On September 30, Severance Hospital shared on their social media accounts that it has officially opened the ‘Min Yoongi Center,’ a specialized autism therapy facility established through a donation from BTS’ member SUGA (Min Yoongi).
Located on the first floor of the Chejung Building, the center provides personalized treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), utilizing music as a therapeutic language to promote growth in communication, behavior, and social interaction.
At the heart of the initiative is the MIND Program (short for Music, Interaction, Network, and Diversity), a collaborative effort led by child psychiatrists, music therapists, speech pathologists, and behavioral specialists. It is designed to help children develop independence and social skills.
To celebrate their progress, a band performance and family participation event are scheduled at year’s end. Severance Hospital affirmed its ongoing commitment to supporting the development and empowerment of children with autism.
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The facility, funded by Min Yoongi’s personal donation of 5 billion KRW (approximately $3.6 million USD), represents the largest single contribution ever made by an individual artist to the hospital.
Professor Cheon Keun-ah, who leads the center, described the integration of music, language, behavioral, and social skills training as a first-of-its-kind therapeutic model. Building on its success, the center plans to expand its offerings to include other arts and physical activities, train specialized therapists, and publish program manuals. International partnerships with autism care institutions and academic collaborations are also underway to globalize the approach.
“At the Min Yoongi Treatment Center, we not only teach children music to enhance therapeutic outcomes but also educate them on social interaction,” Cheon said. “We hope that as the public sees these children striving for independence, perceptions of disability will change significantly.”
The center’s entrance features the inscription: “Min Yoongi Treatment Center. Center for the MIND Program. Since 2025.”—a tribute to his personal involvement and long-standing commitment to mental health causes. According to hospital officials, Min Yoongi had previously visited children with autism in private settings, introducing himself as ‘Prof. Min’ and engaging with them through music.
The Min Yoongi Treatment Center is expected to serve as a model for future therapeutic programs, blending artistry and science to create meaningful change in the lives of neurodivergent youth.
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