BTS's Suga Becomes Author with Innovative Music Therapy Manual for Autism

Suga's New Venture as an Author

Min Yoon-gi, known as Suga from BTS, has recently added 'author' to his impressive resume. He has co-written a pioneering therapy manual aimed at utilizing music as a therapeutic tool for children and teenagers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The book, titled The MIND Program, presents a structured methodology for music-based social skills training and is gaining traction among professionals in the medical and educational fields. This initiative was developed in partnership with specialists from Severance Hospital.

Overview of the MIND Program

MIND Program by Suga

The MIND Program, which stands for Music-Interaction-Network-Diversity, serves as a clinical guide for therapists working with young individuals on the autism spectrum. According to Severance Hospital, this program offers a practical framework for employing music to enhance communication skills and emotional awareness in children. Unlike traditional social skills training methods that often depend on language and cognitive abilities, the MIND Program emphasizes musical performance and interaction as its primary therapeutic tools. This approach allows children with varying developmental levels to engage more comfortably and naturally, fostering social interactions through shared musical experiences.

Structure and Development of the Program

The therapy manual is organized into 12 progressive sessions, each aimed at gradually enhancing a participant’s ability to interact and collaborate with peers. The sessions commence with simple interaction exercises and progressively advance to more intricate activities. Over time, participants learn to identify emotions, share information, and ultimately collaborate on joint music projects.

This initiative is the result of a close partnership between Suga and Chun Geun-ah, a prominent figure in child and adolescent psychiatry at Severance Hospital. Their collaboration began in the fall of 2024 when Suga became actively involved in creating innovative therapeutic methods using music.

Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center and Suga's Commitment

Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center

Suga's dedication to this project is evident. In 2024, he made a significant donation of 5 billion won to establish the Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center at Severance Hospital, which officially opened last September and serves as the foundation for the MIND Program.

Professor Chun, the center's inaugural director, has been at the forefront of the program's clinical development. Suga has been actively involved in the planning stages, contributing ideas on how music can enhance social connections among children facing developmental challenges. He also took on a hands-on role during the program's initial phases, volunteering as a music instructor during the pilot program, where he directly engaged with participants and observed the impact of music on communication and teamwork.

Impact and Future Aspirations

In the preface of the therapy manual, Professor Chun emphasized the significance of Suga’s involvement, stating that the project would not have materialized without his support. She expressed hope that the manual would enable therapists and professionals worldwide to implement the program in clinical environments. By sharing the underlying philosophy of the therapy along with comprehensive implementation guidelines, the book aims to make music-based therapy more accessible on a global scale.