BTS star V reveals two-year hearing loss struggle
BTS member V, whose real name is Kim Tae-hyung, has revealed that he has been undergoing treatment for hearing loss in his right ear for more than two years.
The 30-year-old singer shared the information during a livestream on Wednesday, telling fans that this was the first time he had publicly spoken about the condition.
V explained that his hearing in the affected ear is significantly weaker than in his left ear. He said that if his hearing in the left ear is considered 100%, the level in his right ear is around 30%.
The singer said the problem became more noticeable during his mandatory military service in South Korea. However, he initially did not consider the issue serious and believed he could overcome it through mental strength.
V said he is now receiving medical treatment, taking medication and visiting hospital regularly to manage the condition.
His revelation comes as BTS is undertaking its first major world tour since all seven members reunited following their mandatory military service.
BTS members began taking breaks from their group activities in 2022 as they prepared to fulfil their military obligations. V enlisted in 2023 and completed his service in June 2025.
The group’s Arirang World Tour began in South Korea in April and has marked a highly anticipated return of the full seven-member lineup. The latest livestream came after BTS completed its concerts in Baltimore, Maryland.
During the livestream, V was joined by fellow BTS member Jungkook, who also spoke about an injury affecting his shin during the tour.
Jungkook revealed that he was concerned about the injury developing into a stress fracture and said he would need to manage it carefully to continue performing throughout the tour.
BTS is scheduled to travel to several major international destinations in the coming months, including Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, Bangkok, Sydney and Hong Kong.
