<h1>BTS Suga’s Quiet Act of Kindness Inspired Korea</h1>

 This past June, one news article set Korea abuzz. BTS member Suga donated 5 billion Korean won (approximately $3.64 million USD) to establish the "Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center" for children with autism spectrum disorder. Another article followed, sharing that BTS’s global fanbase, ARMY, had also joined the donation efforts. Witnessing this powerful wave of goodwill move Korean society brought a lump to my throat.

 

The truth is, people with developmental disabilities are rarely seen in everyday life in Korea. Or more accurately, it’s rare to visibly encounter people with disabilities in general. They are everywhere, yet seemingly nowhere. Most often, they remain at home, in care facilities, or within institutions.

 

While discussing ‘Suga’s donation’ with my husband, he shared his first experience meeting a person with developmental disabilities. Several years ago, his company needed printed booklets and placed an order through a company found online. A young man with developmental disabilities personally delivered the order. There were no issues with the delivery, and my husband later learned that the company was a social enterprise.

 

I’ve also had a few encounters with people with developmental disabilities. One memorable moment happened earlier this year on the subway. A young man, probably in his early twenties and clearly on the spectrum, was riding in the same car. His behavior drew attention, but I found myself in conversation with him. We chatted briefly over a few stops nothing remarkable, mostly small talk and repeated New Year greetings. He asked for several high fives (lol). As others saw us talking, the tension in the car seemed to ease. Someone who had moved seats returned to theirs, and others smiled. The atmosphere became noticeably warmer.

 

The soap purchased at the last cooperative weekly event flea market was made by people with developmental disabilities. (Photo by Milly) 

💖Social Enterprises Empowering People with Developmental Disabilities Deserve the Spotlight

 

Social economy enterprises in Korea work toward creating diverse social values, and some are especially dedicated to the self-reliance of individuals with developmental disabilities. These companies are often founded by parents of children with disabilities or individuals who care deeply about these communities.

 

Their goal is to build sustainable business models that allow people with developmental disabilities to live as full members of society. This can mean offering care services tailored to each stage of life or creating opportunities to make and sell products. What stood out to me was their shared focus: ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities can continue to thrive as they age.

 

Organizations providing care services offer support aligned with each person’s developmental stage, while those offering employment simplify production processes to match their abilities. These companies create environments where individuals can work consistently and live in harmony within their local communities.

 

For these social enterprises, Suga’s donation was more than just generous it was a deeply encouraging and comforting gesture. On the day the news broke, my social media feed filled with heartfelt messages of thanks to Suga.

 

💞Everyday People Can Spark Social Change

 

When public figures draw attention to social issues and act on them, they help move society in a more positive direction. And when these acts of kindness and leadership accumulate, the world can truly change.

 

Yet, even if you’re not famous, people like you and me ordinary citizens can still help create change. Our small, steady steps, alongside the larger strides of social entrepreneurs, can become a powerful force to transform the world.