Latest news with #Cheon
Pink Villa
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
BTS' SUGA turns supportive teacher for autistic teen, find out how 'voice is also instrument' changed kid's life
While the world knows BTS' SUGA as a world-class artist and producer, a recent story has shed light on another side of him. It highlights his deeply compassionate nature and influence off-stage. After completing his military service duties, SUGA quietly spent his spring volunteering at Seoul's Severance Hospital. There, he worked with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In addition to donating a generous 5 billion KRW toward the hospital's new treatment center for developmental disorders, he played an active role in supporting young patients. He also took part in a groundbreaking therapy initiative that focused on encouragement and emotional connection. The MIND Program In November 2023, SUGA met Dr. Cheon Keun Ah, a child psychiatrist at Severance Hospital. Their meeting led to the creation of the MIND Program, an acronym for Music, Interaction, Network, and Diversity. The project was designed to offer music-based therapy sessions for children with autism. It aims to foster communication, emotional expression, and social development through shared musical experiences. Instead of focusing on traditional instruction, the program encouraged each child to explore their own form of expression: whether through instruments, movement, or sound. SUGA, fully immersed in the sessions, offered encouragement and created a supportive space where every child could feel seen and heard. A moment that spoke volumes In a recently released YouTube video, Dr. Cheon recounted one moment from the program that deeply moved everyone present. It involves a teenager with autism, someone Dr. Cheon had personally been treating for over a decade since early childhood. 'This child didn't know how to play any instruments, and in the early stages of the program, they were quiet and often expressionless,' she explained. But one day during a group music session, the teen appeared downcast while watching others play. With a quiet voice and downturned eyes, the child muttered, 'I don't know how to play any instruments…' SUGA, observing from nearby, didn't hesitate to step in. Kneeling beside the child, he gently replied, 'Your voice is an instrument too. Looks like you just have to sing then.' It was a simple sentence, but it changed everything. A smile, a song, and a breakthrough Dr. Cheon shared that the moment SUGA offered those words, the child's demeanor changed dramatically. For the first time during the program, the teen smiled brightly. He then began singing, loudly and confidently. 'Everyone was so shocked and moved!' Dr. Cheon said. It wasn't just a fleeting moment of joy, it sparked something lasting. The child reportedly went home and excitedly told their mother, 'Mom! Teacher Min said my voice is an instrument. I'm going to sing now!' At the next session, the mother arrived emotional and tearful, sharing her child's words with the staff. For a family that had walked a long journey with autism, this single experience meant hope and transformation.
Indian Express
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
BTS' Suga's students didn't know he was a star: ‘He always arrived early, read my 500-page textbook, wasn't just a donor,' says hospital's professor
BTS' Suga wasn't just a donor for Severance Hospital. Unlike the other six BTS members, the rapper (Min Yoongi) served in the public sector during his military duty due to an old shoulder injury. In a recent YouTube video, Professor Cheon Keun Ah from the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry shared how Suga didn't just show up to tick a box or fix his DUI image. He came in prepared, had read her 500-page research paper, asked sharp, professional-level questions, and brought real intent to be involved. His sincerity didn't just impress, it convinced the whole team to create MIND: Music, Interaction, Network, Diversity. Also read: BTS' Suga mobilises global ARMY to raise over 200 million won in 24 hours with one quiet, heartfelt gesture According to the professor, before putting any financial donation on the table, Suga first wanted to see if music could actually change the lives of the autistic kids he was hoping to help. And for that, he offered his musical talent first. 'The sessions use music to help children build social and emotional skills through instruments, singing, and writing,' she said. Suga showed up every single weekend —ten sessions, 90 minutes each. 'He never missed a session, showed up before everyone else to practice, he tried hard to meet the kids at their level. His joy was visible, and we were all moved by his sincerity,' Cheon added. 'He wasn't a guest. He was one of us.' None of the children had a clue who he really was, to them, he was just a kind man who played music and made them laugh, she said. 'Thanks to Suga, the children were able to experience the harmony of words and music.' The centre in development is already being seen as a game-changer for autism treatment in Korea. Cheon said it had been her dream project for years, but it only became real when the BTS member got involved. 'His joy was visible,' she repeated. 'He truly cared.' Also read: BTS' Suga hit with TV ban petition over 'dangerous influence' after DUI case The professor recalled how the Daechwita crooner first approached her in November 2024 — about three months after his DUI, which caused a dent in his career and put him under global scrutiny. 'He came to meet me and showed a deep interest in child and adolescent mental health and autism,' she said, adding, 'He had read large portions of a 500-page textbook I wrote, and his questions were sharp and insightful.' He didn't want his name slapped on a plaque. He wanted to actually help. That's how the therapy program took shape. Before returning to his music career, the rapper told her he wanted to stay involved for as long as he could. Suga later donated a staggering ₩5 billion (around $3.6 million) to establish the Min Yoongi Treatment Centre, a special facility set to open this September. As soon as news of Suga broke in public, BTS fans across the globe stepped in to help. Within just a few hours, ARMY raised more than ₩200 million (around $145,000) to support the facility. The numbers are still growing, and hospital staff are overwhelmed with the love and support they are garnering from around the globe. So many donations poured in that the hospital's parent institution, Yonsei University Health System, added a permanent donation button for the Min Yoongi Centre on their website. Suga earlier said that he realised how powerful music can be when used the right way, not just to entertain, but to heal. 'It made me happy to be part of the treatment process for children with autism,' he said. 'I want to keep working so that more kids can live as full members of society.'
Pink Villa
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
What is Min Yoongi Treatment Center? All we know about BTS' SUGA's impressive 5 billion KRW MIND program
BTS member SUGA has donated 5 billion KRW (approx. USD 3.62 million) to fund the establishment of a medical facility. It's dedicated to treating children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). According to a statement released by Severance Hospital on June 23, 2025, the donation will be used to build and operate a new center in Seoul. It'll provide individualized therapies for young patients. This donation marks the largest single financial contribution in the history of both Severance Children's Hospital and its affiliated Yonsei University Medical Center. Center set to open in September The upcoming Min Yoongi Treatment Center, named after SUGA 's legal name, is scheduled to open in September 2025. The center will provide various services for children diagnosed with ASD. They include language development, behavioral support, psychological assessments, and ongoing therapy. A core feature of the center will be the integration of music-based therapeutic activities into conventional treatment plans. It aims to enhance the patients' ability to express emotions and improve communication. 7-month collab with pediatric psychiatry specialist SUGA began working on this project in late 2024, after being introduced to Professor Cheon Geun Ah, a specialist in pediatric psychiatry at Severance Hospital. The two began discussions in November 2024. SUGA expressed interest in exploring how music could be utilized as a form of therapy for children on the autism spectrum. During their collaboration, Professor Cheon shared that customized treatment was difficult to implement within current systems. It's due to a lack of resources and tailored programs. Development of the MIND program As a result of these discussions, SUGA and Professor Cheon jointly created the MIND program. The acronym stands for Music, Interaction, Network, and Diversity. The program is designed to encourage emotional and social interaction through structured musical activities. It includes instrument play, singing, and creative writing. The goal of MIND is to support emotional development and interpersonal relationships in children with autism. Direct involvement in trial program From March to June 2025, SUGA reportedly participated in the development and testing of the MIND program. On weekends, he attended pilot sessions held at the hospital. He observed children's interactions and occasionally guided them through musical exercises. During these sessions, children were encouraged to wait their turn, express their feelings through sound, and collaborate with others in musical activities. According to feedback from medical staff, the presence of structured music sessions had a noticeable impact on the children. SUGA reflects on project SUGA briefly addressed his involvement during the hospital's internal announcement. He stated, 'I genuinely felt that music can be a valuable method for expressing one's feelings and communicating with the world,' as quoted by Koreaboo. He added, 'Being part of the treatment process for children with autism spectrum disorder has been a big blessing and source of happiness for me.' SUGA expressed his intention to remain involved in initiatives that assist children in becoming more integrated members of society.
