Latest news with #CheonKeun-ah
News18
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
BTS' Suga Donates 5 Billion Won To Autism Centre, Launches Music-Led Therapy Programme
Last Updated: The donation was made to Seoul's Severance Hospital, which announced the upcoming opening of the "Min Yoon-gi Treatment Centre", named after Suga's real name. BTS star Suga has made a groundbreaking philanthropic gesture by donating 5 billion won (approx. USD 3.62 million) to build a treatment centre for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in South Korea. The donation was made to Seoul's Severance Hospital, which announced the upcoming opening of the 'Min Yoon-gi Treatment Centre", named after Suga's real name. Set to open this September, the centre will provide long-term, individualised mental health care for children with ASD, including behavioural, psychological, and language therapies. It will also integrate clinical treatment with ongoing research to offer comprehensive support for young patients and their families. While the donation itself is historic, Suga's role in the project goes far beyond financial assistance. He collaborated with Dr Cheon Keun-ah, a top child psychiatry expert at Severance Hospital, to design the centre's approach. Their joint effort led to the creation of 'MIND" — a therapeutic initiative that stands for Music, Interaction, Network, and Diversity. The programme uses music as a tool to help autistic children express emotions and build social skills. Suga personally volunteered on weekends throughout the spring, interacting with children in the MIND programme. He played the guitar, guided rhythm sessions, and used music-based techniques to help children communicate. Hospital officials noted significant improvement in the children's emotional engagement and cooperation. 'Even while performing with BTS, he has donated to charities and shown a strong interest in helping young people with depression and behavioural issues. He has sought to find ways to use his music to make a positive difference," the hospital stated. Speaking about his experience, Suga said, 'I realised 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 will keep working so that more children can live as members of society." Suga recently completed his mandatory military service as a social worker. First Published:
Mint
9 hours ago
- Health
- Mint
BTS' Suga donates 5 billion won to build autism centre for children, scripts history with music-led therapy programme
BTS member Suga has made a landmark contribution to autism care in South Korea, donating 5 billion won (approximately US $3.62 million) to Seoul's Severance Hospital to support the establishment of a new treatment centre for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The hospital announced the groundbreaking of the "Min Yoon-gi Treatment Centre"—named after Suga's real name—on Friday. Set to open in September, the facility will offer long-term, personalised mental health care, including language, psychological, and behavioural therapy. It will also run integrated programmes combining clinical treatment with research. According to Severance Hospital officials, Suga has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to mental health causes, even while actively performing with BTS. 'Even while performing with BTS, he has donated to charities and shown a strong interest in helping young people with depression and behavioural issues. He has sought to find ways to use his music to make a positive difference,' the hospital said in an official release Suga's involvement goes beyond financial support. In November last year, he met with Dr Cheon Keun-ah, a leading child psychiatry expert at Severance, to better understand the needs of children with autism. This collaboration led to the creation of "MIND" — a new programme standing for Music, Interaction, Network, Diversity — which uses music therapy to help autistic children build social and emotional skills. BTS' Suga poses with the hospital authorities. Throughout the spring, Suga volunteered at the hospital during weekends, engaging directly with children in the MIND programme. He played the guitar, taught rhythm exercises, and guided children in using music to communicate and express emotions. Hospital officials observed significant improvements in the children's communication and cooperation abilities over the course of the programme. Reflecting on his experience, Suga said, "I realised 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 will keep working so that more children can live as members of society." Dr Cheon praised Suga's dedication, noting the centre's long-term mission to help autistic children become independent and respected members of the community. Suga recently completed his 21-month mandatory military service as a social worker. His historic donation and hands-on involvement mark a new chapter in celebrity-led philanthropy and mental health advocacy in South Korea.
