BTS's Suga Partners with Severance Hospital to Establish Autism Treatment Center

BTS member Suga (real name Min Yun-ki) is collaborating with Severance Hospital to establish a specialized treatment center aimed at supporting the treatment and social independence of individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

On the 23rd, Severance Hospital held a groundbreaking ceremony for the 'Min Yun-ki Treatment Center' on the first floor of the Jejung Building, dedicated to the treatment of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. The center will offer various programs supporting mental health, including speech, psychological, and behavioral therapies, and will integrate clinical and research efforts.

According to Severance Hospital, Suga has consistently engaged in charitable activities and shown a keen interest in mental health, psychological and behavioral issues, particularly adolescent depression, even amidst his busy schedule with BTS. He has sought ways to leverage his musical talents to provide assistance.

In November of last year, Suga met with Professor Cheon Geun-ah, a leading authority in child psychiatry at Severance Hospital, and discussed the need for a specialized treatment center that could provide long-term support for over 10 years to bring positive changes to autism spectrum disorder symptoms. Suga expressed his intention to donate 5 billion KRW to Severance Hospital, marking the largest donation ever made by an artist to Yonsei Medical Center, including Severance Children's Hospital. Suga has also volunteered by teaching musical instruments to children with autism spectrum disorder during weekends.

Professor Cheon expressed gratitude, saying, “Beyond financial support, I am sincerely thankful for Suga's genuine talent donation and volunteer work over the past few months. His consistent dedication and intellectual approach have left a deep impression on me.” He added, “The ultimate goal of the Min Yun-ki Treatment Center and the MIND program is to help children with autism spectrum disorder grow into independent and healthy members of society through music, while also reducing prejudice and improving awareness of autism spectrum disorder.”

Suga commented, “Through the program preparation and volunteer activities with Professor Cheon over the past seven months, I deeply realized that music can be a precious channel for expressing emotions and communicating with the world.” He continued, “Being part of the treatment process for children with autism spectrum disorder has been a great gratitude and happiness, and I will continue to support more children to become part of our society.”

Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr