Suga's MIND Programme: Using Music to Support Children with Autism
Min Yoongi, also known as Suga from BTS, is making a positive impact on society by founding the Min Yoongi Treatment Center in collaboration with Severance Hospital in Seoul. He is dedicated to supporting children with autism through the MIND Programme and Band, which focuses on using music to enhance social skills for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. The MIND Band is actively seeking volunteers to assist with the programme.
The MIND Programme, developed by Suga and Severance Hospital’s Pediatric Psychiatry Department, emphasizes Music, Interaction, Network, and Diversity to help individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The MIND Band, a part of this programme, aims to improve the social skills of children and adolescents with autism through music. Volunteers are being recruited by the Department of Child Psychiatry at Severance Hospital to join the MIND Band and contribute to this meaningful cause.
Following his military discharge in June, Suga made a historic donation of 5 billion KRW (approximately $3.64 million) to Severance Hospital, marking the largest single donation in the hospital's history. Fans of BTS, known as ARMYs, have expressed their admiration and support for Suga's philanthropic efforts, praising his generosity and dedication to helping others. The Min Yoongi Treatment Center, named after Suga, provides therapy sessions and support programmes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, with the MIND Programme utilizing music as a key tool to enhance emotional expression, social connections, and communication skills for children with autism.
Through activities such as learning to play instruments and writing song lyrics, the MIND Programme at the Min Yoongi Treatment Center aims to empower children with autism to express themselves and develop essential social and communication skills. Suga's commitment to supporting individuals with autism through the MIND Programme and Band reflects his passion for making a positive impact on the lives of others.