Back
SUGA's donation leads to the opening of the Min Yoongi Therapy Center in Korea, focusing on autism therapy through music and art.

SUGA's donation leads to the opening of the Min Yoongi Therapy Center in Korea, focusing on autism therapy through music and art.

September/30/2025 15:15

Related Groups & Members

The 'Min Yoongi Therapy Center' established based on SUGA of BTS's donation opened today (30th) on the first floor of the Chejung building at Severance Hospital in Korea. Attending the opening ceremony were Yonsei University President Yoon Dong-seop, Severance Hospital President Lee Kang-yong, and Professor Jeong Gun-na, who serves as the director of the Min Yoongi Therapy Center. External attendees included Kim Yong-jik, president of the Korean Association for Autism. The Min Yoongi Therapy Center was established based on SUGA's donation of 5 billion won (about 5 million USD) to Severance Hospital. The center is equipped with therapy rooms for language and behavioral therapy, as well as a music and social group therapy room with soundproofing and acoustic facilities. The waiting area for parents will display works by Lee Gyu-jae, an artist known for wooden pieces related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Severance Hospital plans to expand the facility to respond to the specialization of center operation programs, sustainable long-term development, and increasing demand. Since the second half of last year to the first half of this year, SUGA has engaged in music volunteer activities with children with autism spectrum disorder, including guitar performances, alongside Professor Jeong Gun-na. Based on this, they jointly developed the 'MIND' program, which incorporates music into social group therapy, creating the world's first art-integrated therapy 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, 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 activities through ensemble playing. Additionally, integrated therapy by specialists will be conducted. A specialized team consisting of child psychiatrists, music therapists, speech therapists, behavioral therapists, and clinical psychologists will provide tailored therapy through case-centered discussions. Research conducted in Norway and other countries has reported that music-based therapy for autism spectrum disorder promotes self-expression and the development of social interaction skills. In fact, during SUGA's volunteer activities, children A and B, who had previously shown little response during language therapy, actively chose instruments and played along with the rhythm. Child C, who played the saxophone and had minimal verbal and emotional expression, showed emotions through facial expressions during collaborative processes with other children. An event for children who participated in the MIND program is planned for the end of this year. First, in November, 'Camp on the Spectrum' will be held, where about 10 children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder will participate in band performance practice, parent education, and family recreation over a two-day period, spending time enhancing social skills with medical staff and volunteers. Following that, in December, a performance will be prepared at Yonsei University Auditorium where children can showcase their practiced performances to family and the general public. The band practice and stage performance signify the Min Yoongi Therapy Center's role in providing a foundation for the independence and social growth of children with autism spectrum disorder beyond therapy. Director Jeong Gun-na of the Min Yoongi Therapy Center stated that the autism therapy program integrating music, language, behavior, and social training will be publicly launched for the first time in the world, and aims to continuously develop the program by incorporating various artistic activities such as art and physical education, as well as nurturing specialists like speech therapists and behavioral therapists. Based on this, partnerships will be established with overseas autism therapy institutions to promote the globalization of the program, including clinical research and academic presentations, as well as the publication of program manuals. Director Jeong Gun-na expressed, 'At the Min Yoongi Therapy Center, we aim to enhance therapeutic effects while teaching children music and educating them in social skills, and we hope that the general public's perception of children with autism spectrum disorder striving for independence in society will greatly improve.'

Related Articles

BTS's RM returned to Incheon from Milan after attending a Bottega Veneta fashion show, sharing moments with stars and directors.

On the afternoon of the 30th, BTS's RM returned to Incheon International Airport from Milan after attending the Bottega Veneta fashion show. He was seen with BTS's V and actor Lee Byung-hun, sharing a memorable photo with popular Netflix anime directors and other stars.

1 day ago
BTS's Jimin flew to Paris for a fashion show, showcasing a new blonde look and preparing for the group's comeback. He also made a donation.

