SUGA (Min Yoon Gi) is making headlines for his huge donation and heartfelt contributions to children’s mental health.
He donated 5 billion KRW (around 3.6 million USD) to build a treatment center for kids with autism spectrum disorder. Professor Chun Geun Ah from Severance Hospital praised his dedication, saying,
“He’s someone who genuinely connected with the children on their level.”
In a YouTube video, Professor Chun revealed,
“This center was a dream I had held in my heart for a long time, and it became a reality thanks to SUGA.”
SUGA first approached Professor Chun in November, offering to volunteer his musical talents. He actively developed therapeutic programs for children and teens with autism, focusing on emotional regulation and social skills. While serving in the military, he still found time for music classes, where kids just saw him as their “music teacher.”
He never came late, often arriving early to practice guitar and meet with therapists. Professor Chun commented,
“Watching him genuinely try to connect with the kids on their level made me feel humbled.”
The new Min Yoon Gi Treatment Center will feature the “MIND” program (Music, Interaction, Network, Diversity), designed to help children express emotions through music.
The center is expected to open by September. Future plans include clinical research and camps to boost career opportunities in the arts. Professor Chun emphasized,
“SUGA doesn’t see this as a one-time act of charity. He’s shown a strong commitment to continuing his support.”
SUGA’s motivation? Professor Chun shared that he once asked,
“Why is suicide the leading cause of death among teenagers in Korea? He couldn’t ignore that fact.”
The Min Yoon Gi Treatment Center isn’t just a donation. It’s a beacon of hope for children with disabilities and their families.
Professor Chun concluded,
“At the core of it all is SUGA’s sincerity.”
Watch the heartfelt video on Severance Hospital’s YouTube channel here.
