On the 23rd, кσяєαn media reported that Severance Hospital held a groundbreaking ceremony for the “Min Yoongi Therapy Center” to treat children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder on the first floor of Jejungwan.

SUGA was seen in a commemorative photo with the medical staff operating the center named after him.

It is known that in November last year, after meeting with Professor Chun Geun Ah of the Department of Child Psychiatry at Severance Hospital, he agreed to the need for long-term specialized treatment for autism spectrum disorder and donated 5 billion won to Severance for this purpose. This is the largest donation by an artist in the entire Yonsei Medical Center.

Just 2 days after being discharged from the military, SUGA's official appearance before the media at an event of great humanitarian significance moved fans. Domestic and foreign media also gave special praise to the BTS rapper's actions after completing his alternative military service.

Not only did he donate a large sum of money, SUGA's kind heart was also revealed through the story of how he has been visiting autistic children at the hospital every weekend since March this year silently. 

A fan who is a resident at the hospital confirmed after the news was shared this morning that: "Apparently, Yoongi asked the staff not to tell anyone because he was worried he might somehow cause harm or discomfort to the children receiving treatment or their families. It's a different department, but my attending professor quietly mentioned it to me since the article came out!".

More specifically, SUGA plays guitar with the children, encourages them to express their emotions by keeping the beat, and teaches them how to use musical instruments during each visit. He even worked with Professor Chun to develop 'MIND', a music-based group therapy program to improve the social sкιℓℓs of children with autism. 

MIND stands for Music (musical sensory experience), Interaction (social interaction), Network (building relationships within a community), and Diversity (respect for diversity and coexistence). The program is designed to allow children to express their emotions and thoughts through playing instruments and singing.

As a result, children who previously showed no response to language therapy began to exhibit changes, such as voluntarily choosing and playing instruments. For example, an 18-year-old named Kim, who had shown almost no verbal expression, began to display emotions through facial expressions during ensemble sessions and responded positively to the therapist’s praise.

According to the hospital, even during his activities with BTS, SUGA consistently showed interest in adolescent depression, mental health, and psychological and behavioral issues. He has also continued philanthropic efforts using his musical talents.

Professor Chun stated, “I am deeply grateful not only for SUGA’s financial support, but also for his sincere involvement and volunteer work. I hope that, through music, children with autism can grow into healthy members of society and that social prejudice will be reduced.”

Meanwhile, the “Min Yoongi Therapy Center” is expected to complete construction in September and begin full-scale regular programs. The center will provide integrated mental health support for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder, including speech, psychological, and behavioral therapies, as well as offer a variety of programs connected to clinical practice and research.

Social sкιℓℓs training and music therapy for children with autism and developmental disabilities will be expanded and existing ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) and speech therapy will be enhanced.

In addition, clinical research, journal presentations and the publication of a program manual will be promoted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the MIND program.