BTS's Suga Donates $3.6 Million to Open Autism Treatment Center in Seoul

June 23, 2025
BTS's Suga Donates $3.6 Million to Open Autism Treatment Center in Seoul
  • Suga, known for his role in BTS as Min Yoon-gi, has made a significant donation of 5 billion won (approximately $3.6 million) to Yonsei University’s Severance Hospital to establish a treatment center for children and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

  • The groundbreaking ceremony for the Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center took place on June 23, 2025, at Severance Hospital in Seoul, with the center set to open in September 2025.

  • This facility will focus on providing psychiatric support and developing programs that integrate music into social skills training, aiming to enhance emotional expression and communication for individuals with ASD.

  • The center will also include clinical research to evaluate the effectiveness of its programs, with plans for academic publications and training resources.

  • Suga has been actively involved in the hospital's initiatives since November 2024, engaging in volunteer work and directly interacting with children with autism through music.

  • He collaborated with Professor Cheon Keun-ah to create the 'MIND' program, which combines musical content with social training to promote interaction and emotional expression among children with autism.

  • Professor Cheon praised Suga's dedication, noting that his contribution aims to help children with ASD become independent and healthy members of society while raising awareness and reducing stigma.

  • This donation is recognized as the largest ever made by a celebrity to the Yonsei University Health System and Severance Children’s Hospital, marking a historic moment in South Korea.

  • Suga's philanthropic efforts come after his recent discharge from mandatory social work service, where he was unable to serve in the military due to a shoulder injury.

  • Despite some criticism regarding the timing of his donation in light of past incidents, supporters emphasize the positive impact his contributions will have on the lives of children with autism.

  • As BTS members prepare for a comeback in March 2026, Suga's commitment to mental health initiatives reflects his ongoing dedication to supporting youth well-being.

  • The Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center is expected to provide valuable resources and support for children with ASD, furthering Suga's long-standing interest in mental health issues.

Summary based on 6 sources


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