Min Yoon-gi’s MIND: A Symphony of Empathy and Inclusion

 Min Yoon-gi’s MIND: A Symphony of Empathy and Inclusion

In a world often too loud for the quiet voices, Min Yoon-gi—known globally as SUGA of BTS—has chosen to listen. Not just with his ears, but with his heart. Following his military discharge, Yoon-gi didn’t rush back into the spotlight. Instead, he stepped into a quieter, more profound role: a volunteer and visionary for children with autism.

Through a generous donation of 5 billion won, Yoon-gi helped establish the Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center at Severance Hospital in Seoul. But his contribution wasn’t just financial—it was deeply personal. Over seven months, he volunteered his weekends to co-develop and participate in the MIND program, a music-based therapy initiative designed to support children with autism spectrum disorder.

MIND stands for Music, Interaction, Network, and Diversity—four pillars that reflect Yoon-gi’s belief in music as a bridge between worlds. The program uses music to foster communication, emotional expression, and social connection. Children sing, compose, and play instruments, guided by trained therapists—and sometimes, by Yoon-gi himself. Videos released by Severance Hospital show him gently strumming a guitar, smiling as he helps children find their rhythm, their voice.

What makes this story extraordinary isn’t just the scale of the donation or the innovation of the program. It’s the sincerity. Yoon-gi didn’t just fund a center—he became part of its heartbeat. He once said, “Music can be a pathway for communication and self-expression,” and through MIND, he’s helping children walk that path with confidence and joy.

In a world that often overlooks neurodivergent voices, Min Yoon-gi is helping them be heard—not with fanfare, but with compassion. And that, perhaps, is the most beautiful melody of all