Latest news with #Daechwita
Indian Express
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Suga is the Eminem of K-pop': Grammy-winning producer reveals why the West wants to work with the singer
BTS member SUGA kicked off a solo world tour before heading to the military, spanning 102 days across 10 countries, including the United States. The rapper of the seven-member boy band saw his popularity hit a whole new high. But apart from being a performer, SUGA is known for producing his own music—something he's been obsessed with since childhood. He's done it for big names in the industry like Heize, IU, PSY, OMI, Suran, and even Jungkook. But according to Grammy-winning producer Frankie Biggz, SUGA isn't just another idol. His music is now being recognised overseas, and he's changing how people view producers in the K-pop space. Biggz even compared his authenticity to that of U.S. rapper Eminem. Also read: 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 Biggz, who's worked with names like Kanye West, 50 Cent, and Eminem, was recently interviewed by Honorary Reporters, a program backed by South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. He praised the 'Daechwita' hitmaker for proving that music producers don't always need to stay behind the curtain. They can create beats, master albums, and take full control, on stage, on tour, and on charts worldwide, all at once. What really struck him was how SUGA does it all while being part of one of the most influential groups in the world. A group whose voice reaches even the UN, yet here's a guy still handling every inch of his creative process, start to finish. 'So, for SUGA to be doing what he's doing, he had to be obsessed with it. He was obsessed even before he became a member of BTS,' Biggz said. Also read: BTS' V turns heads in black tank top at RunSeokjin tour; RM, J-Hope bust out dance moves to Super Tuna To Biggz, SUGA's already carved a niche that puts him at the top of every Western label's wish-list. 'He's an amazing artiste, he looks great, the camera loves him, and he has millions of fans around the world; that's a very attractive quality for any Western label. Secondly, it's not just for show. He attracts Western artistes because he is one of the most talented people on earth.' Artistes like him aren't just collaborators, they are someone who bridges the gap, the producer emphasised. 'When it comes to breaking through, when it comes to who's going to be the first to introduce a sound, who's going to be the first to carve their way through all of that, he's winning,' Biggz said. Since SUGA understands both Korean and Western sounds, he's in a unique spot to connect the two, and the industry trusts him to do just that. 'But I think that SUGA is just a chameleon in terms of production,' he added. Biggz also pointed out what separates legends like Kanye and Eminem: 'that maniacal obsession with their careers,' something he clearly sees in SUGA too. Drawing a direct comparison to Eminem, he said: 'He has that presence. He has that authenticity, like Eminem, SUGA carries himself with respect, but if someone offends one of his team members, you're going to have to talk to him first.' 'In the future, K-pop will likely have an increasing influence on global trends,' Biggz said, adding, 'Min Yoongi can become a conduit for Western professionals into the Korean industry, demonstrating that professionalism and respect for the process are universal values of the Korean music industry.' The producer acknowledged that while he isn't sure what kind of life SUGA lived in his early days, one thing he's certain of is that this kind of resilience, understanding, presence, and toughness, those genuine qualities, don't come from a perfect life situation.
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.'
