In brief
During a recent livestream, V, one of BTS's star members, disclosed that he has been treating hearing loss in one ear for more than two years. He stated that while his left ear retains full hearing, his right ear has a 30‑level deficit, a condition that worsened during his army service. V emphasizes current treatment, including medication and regular hospital visits. This moment came as BTS completes a high‑profile world tour after their members reassembled following mandatory military obligations. Announcements of V’s health and fellow member Jungkook’s shin injury draw attention to the physical pressures of touring.
BTS V Opens Up About Hearing Loss
In a candid livestream, V—whose real name is Kim Tae‑hyung—announced that he has been managing hearing loss in one ear for roughly two and a half years.
V explained that his left ear holds full hearing, while his right ear registers a dramatic 30‑level deficit, a discrepancy he noted in a cheerful tone. The condition, he said, worsened during his 18‑month military service, but he initially treated it lightly, thinking it was a matter of mental strength.
To address the hearing issue, V has begun medication and is making regular hospital visits. He emphasized the importance of active treatment, especially as he balances medical care with the demands of touring.
The livestream took place as BTS bowed out of shows in Baltimore, Maryland. V was joined by his bandmate Jungkook, who revealed that he is battling a shin injury that could lead to a stress fracture if not managed correctly.
BTS is on its highly anticipated world tour after a hiatus that included full military enlistment for every member. The group’s reunion marked their first global tour in years, covering cities such as Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, Bangkok, Sydney and Hong Kong.
