Following his military discharge, BTS’ Suga was revealed to have donated USD 3.6 million for the establishment of a treatment centre as part of a partnership with Severance Hospital in Seoul.
Named Min Yoon-gi Centre, which is Suga’s real name, it will be located on the first floor of the Jejung Hall building at Severance Hospital’s Sinchon branch. The initiative of the centre is to support treatment for young autistic patients, along with therapy and various programmes developed in collaboration with clinical research.
The announcement was made on 23 June, just two days after the BTS member completed his mandatory military service.
Suga’s collaboration with the hospital started in November last year after he met with Professor Cheon Keun-ah, a leading expert in paediatric psychiatry, where he learned about urgent need for long-term, tailored care for individuals with ASD.
In a statement released by the singer, he said, “While I was preparing the program with Prof. Cheon Keun-ah and doing volunteer work, I learned how music can become a pathway for communication and self-expression. It has been such a pleasure and privilege to join the journey of supporting autistic children. I will continue to do my part to help them become full members of our society.”
The Min Yoon-gi Centre will also enhance the MIND programme, which stands for Music, Interaction, Network and Diversity. It is a music-based initiative designed to improve interaction, build social networks and promote diversity.
(Photo Source: BTS Charts Daily X)