Latest news with #Interaction
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.
Mint
23-06-2025
- Health
- Mint
BTS' Suga donates 5 billion won to build autism centre for children, scripts history with music-led therapy programme
BTS member Suga has made a landmark contribution to autism care in South Korea, donating 5 billion won (approximately US $3.62 million) to Seoul's Severance Hospital to support the establishment of a new treatment centre for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The hospital announced the groundbreaking of the "Min Yoon-gi Treatment Centre"—named after Suga's real name—on Friday. Set to open in September, the facility will offer long-term, personalised mental health care, including language, psychological, and behavioural therapy. It will also run integrated programmes combining clinical treatment with research. According to Severance Hospital officials, Suga has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to mental health causes, even while actively performing with BTS. 'Even while performing with BTS, he has donated to charities and shown a strong interest in helping young people with depression and behavioural issues. He has sought to find ways to use his music to make a positive difference,' the hospital said in an official release Suga's involvement goes beyond financial support. In November last year, he met with Dr Cheon Keun-ah, a leading child psychiatry expert at Severance, to better understand the needs of children with autism. This collaboration led to the creation of "MIND" — a new programme standing for Music, Interaction, Network, Diversity — which uses music therapy to help autistic children build social and emotional skills. BTS' Suga poses with the hospital authorities. Throughout the spring, Suga volunteered at the hospital during weekends, engaging directly with children in the MIND programme. He played the guitar, taught rhythm exercises, and guided children in using music to communicate and express emotions. Hospital officials observed significant improvements in the children's communication and cooperation abilities over the course of the programme. Reflecting on his experience, Suga 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 will keep working so that more children can live as members of society." Dr Cheon praised Suga's dedication, noting the centre's long-term mission to help autistic children become independent and respected members of the community. Suga recently completed his 21-month mandatory military service as a social worker. His historic donation and hands-on involvement mark a new chapter in celebrity-led philanthropy and mental health advocacy in South Korea.
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.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Conversational AI veteran Christopher Hieb joins Inbenta
DALLAS, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Inbenta, a global innovator in AI-powered solutions for customer and employee experiences, is proud to announce the addition of Christopher Hieb to its team as Strategic Advisor. With an extensive background in software technology investment banking and expertise in Conversational AI, Customer Interaction Management (CIM), and analytics, Hieb brings invaluable insights to help drive Inbenta's continued growth. 'Christopher's wealth of experience and deep understanding of AI-driven technologies make him an exceptional addition to our advisory team,' said Melissa Solis, CEO of Inbenta. 'His strategic vision and ability to anticipate shifts in the market will be instrumental as we refine our solutions and broaden our reach globally.' Hieb has built a remarkable career in financial services, advising technology-focused clients and guiding investments in AI and CX solutions. He has held senior roles at renowned firms such as DC Advisory, Signal Hill Capital, and Macquarie Group. As a Managing Director, he specialized in software and services, focusing on driving growth in CIM, CXaaS, analytics, and AI-powered applications. In addition to his professional achievements, Hieb is an accomplished author, with two published books — CIM Investment Thesis Insights I and II. These works delve into the evolving landscape of AI-enriched customer interaction solutions and serve as valuable resources for leaders navigating this rapidly advancing field. 'I'm honored to partner with Inbenta as a Strategic Advisor,' Hieb stated. 'AI-powered technologies are transforming business interactions, and Inbenta's innovative solutions are uniquely positioned to address the growing complexity of customer and employee experiences. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at Inbenta as they continue to deliver world-class tools for automation and personalization.' Hieb's appointment coincides with Inbenta's sustained momentum in the AI solutions space. As businesses increasingly adopt Conversational AI to streamline operations and enhance user experiences, Hieb's perspective will assist in shaping Inbenta's strategic growth initiatives in key areas. **About Inbenta** Inbenta is a global leader in AI-powered experience solutions, helping organizations automate interactions, reduce operational costs, and enhance satisfaction across all communication channels. Its state-of-the-art Conversational AI platform helps businesses deliver consistent, personalized, and efficient customer and employee experiences. Trusted by leading brands worldwide, Inbenta is committed to innovation and excellence in everything it does. Want to see Inbenta in action? Book a demo. CONTACT info@ +1 888 995 6936