Korea Herald
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
BTS' Suga donates W5b to support children with autism
Suga, a member of the globally renowned K-pop group BTS, has donated 5 billion won ($3.62 million) to Severance Hospital in Seoul to help build a treatment center named after his real name, supporting children with autism. Severance Hospital held a groundbreaking ceremony for the "Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center" on Friday, according to hospital officials. The new facility, set to open in September, will offer mental health care and therapy for young people with autism spectrum disorder. The center will provide language, psychological and behavioral therapy, and run programs that combine clinical treatment and research. Suga has long supported mental health causes, according to the hospital. "Even while performing with BTS, he has donated to charities and shown a strong interest in helping young people with depression and behavioral issues," it said in a release. "He has sought to find ways to use his music to make a positive difference." Last November, Suga met with Cheon Keun-ah, a child psychiatry expert at Severance, and learned that children with autism need long-term, personalized care. Together with Cheon, Suga helped create a new program called "MIND" (Music, Interaction, Network, Diversity), which uses music to help children with autism develop social skills. Kids in the program play instruments, sing, write lyrics and express their feelings through music. Suga volunteered on weekends from March to this month, meeting children with autism and helping them with music activities. He played the guitar and taught kids to match rhythms, communicate and share their emotions through music. Severance Hospital said the children showed clear improvements in expressing themselves and working with others as the program progressed. The Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center will expand the "MIND" program and create more music-based therapy options after it opens in September, hospital officials said. "I realized that music can be a powerful way to express feelings and communicate with the world. It made me happy to be part of the treatment process for children with autism. I will keep working so that more children can live as members of society." Cheon praised Suga's dedication and said the center's goal is to help children with autism become independent and respected members of society through music.
Los Angeles Times
14-05-2025
- Los Angeles Times
11 coffee shops along the Santa Barbara coast for your next weekend road trip
In my Prius, a notification pops up in the form of a coffee cup topped with steam squiggles and accompanied by a message inquiring, 'Would you like to take a break?' This safety feature is designed to alert drivers to potential drowsiness, but it always makes me smile, because when I'm traveling, coffee shops are often my intended destination. Yes, I would like to take a break. On a recent drive to Santa Barbara wine country, the roads winding north led me through the charming towns of the Santa Ynez Valley, each with a coffee destination, from historic taverns, bakeries and cozy community hubs to modern temples of espresso. With four locations across Santa Barbara and Goleta, Dune Coffee has been roasting rare single-origin and signature blends of coffee beans since 2009. In March, barista Kay Cheon became the 2025 U.S. Barista Champion. During the competition, he explored how the theme of building blocks in coffee — from bean variety and roast to brewing techniques and ingredients — can combine to create something exceptional, even adding colorful Lego props for visuals. This fall, Cheon will compete at the World Barista Championship in Milan, Italy. 'A big part of our community has come along for the barista championship journey, and that's really special to see,' says Cheon. Heading deeper into the Santa Ynez Valley, specialty coffee bars have opened in converted Airstream trailers and Old West saloons. Stop into the airy and bright Little King in Buellton and you are likely to sip a cortado next to a lauded local chef like Brad Mathews of Bar Le Côte in Los Olivos. 'The love for coffee is real in the Santa Ynez Valley,' says Ryan Pelton, a barista at Queen Cup, a shop with locations in Santa Ynez and Los Alamos. 'It's like Sabrina Carpenter's 'Espresso' on repeat.' On your next road trip to Santa Barbara wine country or elsewhere along the Central Coast, follow this trail to some of the best scenic views, tasty baked goods and delicious cups of coffee.
