On September 29, 2025, SUGA opened the ‘MIN YOONGI CENTER’, a specialized facility dedicated to the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder at SEVERANCE Hospital. SUGA also donated 5 billion won ($3.56 million) for the establishment of the ‘MIN YOONGI CENTER’. The opening ceremony took place at Jejung Hall on the hospital’s first floor and was attended by Yonsei University President Yoon Dong-Sup, Yonsei University Health System President Keum Ki-Chang and Autism Society of Korea President Kim Yong-Jik. The center will be led by Cheon Keun-Ah, a professor of child psychiatry at the hospital.
SEVERANCE Hospital officially said that SUGA has long been interested in using his music and public influence to help children and adolescents struggling with mental health issues, including depression. After watching an interview with Professor Cheon, he contacted the hospital through his agency and began discussions in November 2024. During these exchanges, SUGA learned that people with autism often require long-term, personalized care suited to their daily life, while specialized facilities remain scarce, promoting his decision to provide the donation of 5 million won ($3.56 million) in June 2025, the largest ever made by a celebrity to Yonsei University’s Health System.
The ‘MIN YOONGI CENTER’ includes dedicated spaces for speech and behavioural therapy, as well as group therapy rooms equipped with soundproofing and audio systems to support music and social skills programs. Artwork by Lee Kyu-Jae, a visual artist on the autism spectrum, is displayed in the waiting area. A group program titled ‘MIND’– short for Music, Interaction, Network and Diversity- developed jointly by SUGA and Cheon, will be offered alongside personalized, integrated treatment provided by a multidisciplinary team of specialists.
Looking forward, the center plans to expand into additional creative therapies, train professionals in related fields, conduct research and eventually relocate and grow to meet increasing demand.
Written by: Aanchal Pathak
About the Author-
Hello, I’m Aanchal Pathak, a law student with a deep love for Korean culture. Whether it’s the language, K-pop, K-dramas, or the rich traditions, Korea has a special place in my heart. Writing about it is my way of exploring my passion and sharing the beauty of this culture with others.