On the morning of the 30th, BTS's Jimin departed from Incheon International Airport to Paris for a fashion show, sporting a new blonde hairstyle. He attracted attention with his sophisticated fashion and style. Meanwhile, BTS is preparing for a full group comeback. Jimin also became a member of a high-value donor club with his father and brother, and awarded a scholarship of about 10 million yen to the Jeollabuk-do Education Office, marking the sixth time this year.

1 day ago
BIGHIT MUSIC responds to recent home invasion attempts at Jungkook's residence, emphasizing legal action and artist protection.

BIGHIT MUSIC has officially addressed multiple incidents of attempted home invasions at Jungkook's residence, detailing their legal actions against offenders and their commitment to protecting the rights and safety of their artists. They urge fans to respect the privacy of BTS members and highlight ongoing investigations into these serious breaches.

2 days ago
BTS's Jimin and his family join the Green Noble Club, supporting children's welfare through significant donations and community involvement.

Jimin from BTS, along with his father and brother, has become members of the Green Noble Club, a group for high-value donors supporting children's welfare. Jimin has previously donated 100 million won to aid youth and families in need. The club has grown significantly since its inception in 2017, emphasizing the importance of generational sharing and community impact.

2 days ago
BTS's Jungkook hosted a live cooking show, preparing truffle cream pasta and dessert, while sharing his fitness journey and upcoming plans.

Jungkook from BTS showcased his cooking skills in a live stream, preparing truffle cream pasta and a dessert. He shared his fitness journey, mentioning his efforts to reduce weight and his plans for running later. Jungkook expressed satisfaction with his cooking and hinted at BTS's comeback next spring.

2 days ago
BTS's RM departs for Milan to attend Bottega Veneta's fashion show, joining stars like V and Lee Byung-hun for special events.

On the afternoon of the 26th, BTS's RM departed from Incheon International Airport to Milan, Italy, to attend the Bottega Veneta fashion show. He was seen alongside BTS's V and actor Lee Byung-hun, sharing memorable moments with popular Netflix anime directors and other stars at various events, including a VIP screening of the film 'I Can't Help It.'

5 days ago
Park Neju's 'Do Wash Style-Lasting Shampoo' launches on September 26, 2025, featuring a unique formula for salon-quality hair.

The 'Do Wash Style-Lasting Shampoo' by top Korean stylist Park Neju will be available from September 26, 2025. This shampoo is a weakly acidic, silicone-free formula designed to maintain salon performance, featuring a refreshing scent that transforms from Mediterranean lemon to freesia. Certified cruelty-free and vegan, it uses only plant-based ingredients.

5 days ago
BTS's Jin returned from Italy on the 25th, drawing attention with his prince-like style. He also hosted a pop-up event in Shibuya.

On the 25th, BTS member Jin returned to South Korea from Italy via Incheon International Airport. His stylish appearance, reminiscent of a prince, garnered attention. Additionally, Jin hosted the first pop-up event for 'IGIN' in Japan at Shibuya, where limited edition labels were released.

6 days ago
BTS's Jimin donates 100 million won for scholarships, continuing his annual support for students in need through his father's initiative.

BTS member Jimin has donated 100 million won (about $100,000) for scholarships, marking his sixth consecutive year of contributions. His father initiated the donation, which will support students in difficult circumstances. The Jeollabuk-do Education Office expressed gratitude for this generous act, emphasizing its importance for students' futures.

6 days ago
BTS member V purchased a luxury apartment in Gangnam, Seoul, for 14.2 billion won in cash, featuring panoramic views and high-end amenities.

BTS's V has bought a luxury apartment in Gangnam, Seoul, for 14.2 billion won (about 15 million USD) in cash. The 273.96 square meter unit includes 5 rooms and 3 bathrooms, and features panoramic windows with views of the Han River. The purchase was finalized on the 17th, with V officially taking ownership after the contract was signed in May.

6 days ago

Follow us to be the first to know about the latest rankings and audition information.

\ Follow me /
Share

PICK UP Contents