V, a member of the global K-pop group BTS, has shared that he has been receiving treatment for hearing loss in his right ear. The singer, whose real name is Kim Tae-hyung, disclosed this during a livestream on Wednesday, marking the first time he has publicly revealed the issue to fans.
V stated that his hearing in his right ear is currently at approximately 30% compared to 100% in his left. He has been dealing with this condition for about two and a half years, and noted that it worsened during his military service. Initially, he did not take the issue seriously, viewing it as a "matter of mental strength."
He is now reportedly taking medication and attending regular hospital appointments. South Korea mandates military service for most able-bodied men, requiring around 18 months. BTS members began their enlistment in 2022 while at the height of their careers, with V enlisting in 2023 and completing his service in June 2025.
The revelation comes midway through BTS's "Arirang World Tour," which commenced in April in South Korea and signifies the reunion of all seven members following their military hiatus. The livestream occurred shortly after the band concluded concerts in Baltimore, Maryland. During the same livestream, bandmate Jungkook mentioned a shin injury he is managing on the tour, stating he is "on the verge of developing a stress fracture" and needs to carefully manage it to continue performing.
The tour is scheduled to continue in various cities worldwide, including Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, Bangkok, Sydney, and Hong Kong.