Suga’s Philanthropic Milestone: The Min Yoongi Treatment Center Opens
On September 30, Suga, a prominent member of BTS, took a significant leap in his philanthropic endeavors with the inauguration of the Min Yoongi Treatment Center at Severance Hospital, located in the vibrant Sinchon-dong area of Seoul. This innovative facility is dedicated to providing specialized therapies for children and adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
A Historic Donation and its Impact
The foundation of this center stems from a remarkable $3.5 million donation made by Suga to Severance Children’s Hospital in June. This contribution stands as the largest ever received from a celebrity in the hospital’s history, highlighting Suga’s unwavering commitment to enhancing long-term care solutions for young individuals with developmental challenges. Although unable to attend the opening ceremony due to prior obligations, Suga conveyed his enthusiasm through a video message, where he expressed his hope for the center to provide “social therapy through music.”
Inauguration Ceremony and Leadership Acknowledgment
The opening celebration was graced by notable figures at Yonsei University Health System and Severance Hospital. Among those present were Yonsei University President Dong-sup Yoon and YUHS CEO Ki-chang Keum, who participated in the ceremonial ribbon-cutting alongside Severance Hospital Director Kang Young Lee and child psychiatrist Dr. Keun-Ah Cheon, who will guide the center’s operations.
Collaboration and Community Involvement
Dr. Cheon described the establishment of the center as “a dream realized.” Suga’s involvement was not limited to financial support; he actively engaged with the center well before its opening. Demonstrating his dedication, he volunteered his weekends from March to June, contributing to the planning of the center’s specialized program after studying Dr. Cheon’s extensive 500-page textbook on autism.
The Innovative MIND Program
The centerpiece of the center’s offerings is the MIND Program, an acronym representing Music, Interaction, Network, and Diversity. This program uniquely incorporates musical engagement, enabling children to participate in activities such as instrument playing, singing, and lyric composition during therapy sessions aimed at enhancing communication and fostering interpersonal relationships while honoring each child’s individuality.
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Multidisciplinary Care
The Min Yoongi Treatment Center is equipped with cutting-edge facilities, including soundproof music rooms, language and behavioral therapy spaces, and social skills development areas with advanced acoustic insulation. Furthermore, artistic expression plays a crucial role in the therapeutic experience, as the waiting area showcases works by artist Lee Kyu-jae, who navigates life with ASD, providing an inspiring atmosphere for families.
A dedicated team of professionals, including child psychiatrists, music therapists, behavioral therapists, speech therapists, and clinical psychologists, will offer personalized care combining clinical approaches with creative methods.
Future Expansion Plans
As the demand for services increases, Severance Hospital has plans to expand the center’s offerings. Potential developments may include visual arts and sports programs, enriching the existing music-centered approach. Dr. Cheon believes that highlighting the achievements of children working towards independence will promote greater public awareness and acceptance of disabilities.
Celebrating a New Era of Support
Suga’s reemergence into public life following his military service in June has been marked significantly by this initiative. Worldwide fans have taken to social media to celebrate the treatment center’s opening, praising its mission to harness music’s transformative power for social impact. With the Min Yoongi Treatment Center now operational, Suga is making concrete strides toward ensuring that children with autism receive the essential support needed to thrive.
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