Indian Express
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
BTS' Suga mobilises global ARMY to raise over 200 million won in 24 hours with one quiet, heartfelt gesture
BTS' Suga aka Min Yoongi, had been quietly working on a special project for the last seven months without public knowledge. The K-pop member, who recently completed his public service and is now preparing for a major musical comeback, reportedly donated 5 billion won (around $3.6 million) to Severance Hospital in Seoul. The donation is to build a treatment centre for children with autism. K-pop media outlets reported that the Daechwita crooner didn't just donate the sum, he was also directly involved in the project, having worked with doctors, visited kids, and funded a special music-based therapy program. As soon as the news broke, thousands of fans across the globe flooded the donation centre with generous contributions. Also read: Every BTS member's brand power ranked after military discharge; Jimin, Jungkook lead June K-pop reputation index According to Korea JoongAng Daily, on Tuesday around 9 a.m., public donations for the Autism Centre had crossed 200 million won, approximately $145,000 USD, just hours after Suga's contribution was made public, Severance Hospital said in a statement. (Within just six hours, donations topped 100 million won.) The revelation came during the facility's groundbreaking ceremony, and at the time of writing, donations continue to pour in. The new centre, named the Min Yoongi Treatment Centre and currently under construction, is expected to open in September 2025. It will include dedicated facilities for children's mental health care, offering therapy for language, behaviour, and emotional development. Another wing of the department will focus on combining clinical treatment with academic research. On social media, Korean netizens helped translate the donation instructions into multiple languages and shared them to let people from around the world contribute. In response to the overwhelming support, Yonsei University Health System (which manages the hospital) even added a permanent donation section on their website for the Min Yoongi Centre. Also read: BTS is home: But why ARMY's energy just isn't the same anymore; analysing 5 factors For the project, Suga partnered with Dr. Chun Geun A, a top child psychiatrist at Severance Hospital, and together they came up with the idea of MIND (short for Music, Interaction, Network, Diversity). The initiative will let autistic kids use music as a way to express their emotions and connect better with others. During his military service in the public welfare sector, Suga spent weekends at the hospital. It was reported that the singer often spent a lot of time in the hospital playing guitar for the kids, volunteering, and doctors noticed real improvements in how the kids communicated. Earlier, the rapper had said, 'I realised 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'll keep working so more children can live as full members of society.' The centre is now shaping up to become one of South Korea's most progressive facilities for autism therapy.
India Today
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
BTS SUGA donates 5 billion won to autism project after military discharge
Just a few days after getting discharged from social service work, BTS member SUGA, also known as Min Yoongi, has pledged five billion won (approx Rs 31.26 crore) to an autism hospital in South to Korea Joongang Daily, SUGA has donated to Severance Hospital to establish the Min Yoon-gi Centre. This marks the largest single donation by any K-pop idol to a hospital is known for showing a keen interest in supporting autistic children and teenagers, especially in preventing depression and how music might aid their process, the newspaper reported. According to the hospital, the 'Daechwita' singer also took part in developing a music therapy program by attending sessions on weekends from March to June this year during his leave from the social work service. According to reports, SUGA said, 'While I was preparing the program with Prof Cheon Keun-ah and doing volunteer work, I learned how music can become a pathway for communication and self-expression. It has been such a pleasure and privilege to join the journey of supporting autistic children.'The Min Yoon-gi Centre is designed to aid the MIND program, music, interaction, networking, and diversity. It aims to provide language, psychiatric, and behavioural support, therapy, and various programs for autistic individuals. The rapper has donated funds to support long-term treatment programs for over 10 Min Yoon-gi Centre will be located at Severance Hospital's Sinchon branch. Its completion is expected in September this who began his social service in December 2023, officially wrapped up his duties last week. Shortly after his discharge, he shared a heartfelt message with fans on Weverse. 'I've spent the past 2 years thinking deeply about myself. I also felt the need to take a step back, especially from the work I'd been doing for so long and distance myself (and look at it),' the note read.- EndMust Watch
Korea Herald
28-04-2025
- Korea Herald
Serene evening stroll through royal palace: Gyeongbok Palace to offer nighttime tours
Nighttime tours of Gyeongbok Palace will begin next month, offering visitors a chance to experience the serene atmosphere of the historic site nestled in downtown Seoul, organizers said Monday. The Korea Heritage Service announced it will host its annual spring nighttime tours of the palace from May 8 to June 15, with visiting hours from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Every spring and autumn, the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) opens its gates at night -- a rare occasion, as the palace is typically closed after dark. The program allows visitors to enjoy a peaceful stroll through the palace grounds, which are beautifully illuminated with special lighting that highlights the grandeur of the historic architecture under the moonlight. This year's spring event will also feature performances of traditional court music. Members of the National Gugak Center will perform pieces such as Yeominrak, Suryongeum, and Daechwita near the Sujeong Pavilion from May 21 to 24. All visitors, except foreigners, are required to make online reservations in advance. The nighttime tours will not be available on Mondays, Tuesdays, and on June 4, when the palace will be closed as an alternative holiday. (Yonhap)
