Suga moves hearts with music therapy, beyond ₩5B donation

Jun 26, 2025, 08:58 am

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Following news that BTS member Suga (real name Min Yoon-gi) donated ₩5 billion to establish the Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center at Severance Hospital for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder, a behind-the-scenes story has surfaced about his personal participation in music therapy sessions.

 

On June 25, Severance Hospital released a video on its official YouTube channel titled "Healing Through Music: The Story of the Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center." In the video, Professor Chun Geun-ah of the Department of Child Psychiatry shared details about the center’s founding and her impressions of Suga’s involvement.

 

According to Prof. Chun, Suga personally visited the hospital in November last year and expressed his desire to volunteer his musical talent. He actively participated in the music therapy program, having read in advance a 500-page textbook on autism authored by Chun. “At that moment, I knew he wasn’t just a donor,” she said.

 

“Suga made eye contact with the children as he played the guitar and genuinely tried to meet them at their level,” Chun continued. “He would always arrive early to practice and seemed truly happy interacting with the kids.”

 

The music therapy program allowed children with autism to select instruments and participate in ensemble sessions. Suga accompanied them on guitar and was affectionately known as “music teacher” rather than a global pop star. The children had no idea he was a member of BTS.

 

Even while serving as a social service agent, Suga attended the weekend sessions without fail. Prof. Chun noted, “One of his songs, Amygdala, refers to the almond-shaped region in the brain. He showed deep understanding of the brain’s structure and explained that he became more aware of the challenges faced by people with developmental disabilities through a close acquaintance.”

 

This awareness and reflection ultimately led to his financial support in creating the Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center. “His ₩5 billion donation significantly contributed to building the treatment infrastructure,” said Chun. “We plan to expand into art and physical therapy, and we’re organizing a music camp this fall.”

 

Prof. Chun emphasized, “The Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center is not just a place for treatment—it’s a bridge to the world. We ask for continued interest and encouragement so that the children can expand their horizons.”

#Suga #BTS #donation 
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