SUGA Donation of $3.6 Million Builds Autism Therapy Center

SUGA made a ₩5 billion (approx. $3.6 million) donation to establish a treatment center for children with autism spectrum disorder. He also volunteered for seven months, helping develop a music-based therapy program that supports long-term emotional growth. His actions touched the public and shifted perceptions about his past.

SUGA Makes Historic Donation to Support Autism Treatment

SUGA of BTS, whose real name is Min Yoon-gi, donated ₩5 billion(approx. $3.6 million) to build a treatment center for children and teens with autism. The center, named the Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center, will focus on both therapeutic support and long-term development to help these youth gain independence. Severance Hospital announced the project and held a groundbreaking ceremony on June 23 at the hospital’s main building in Seoul. This donation marks one of the largest individual contributions ever made to Yonsei Medical Center, setting a new record among celebrity donations.

Donation from SUGA Leads to Creation of Mental Health Center

The center, scheduled for completion in September, will offer a variety of services. These include language therapy, psychological counseling, and behavioral support, all aimed at improving mental health for children and adolescents. It will also link clinical care with academic research to create a wide range of tailored treatment programs. Severance Hospital explained that SUGA has consistently supported mental health causes and youth welfare even during his years with BTS. He has always looked for ways to help others by using his music and creative abilities meaningfully.

SUGA Joins Efforts to Develop Long-Term Care for Autism

SUGA’s commitment deepened in November 2023 when he met Professor Chun Geun-ah, a leading expert in child psychiatry. After several meetings, SUGA learned that children on the autism spectrum need lifelong, customized treatment rather than just short-term therapy. He agreed that consistent care over more than ten years could create real, lasting change. Moved by this realization, SUGA pledged ₩5 billion to build a treatment center designed specifically to support this kind of extended care. He aligned his resources with a long-term vision for sustainable healing and inclusion.

MIND Program Brings Music into Autism Therapy

From late 2023 to early 2024, SUGA and Professor Chun discussed using music as a therapeutic tool for children with autism. This led to the creation of the MIND program—short for Music, Interaction, Network, and Diversity. The program blends musical elements into traditional social skills training. It helps children increase interaction, express emotions, form relationships, and understand community values through music. The program teaches acceptance of individual differences while building natural social bonds. Through music, children engage with their environment in creative and deeply personal ways.

SUGA Enhances Autism Care Through Donation and Direct Participation

Between March and June, SUGA volunteered his weekends to work directly with children in the program. He helped shape the MIND curriculum while also interacting with participants during its development. He played guitar and other instruments to help the children feel rhythm and harmony. His efforts encouraged them to interact through music and express their emotions more freely. SUGA even taught them how to play instruments, showing dedication far beyond just financial support. His hands-on role added a layer of sincerity that shaped the program’s success.

Children Respond to Music with Emotion and Connection

Severance Hospital reported visible improvements in participating children. As the program progressed, the children began expressing emotions and language more openly. One 10-year-old and a 12-year-old, previously unresponsive during speech therapy, began choosing instruments and playing in rhythm. An 18-year-old boy, who rarely spoke or showed emotion, started smiling while playing the saxophone with others. These changes weren’t just symbolic—they marked real steps in emotional growth, social engagement, and communication. Music provided a powerful gateway to feelings they had long struggled to express.

SUGA Finds Purpose Through Donation and Volunteer Work

SUGA reflected on his experience and said the past seven months had been deeply meaningful. Preparing the program with Professor Chun showed him how music can become a bridge between hearts and the world. He expressed gratitude for being able to participate in the healing process for children with autism spectrum disorder. He felt honored to help them find emotional expression and a sense of belonging. SUGA promised to continue supporting these children and to help more of them become active, accepted members of society.

Donation by SUGA Earns Praise Across Korean Communities

News of SUGA’s actions spread quickly online, especially on the Korean community MLBPARK. Many users expressed admiration, noting that even major corporations rarely donate ₩5 billion(approx. $3.6 million). Some pointed out that this was the first donation of its scale since HYBE’s chairman Bang Sihyuk gave the same amount to Seoul National University. What truly moved people, however, was that SUGA didn’t stop at giving money. His seven months of volunteering and involvement in the MIND program erased any doubt about his sincerity. People praised both his heart and his humility.

Public Support Grows as SUGA Changes Perceptions with Actions

MLBPARK users also recalled SUGA’s past scooter DUI incident, but most now viewed it in a softer light. Some even began calling the scooter a “electric kickboard” instead. The vehicle looked like a electric kickboard but exceeded the speed limit, reaching 30 km/h instead of 25 km/h. Still, this detail became almost irrelevant compared to his recent actions. By subtly changing their language, users expressed forgiveness and affection. The shift in tone captured how much SUGA’s donation and commitment had changed public sentiment.

Suga Concludes Discharge Process as BTS Resumes Activities

Suga marked his discharge from service, officially closing the chapter of BTS’s military commitments. Though past controversies resurfaced briefly, the group’s full return sparked renewed excitement for their next steps.

Here’s a link to MLBPARK.

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