Children receiving therapy at Severance Hospital’s Min Yoongi Center delivered a heartwarming debut performance Tuesday evening at the 1,600-seat Yonsei University main auditorium, showcasing how music-based treatment is helping young patients with autism spectrum disorder communicate, collaborate, and grow.
The Min Yoongi Center was established last September through a 5 billion won ($3.4 million) donation from BTS member Suga, whose real name is Min Yoon-gi. Led by Director Cheon Keun-ah, the center combines clinical care with instrumental training and ensemble practice, aiming to equip children with social and economic skills necessary for long-term independence.
As part of the program, participants selected the instruments they want to learn and took part in group sessions that require cooperation and turn-taking — a structure hospital officials say has proven particularly effective for children who struggle with verbal communication.
This year, a group of first-time participants formed a band, called the Mind Band, and spent months rehearsing for their debut. On Tuesday, they performed pieces including Leopold Mozart’s “Toy Symphony,” “You to Me, Me to You” by Scenary of Riding Bicycle, and Loveholics’ “Butterfly,” playing percussion, saxophone, clarinet, and guitar, and even singing before a packed auditorium.
Announcer Kim Il-jung hosted the evening, which began with a congratulatory video from Suga. In the recording, the BTS rapper called each young performer by name and offered words of encouragement, drawing excited applause from the audience. Prominent musicians, including the Dream With Ensemble — Korea’s first performance group specializing in developmental disabilities — and guitarist Park Shin-won, who regularly performs with top idol acts, were also in attendance.
Director Cheon told the audience she had not imagined such a moment when the project began. “During preparation, we witnessed miracles where generosity inspired more generosity,” she said. “Through the Mind program and concert rehearsals, the children learned patience, coordination, and the power of waiting.” She expressed deep gratitude to Suga for making the center’s work possible.
Audience members described the concert as unexpectedly emotional. “I laughed and cried throughout the performance,” one attendee said. “It made me forget my difficult daily life and left my heart full.”
All proceeds from ticket sales and related revenue will be donated to the Min Yoongi Center to further expand its therapy programs, the hospital said.