BTS member SUGA (Min Yoon Gi) is receiving widespread attention for his sincere and impactful efforts.
Professor Chun Geun Ah, a child psychiatrist at Severance Hospital, spoke highly of SUGA, who donated 5 billion KRW (approx. 3.6 million USD) to help build a treatment center for children with autism spectrum disorder. Professor Chun said, “He’s someone who genuinely connected with the children on their level.”
In a video released on Severance Hospital’s YouTube channel on June 25, Professor Chun shared, “This center was a dream I had held in my heart for a long time, and it became a reality thanks to SUGA.”
SUGA first reached out to Professor Chun in November of last year, expressing his desire to volunteer his musical talents. He actively contributed to the development of therapeutic programs aimed at helping children and adolescents with autism improve emotional regulation and social skills.
Even while serving as a social service worker (alternative military service), SUGA used his weekends to participate in music classes himself. The children didn’t know he was BTS’s SUGA; they simply saw him as their “music teacher,” and the classes carried on naturally.
Professor Chun shared, “He never once came late; he’d arrive early to practice guitar and meet with the therapists beforehand.” She added, “Watching him genuinely try to connect with the kids on their level made me feel humbled. He looked truly happy, and every therapist was deeply moved.”
The ‘Min Yoon Gi Treatment Center’ is a space built through SUGA’s personal involvement. One key feature is the “MIND” program (Music, Interaction, Network, Diversity), a social training program using music, which was born from SUGA’s own ideas.
The program helps children on the autism spectrum express their emotions and engage with others through music.
The center is expected to be completed by September, and future plans include clinical research, academic publications, and camps aimed at expanding career opportunities in the arts. Professor Chun emphasized, “SUGA doesn’t see this as a one-time act of charity. He’s shown a strong commitment to continuing his support.”
So what motivated SUGA to get involved? Chun recalled their first meeting and said, “He asked me why suicide is the leading cause of death among teenagers in Korea. When he said he couldn’t ignore that fact, I felt how genuine his heart was.”
The Min Yoon Gi Treatment Center is more than just a donation. It is set to become a space of hope for children with disabilities and their families. Professor Chun concluded that at the heart of it all is SUGA’s sincerity.
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