In brief
During a mid‑tour livestream, BTS's V disclosed a long‑standing hearing loss affecting one ear, announced as he and his bandmate Jungkook returned from military service. V said the problem worsened during enlistment but initially viewed it as a "mental strength" issue before seeking medical care. The revelation coincides with their highly‑anticipated world tour, highlighting the demanding schedules of performers. Fans and health advocates call for earlier recognition and treatment of hearing issues among artists.
V, a member of pop sensation BTS, says he has been receiving treatment for hearing loss in one ear, an announcement that comes midway through the band's highly‑anticipated world tour.
In a livestream on Wednesday, the 30‑year‑old singer, Kim Tae‑hyung, revealed that he has dealt with the problem for about two and a half years—an admission he had not made publicly before this moment.
"If the hearing in my left ear is at 100, it’s only about 30 in my right," V explained, citing the significant disparity between his right and left ears.
The band is on its first world tour in years, marking the reunion of all seven members following their mandatory military service hiatus.
During the livestream, V said his hearing got worse when he served in the military, but he initially did not take it seriously, labeling it a "matter of mental strength." He is now taking medication and visiting hospitals regularly.
All able‑bodied South Korean men are required to serve 18 months of military duty. V enlisted in 2023 and was discharged in June 2025.
The Arirang World Tour, launched in South Korea in April, showcases the band's return to full performance. The livestream followed concerts in Baltimore, Maryland.
V was joined by his bandmate Jungkook, who also discussed a shin injury during the tour, noting he was “on the verge of developing a stress fracture.” Jungkook stressed the importance of managing his injury to maintain performance commitments.
In the coming months, the concert tour will take BTS to cities worldwide, including Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, Bangkok, Sydney, and Hong Kong.
