Suga of BTS Opens Min Yoongi Treatment Center for Children with Autism at Severance Hospital in Seoul
The Min Yoongi Treatment Center, named after Suga of BTS, has officially opened its doors at Severance Hospital in Seoul. The center was established with a generous donation of 5 billion won from Suga to provide customized and long-term treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder. The opening ceremony was attended by key figures from Yonsei University and Severance Hospital, including child psychiatrist Keun-Ah Cheon, who will lead the center.
Suga's donation was inspired by his conversation with Professor Cheon, where he recognized the need for specialized treatment for children with autism. The center offers the 'MIND Program,' a group program that focuses on social skills through music and interaction. Children participating in the program engage in activities like playing instruments, singing, and writing lyrics to express their emotions and thoughts.
The Min Yoongi Treatment Center features therapy rooms for language and behavioral therapy, as well as a music-social group therapy room with advanced sound and acoustic insulation facilities. Severance Hospital plans to expand and relocate the center's facilities to meet the growing demand and ensure the long-term sustainability of its programs.
Professor Cheon emphasized the importance of teaching children social skills alongside music therapy at the center. He believes that by observing children with autism spectrum disorder striving for independence, the public's awareness and understanding of disabilities will improve significantly.
Suga, who recently completed his mandatory military service, was unable to attend the opening ceremony due to personal commitments. BTS is gearing up for a full-group comeback in the first half of next year. The Min Yoongi Treatment Center represents a significant step towards providing specialized care for children with autism spectrum disorder and promoting social awareness of disabilities.