At Severance Hospital in Seoul, a new therapeutic basketball program called MIND-PLAY has begun, offering adolescents with autism spectrum disorder a unique pathway to develop social, physical and cognitive abilities.
The initiative, conceived by the hospital’s Min Yoongi Center, was built together with the Korean American Special Education Center, and runs for twelve weeks, matching each participant with a dedicated volunteer for weekly sessions.
Funding for the project came from Min Yoongi, better known internationally as Suga of the K‑pop group BTS, who contributed a 5 billion‑won donation that made the program possible. Beyond his philanthropy, Suga has long championed treatment models that fuse music and sport to nurture interaction skills among children with autism.
A lifelong basketball enthusiast, Suga was appointed NBA ambassador in 2023, a role that underscores his commitment to using the game as a bridge for social connection. The program’s curriculum blends dribbling drills, passing exercises and shooting challenges with structured social interaction, aiming to boost confidence and emotional satisfaction.
Evidence from the Field
A recent report published in the international journal Research in Autism, cited by KASEC, confirms that inclusive basketball activities can significantly improve social competencies and overall health for individuals on the spectrum.
While the basketball sessions progress, the center continues its music‑based therapy, preparing the youngsters for a year‑end performance that will showcase their artistic growth alongside their athletic achievements.