BTS's SUGA co-authored a music therapy program for autistic children, contributing to the establishment of a treatment center.
March/18/2026 18:00
SUGA of BTS participated in a program led by Severance Hospital. According to Severance Hospital yesterday (17th), SUGA contributed as a co-author to the hospital's music-based sociality treatment manual 'MIND (Music-Interaction-Network-Diversity) program.' 'MIND' is a clinically designed manual for music-based social training programs for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Professor Jeong Gun-ah from Severance Hospital, who has interacted with SUGA since the second half of 2024, stated that SUGA's participation began from his understanding of the power of music as an artist and his authenticity in empathizing with and sharing responsibility for social minorities, revealing that it was SUGA's contribution that made this program a reality. Last June, SUGA donated 5 billion won (about 5 million yen) to Severance Hospital. Based on his donation, the Min Yoongi Treatment Center was established on the first floor of the Severance Hospital main building in September last year. From the second half of 2024 to the first half of last year, SUGA will meet with children with autism spectrum disorder and conduct music services, including guitar performances, together with Professor Jeong Gun-ah. Building on this, they developed the 'MIND' program, a social group program that incorporates music into therapy, creating the world's first art-integrated treatment and independence system at a university hospital. The MIND program is effective for children with low cognitive abilities or those who do not respond to language and have communication difficulties, as it uses music as a non-verbal means of therapy. It encourages self-expression by allowing children to choose their desired instruments and supports social activity experiences, such as waiting for their turn in ensemble performances. SUGA also sent a supportive message! A founding concert for the 'Min Yoongi Treatment Center' band was held, and SUGA established the center for ASD patient care with a donation of about 5 million yen.
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