BTS star Suga’s gift transforms autism therapy with music
BTS member Suga / Xportsnews
A new therapy center for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) funded by BTS member Suga opened Tuesday at Severance Hospital in Seoul, marking a milestone in combining music and behavioral therapy in clinical care.
The Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center, which references Suga's legal name, was established with 5 billion won ($3.6 million) donated by the star to Severance Children’s Hospital in June. The facility includes therapy rooms for language and behavioral support, as well as a specialized group space equipped with acoustic and soundproofing systems for music-based social therapy. The center also features a cozy waiting area for parents with works by autistic artist Lee Gyu-jae on display.
Suga’s volunteer work inspires innovative ‘MIND’ program
Suga’s involvement goes beyond financial support. From late last year to early this year, he volunteered alongside child psychiatrist Cheon Keun-ah, playing guitar and interacting with children with autism. This experience led them to codevelop MIND, a pioneering music-based social therapy program and the world’s first art-integrated clinical treatment and self-reliance system at a university hospital.
Because music therapy uses nonverbal communication, MIND is particularly effective for children with low cognitive abilities or limited verbal responses. Children are encouraged to choose instruments themselves, express preferences, wait for their turn in ensemble sessions and experience real social interactions.
The program’s approach is backed by international research showing that music therapy can improve self-expression and social engagement among children with autism.
Real-world impact: from silence to participation
A multidisciplinary team including child psychiatrists, music therapists, speech therapists, behavioral specialists and clinical psychologists provides individualized treatment through case-based collaboration.
The results have been striking. During Suga’s volunteer sessions, two children who showed little engagement during conventional speech therapy began actively choosing instruments and playing rhythms together. Another child, previously nonverbal and emotionally withdrawn, responded to praise while collaborating with peers on saxophone performances.
A global model for future autism care
Cheon, who leads the center, said that the integration of music, language, behavioral and social skills training represents a first-of-its-kind therapeutic model. Building on its success, the center plans to incorporate other arts and physical activities, train specialized therapists and publish program manuals. Partnerships with autism care institutions abroad and academic collaborations to globalize the approach are also in the works.
“At the Min Yoon-gi 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.”
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.