Suga of the group BTS has generously donated 5 billion won for the establishment of the "Min Yoongi Treatment Center" for children with autism spectrum disorder, and Professor Cheon Geun-ah of the Department of Child Psychiatry at Severance Hospital expressed gratitude.
On the 24th, Professor Cheon appeared on the Severance Hospital YouTube channel and said, "The 'Min Yoongi Treatment Center' is a miracle that fulfills a dream I have cherished in my heart for a long time," adding, "I thought it would be good to have a program that helps social independence for children with autism spectrum disorder as they grow up and become adults in the hospital."
According to Big Hit Music, BTS's agency, on the 23rd, Suga planned to establish a specialized treatment center in collaboration with Severance Hospital to support the treatment and social independence of patients with autism spectrum disorder, donating 5 billion won. This center will support the mental health of children and adolescents through various programs linked to clinical and research activities, including language, psychological, and behavioral therapy.
It is reported that Suga felt the need for customized and long-term treatment for patients with autism spectrum disorder through his first communication with Professor Cheon in November last year.
Professor Cheon opened up by saying, "Suga, who has shown great interest in developmental disabilities or autism spectrum disorder and child and adolescent mental disorders, chose Severance Hospital as a collaborative partner." He recalled, "I cannot forget the day I first met him. He had read a significant portion of my 500-page textbook. I was surprised by the depth and sharpness of the questions he asked me."
Professor Cheon revealed that Suga had expressed his willingness to donate his musical talents first, saying, "I had doubts and concerns about how to implement this. His authenticity made me think that we needed to devise a new program," referring to the birth of the newly created social skills group program at the hospital called the 'MIND Program.'
The 'MIND Program' is an acronym that implies enhancing interaction and sensory experiences through music (Music), providing opportunities for social relationship formation and communication (Interaction), learning the process of naturally forming relationships through community (Network), and respecting individual diversity while learning to coexist in society (Diversity). Children participating in this program will play instruments, sing, write to music, and express their emotions and thoughts through music and writing.
Professor Cheon also mentioned that Suga made efforts to connect with children with autism at their level, stating, "He genuinely participated in this treatment with a joyful heart, and we all, as therapists, were moved by his authenticity."
According to Professor Cheon, the parents of the children were aware of Suga's presence, but the children participated without knowing. Professor Cheon said, "Suga has continuously shown interest in us and expressed his intention to support us. He has plans to gradually expand and enhance the center."
The 'Min Yoongi Treatment Center' is scheduled to be completed in September.
In relation to this, Suga stated through his agency, "Through the program preparation and volunteer activities with Professor Cheon over the past seven months, I deeply felt that music can be a precious channel for expressing feelings and communicating with the world," adding, "Being able to participate in the treatment process of children with autism spectrum disorder itself was a great gratitude and happiness, and I will continue to support so that more children can be part of our society."
Suga, who completed his military service as a social service agent, was discharged on the 21st. With this, all members of BTS have completed their military service, and they are preparing for a full group comeback. It is expected to happen as early as this fall or at the latest in the first half of next year.
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
