BTS member Suga (real name Min Yoon-gi) has taken a major step in supporting children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by establishing the Min Yoongi Center at Severance Hospital in Seoul.
The center officially opened in September 2025 with a donation of 5 billion KRW (~$3.56 million), marking one of the largest celebrity contributions to Yonsei University’s Health System.
BTS’s Suga (Credit: YouTube)
Motivation Behind the Center
Suga’s dedication to pediatric mental health has been long-standing. After learning about the shortage of specialized care for autistic individuals through conversations with Professor Cheon Keun-ah, a child psychiatry expert, Suga decided to fund a facility that provides long-term, individualized care tailored to patients’ needs.
Facilities and Programs
The Min Yoongi Center offers:
- Therapy rooms for speech and behavioral therapy
- Group therapy rooms equipped with soundproofing and audio systems for music and social skills programs
- A waiting area featuring artwork by Lee Kyu-jae, a visual artist on the autism spectrum
- A key program, “MIND” (Music, Interaction, Network, Diversity), was developed by Suga and Professor Cheon. Suga previously volunteered in music-based activities for children with autism, integrating his artistic expertise into therapy.
The center also provides personalized integrated therapy delivered by a multidisciplinary team, including:
- Child psychiatrists
- Music therapists
- Speech and behavioral therapists
- Clinical psychologists
BTS’s Suga (Credit: YouTube)
Future expansions plan to include art, physical education, and other creative therapies, professional training, and clinical research.
Significance
The Min Yoongi Center addresses a critical gap in South Korea’s healthcare system for autistic children.
By combining music, therapy, and creative programs, Suga is not only improving access to care but also raising awareness about neurodiversity.
The facility exemplifies how celebrity influence can drive social impact and innovation in healthcare.
Looking Ahead
Severance Hospital plans to relocate and expand the center to meet growing demand, further professionalizing autism care.
Suga’s initiative demonstrates the potential of integrating arts and therapy for holistic development, setting a benchmark for future philanthropic efforts in South Korea.
On September 12, 2025, BTS leader RM (Kim Namjoon) once again proved why he’s admired not only as a musical genius but also as a humanitarian.
To mark his birthday, RM made a heartfelt donation of ₩200 million (approximately $145,000 USD) to two major hospitals in Seoul — Seoul Asan Medical Center and Korea University Medical Center — with each institution receiving ₩100 million.
His act of generosity continues his long-standing commitment to social welfare, particularly in the area of healthcare and public well-being.
This thoughtful contribution aligns with RM’s tradition of celebrating personal milestones through philanthropy, reinforcing his image as a socially conscious artist whose influence extends far beyond the music industry.
A Purposeful Celebration: Why RM Chose Healthcare
RM’s choice to focus on healthcare support for his birthday donations was both timely and meaningful.
Many families in South Korea struggle with the high cost of medical treatments, often facing financial stress when dealing with serious illnesses or surgeries.
RM (Credit: Pinterest)
Through his donations, RM aims to ease these burdens and improve access to medical care for underprivileged patients.
According to reports, Seoul Asan Medical Center will utilize the funds to cover treatment and surgical costs for patients facing financial hardship, allowing more people to receive essential medical attention without economic barriers.
Meanwhile, Korea University Medical Center plans to use the donation to improve clinical environments and expand services for those in need, ensuring better healthcare experiences for vulnerable groups.
RM expressed his heartfelt intentions behind the contribution, noting that he wanted to “do something meaningful” on his birthday — an act that reflects both humility and empathy.
His donation highlights his belief that success should be shared and that every individual, regardless of their status, deserves access to proper medical care.
Philanthropy with Precision: The Impact of Targeted Giving
What stands out in RM’s approach is the precision of his philanthropy. Rather than making broad, symbolic donations, he chooses specific causes with measurable community impact.
By directly funding hospitals, RM ensures that his contributions bring immediate and tangible benefits — such as supporting treatment for low-income patients, upgrading equipment, and improving hospital facilities.
This method of “targeted philanthropy” reflects RM’s thoughtful nature. It demonstrates not only his generosity but also a strategic understanding of how financial aid can create sustainable change.
His donation is a reminder that even a single act, when directed effectively, can transform lives and strengthen healthcare systems.
Verified Generosity: Support and Acknowledgment
Multiple Korean and international media outlets, including Sports Donga and English-language dailies, verified the details of RM’s donation, ensuring transparency and accuracy.
According to these reports, ₩100 million was allocated to each hospital, confirming the total donation amount and its intended use.
Both institutions have reportedly expressed deep gratitude toward RM, acknowledging that his support will significantly improve their capacity to serve patients who might otherwise go untreated.
The hospitals also commended RM’s continued commitment to community well-being — a consistent theme in his charitable activities over the years.
RM’s History of Giving: A Heart that Gives Beyond Music
This recent donation is not an isolated act. RM has built an inspiring record of philanthropic involvement across diverse areas. In previous years, he has supported causes such as:
- Preserving Korea’s cultural heritage, including donations to the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art to restore and preserve rare artworks.
- Educational initiatives, providing funds for underprivileged students and programs promoting art and literature.
- Veteran and social welfare programs, ensuring recognition and care for overlooked communities.
RM (Credit: YouTube)
His philanthropy reflects a deep-rooted sense of gratitude and responsibility — qualities that mirror his reflective and philosophical personality, often expressed through his lyrics and public messages.
BTS’s Ongoing Legacy of Social Impact
RM’s act of generosity also continues BTS’s broader tradition of social responsibility.
The group has long been known for using their global platform to champion positive causes, from the “Love Myself” UNICEF campaign against youth violence to ongoing contributions supporting education, mental health, and equality.
With reports suggesting that BTS is preparing for a full-group comeback in the first half of 2026, RM’s philanthropic gesture highlights how the members continue to engage with the world meaningfully, even during periods of individual activity.
Each member’s personal projects — musical or charitable — reinforce BTS’s collective message of hope, healing, and empowerment.
A Model of Modern Celebrity Influence
RM’s birthday donation is more than an act of charity; it’s a powerful example of how modern celebrities can redefine influence.
In an era where fame often centers on glamour and visibility, RM uses his platform to remind fans and fellow artists of the importance of empathy, accountability, and purposeful action.
His gestures inspire ARMY, BTS’s devoted fanbase, to engage in their own acts of kindness.
In fact, fan groups worldwide frequently celebrate the members’ birthdays by organizing fundraisers, blood drives, and environmental projects — a direct reflection of the band’s philanthropic leadership.
By donating ₩200 million to hospitals in need, RM turned his birthday into a moment of healing and hope.
His compassion demonstrates how meaningful giving can be when directed toward the betterment of others.
Beyond his music and artistry, RM continues to represent a new kind of role model — one who uses fame not for personal glory, but for public good.
As BTS prepares to reunite in 2026, RM’s latest act of kindness ensures that his influence will continue to resonate — not only through melodies and lyrics but through actions that make the world a kinder, healthier place.
