and leading rhythm exercises to help them express themselves and connect with others. Medical staff involved in the program noted noticeable progress in the children’s emotional and social responsiveness over time.
Reflecting on the experience and his motivation for the initiative, Suga shared, “I realised that music can be a powerful way to express feelings and communicate with the world. It made me happy to be part of the treatment process for children with autism. I will keep working so that more children can live as members of society.”
The announcement of Suga’s donation was met with an outpouring of public support. Within just 24 hours of the news going public, fans around the world—known as BTS ARMY—mobilized to raise an additional 200 million won (approximately $145,000 USD) in support of the center. Severance Hospital confirmed the surge in donations after adding a dedicated option for the “Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center” on its official website. The response was so overwhelming that the hospital has since made the donation page a permanent fixture and is now working to enable global contributions through international transfers.
Suga’s initiative is being hailed as a landmark example of how artists can harness their influence to foster meaningful, long-term social change. By championing children’s mental health and introducing an innovative therapy model that fuses clinical care with musical expression, the BTS star has not only contributed in building vital infrastructure but also reshaped public discourse around autism care in South Korea.
The Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center is poised to become a leading institution in autism therapy, blending clinical research and personalized care with a creative, compassionate touch. It’s a legacy rooted not just in generosity, but in vision, empathy, and the enduring power of music.
What do you think of Suga’s powerful gesture and his role in shaping mental health care through music? Share your thoughts with us on X @CelebMix! For more updates on your favorite artists, music-led initiatives, pop culture stories, and movie news—stay tuned to CelebMix.