BTS’ Suga scripts history with record-breaking donation and a music-driven mission to help autistic children
Seoul: BTS member Suga has made history with a ₩5 billion KRW (approx. $3.8 million USD) donation to Severance Hospital in Seoul, establishing a pioneering treatment centre for children with autism. The donation, the largest ever by an individual artist to Yonsei Medical Center and its affiliated children’s hospital, will fund the Min Yoongi Treatment Center, named after the singer’s birth name.
According to Korea JoongAng Daily, the facility, scheduled for completion in September 2025, will specialise in comprehensive care for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Located at the Jejung Hall building in Severance Hospital’s Sinchon branch, the centre aims to become a landmark hub for therapy, research, and inclusivity.
Personal commitment behind the project
Suga’s connection to the project goes beyond financial support. Between March and June 2025, during breaks from his military service, he volunteered on weekends at the hospital. He worked directly with children, teaching them how to play instruments and observing how music influenced their emotional and social development.
Suga said that over the past seven months of preparing the programme and volunteering with Professor Cheon, he came to believe that music is a powerful way to express emotions and connect with others. He described being involved in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder as a profound blessing and a source of joy, and affirmed his commitment to supporting efforts that help more children integrate into society.
The MIND programme
At the core of the centre is the MIND programme, short for Music, Interaction, Network, and Diversity, a unique music therapy model co-developed by Suga and Professor Cheon Keun-ah from the Department of Paediatric Psychiatry. The programme incorporates musical activities such as singing, instrument playing, and songwriting to enhance communication skills, emotional expression, and social interaction in children with ASD.
Severance Hospital noted that the initiative reflects Suga’s “sincere, cerebral, and impactful” approach to social contribution, particularly in the area of long-term autism care. Unlike traditional short-term interventions, the centre’s services will be designed for sustained impact, with research and therapy programmes planned to extend over a decade.
A journey that began in 2024
The idea for the centre was born in November 2024, when Suga met Professor Cheon to explore new ways to support children and teenagers with autism. Inspired by their shared vision, the singer committed to developing a long-term project that combines creative arts with clinical research and therapy.
The centre will offer customised treatments such as language, psychological, and behavioural therapies, with an emphasis on social independence and mental wellness. Music will be integrated not just as a supplement but as a central therapeutic tool to combat depression and isolation in autistic children.
Suga, also known by his solo name Agust D, was officially discharged from South Korea’s mandatory military service on June 21, becoming the last BTS member to complete the duty. Just days later, he attended a ceremony at Severance Hospital to celebrate the announcement of the Min Yoongi Treatment Center.