Back in June this year, кσяєαn media widely reported that SUGA had donated 3.6 million USD to Severance Hospital to establish a specialized treatment center for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It was also confirmed to be the largest donation ever made by a K-pop artist to a center of this kind.
The “Min Yoongi Treatment Center” held its groundbreaking ceremony in June at Jejungwon Hall and aimed to complete construction by September of the same year. Once completed, the center will officially begin offering expanded therapy sessions, including ABA, speech therapy, and other treatments. In addition, academic research, publication production, and clinical trials of programs designed for children with autism will also be conducted.
As expected, it was recently reported that construction has been completed and the center will officially open at the end of September. On Severance Hospital’s official website, they announced that the grand opening ceremony of the Min Yoongi Treatment Center will take place on September 30.
Notably, the event will feature a performance by Dream With Ensemble, кσяєα’s first clarinet group comprised of musicians with developmental disabilities — a truly meaningful way to mark the beginning of the center’s mission. In addition, fans are eagerly anticipating that SUGA may appear or even perform together with the children he has been working with at the hospital as part of the opening program.
The news quickly spread across social media, heightening fans’ excitement. Many left comments under news posts: "OMG this is so wonderful. Congrats our Min Yoongi", "Proud of everything he does", "More reasons to love Yoongi", "I want to attend too", "Oh this is so beautiful. What a meaningful way to celebrate this amazing place!", "I'm so proud of yoongi for endorsing this life changing program",...
SUGA’s connection with this center began in late 2024, during the period when he paused his activities to fulfill his community service duties. It was then that SUGA met Professor Chun Geun-ah, a leading child psychiatrist at Severance Hospital. Through many discussions, they recognized the urgent need for long-term, customized treatments for individuals with ASD, as existing short-term interventions were often insufficient.
The two also collaborated to develop a music-based social sкιℓℓs program called MIND, specifically designed for children and adolescents with ASD. The program includes playing instruments, singing, songwriting, and expressing emotions through music and writing. From March to June, SUGA personally joined weekend sessions, teaching instrument playing and helping children engage with rhythm and emotions.
SUGA shared: “During the seven months I worked with Professor Chun, I came to realize the power of music as a tool for expressing emotions and connecting with the world. I feel truly fortunate to be involved in the treatment process for children with ASD. I will continue to support efforts that help more children become an active part of our community.”
Professor Chun expressed deep gratitude to SUGA, noting that beyond his financial support, his sincerity and continued volunteer work over the past several months have been profoundly inspiring. His dedication to children with ASD is truly commendable.
Throughout his career, SUGA has consistently engaged in charitable activities and has shown a strong interest in mental health issues, particularly teenage depression. Now, he has made his vision a reality with a dedicated treatment facility — a project of great significance to society.
