BTS Suga Opens $3.6 Million Autism Center in Seoul to Enhance Music Therapy

Suga of BTS Advocates for Autism Treatment Through Innovative Philanthropy

Global pop sensation and BTS member Suga is making waves in the realm of celebrity philanthropy, but not through conventional music releases. Instead, he has funded the Min Yoongi Treatment Center in Seoul, with a remarkable $3.6 million donation. This groundbreaking center aims to integrate music therapy into comprehensive psychiatric care for children with autism.

This significant contribution, made to Yonsei University’s Severance Hospital, marks the most considerable donation by a Korean entertainer to the facility, setting a precedent for innovative, music-centered mental health approaches.

“We are not just building a clinic, ”stated Professor Cheon Geun-ah, a pediatric psychiatrist involved in the initiative.“We are building a new language for children who don’t communicate in traditional ways.”

Introducing the MIND Program

The center’s flagship initiative, known as the MIND program which stands for Music, Interaction, Network, and Diversity, is meticulously crafted to use music as a therapeutic tool. This program, developed over several months, leverages elements such as rhythm, lyric composition, and instrumental exploration to facilitate emotional and social expression among children on the autism spectrum. By focusing on long-term behavioral development, the MIND program aims to fill the gaps often found in short-term therapeutic models prevalent in South Korea.

Suga, whose real name is Min Yoongi, was deeply involved in the development of this program. Between March and June 2025, he actively participated in pilot therapy sessions at the hospital, engaging with the children by singing, leading rhythm-based activities, and guiding lyric-writing exercises.

“He wasn’t just observing. He was part of the therapy, ”remarked Professor Cheon.“He brought joy, safety, and patience to every session. The kids lit up around him.”

Pioneering a New Era in Autism Care

Scheduled to officially open its doors in September, the Min Yoongi Treatment Center will provide a variety of services including psychiatric, speech, and behavioral therapy, alongside its innovative music therapy program. The center’s team is currently preparing training manuals and scholarly publications to promote the MIND model, with plans to introduce this approach in additional cities across Korea within two years.

@ralonzo.7
Min Yoongi donates 5 billion won to support treatment and independence for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.💜 #suga #yoongi #agustd #BTS #ARMYFOREVER #APOBANGPO #IPURPLEYOU

♬ Take Two – BTS

In a heartfelt statement shared via BigHit Music, Suga reflected on his experiences, saying:

“Music has always helped me understand myself. Now I’ve seen how it can help others connect, grow, and heal. I hope this center becomes a space where young people feel seen and safe.”

Beyond Philanthropy: A Meaningful Impact

This significant donation follows Suga’s military discharge, marking a transition for the artist that intertwines his global influence with personal advocacy. This initiative has sparked an upsurge of fan-driven fundraising efforts and has raised awareness for autism care across various Korean social media platforms.

A devoted fan commented on X, “This isn’t a press stunt. This is Suga putting his name, heart, and hands into something that will last.”

With the establishment of the Min Yoongi Treatment Center, Suga may have made an indelible mark in the conversation around autism care, embodying the powerful message that healing can truly begin with a song.

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