BTS member Suga, whose real name is Min Yoongi, has been working discreetly on a significant project for the past seven months, unknown to the public. Recently, he completed his public service and is gearing up for a musical return. In a generous move, Suga donated 5 billion won (approximately $3.6 million) to Severance Hospital in Seoul to establish a treatment center for children with autism. Media outlets have reported that Suga was not just a benefactor; he actively participated in the project by collaborating with doctors, visiting children, and funding a specialized music therapy program. Following the announcement of his donation, fans worldwide quickly contributed to the center, raising considerable funds.
According to Korea JoongAng Daily, within hours of Suga’s donation, public contributions to the autism center exceeded 200 million won (around $145,000 USD). This surge in donations occurred shortly after the news was made public and was noted during the center’s groundbreaking ceremony. As of now, the donations continue to flow in. The new facility, which will be named the Min Yoongi Treatment Centre and is currently under construction, is anticipated to open in September 2025. It will provide specialized facilities for mental health care in children, focusing on language, behavior, and emotional development. Another section of the center will aim to merge clinical treatment with academic research.
On social media, Korean netizens assisted by translating donation guidelines into various languages, enabling global participation. In response to the outpouring of support, the Yonsei University Health System, which oversees the hospital, has established a permanent donation section on their website specifically for the Min Yoongi Centre.
Suga collaborated with Dr. Chun Geun A, a prominent child psychiatrist at Severance Hospital, to develop the initiative called MIND, which stands for Music, Interaction, Network, Diversity. This program aims to use music as a medium for autistic children to express their emotions and improve their social interactions. During his military service in the public welfare sector, Suga dedicated weekends to volunteering at the hospital, where he often played guitar for the children. Doctors observed tangible improvements in communication skills among the kids he worked with.
Reflecting on his experiences, Suga noted, “I realized that music can be a powerful way to express feelings and communicate with the world. It made me happy to be part of the treatment process for children with autism. I’ll keep working so more children can live as full members of society.” This center is poised to become one of South Korea’s leading facilities for autism therapy.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/korean/bts-suga-mobilises-global-army-to-raise-over-200-million-won-in-24-hours-with-one-quiet-heartfelt-gesture-10086690/
Category: Entertainment,korean
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Publish Date: 2025-06-25 06:18:00
