Min Yoongi, widely known as SUGA of the global supergroup BTS, has become a co-author of the music-based social therapy manual ‘MIND Program.’
According to reports on March 18, Min Yoongi actively participated in the creation of the book, which was officially published a day earlier. The manual is led by Professor Cheon Geun Ah, a leading authority in child and adolescent psychiatry and director of the Min Yoongi Treatment Center at Severance Children’s Hospital.
In the foreword, Professor Cheon emphasized that Min Yoongi’s involvement reflects both his artistic understanding of the therapeutic power of music and his sincere commitment to supporting socially vulnerable groups. She noted that the project could not be discussed without his name, adding that his contribution was crucial in bringing the program into reality.
The Min Yoongi Treatment Center was established in September last year on the first floor of Jejungwan at Severance Hospital. The center was funded by a 5 billion KRW (about 3.75 million USD) donation made by Min Yoongi to Severance Children’s Hospital in June of the same year.
From the second half of the previous year to the first half of last year, Min Yoongi also worked closely with Professor Cheon, engaging with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. During this period, he participated in music volunteer activities, including guitar sessions.
Based on these experiences, Min Yoongi and Professor Cheon co-developed the ‘MIND Program,’ a social group therapy initiative that integrates music into treatment. The program is recognized as the world’s first art-integrated therapy and independence-support system introduced at a university hospital. Min Yoongi is reported to have contributed ideas from the planning stage and remained actively involved in volunteer work throughout its development.
