V, a member of the globally recognized K-pop group BTS, has disclosed that he is undergoing treatment for hearing loss in his right ear. The 30-year-old singer, whose real name is Kim Tae-hyung, shared this personal health update during a livestream on Wednesday.
He explained that the hearing issue has been a challenge for approximately two and a half years, becoming more pronounced while he was serving in the military. Initially, V did not prioritize the condition, attributing it to a matter of mental fortitude. However, he is now receiving medication and attending regular hospital appointments. V stated that if the hearing in his left ear is at 100%, his right ear's hearing is functioning at about 30%.
V is currently participating in BTS's extensive 79-date world tour, marking the group's first tour together since members began their mandatory military service. The tour kicked off in April in South Korea.
South Korea mandates 18 months of military service for most able-bodied men. BTS members began their enlistment in 2022, a period when the group was at the peak of its international fame. V enlisted in 2023 and was discharged in June 2025. The current tour, dubbed the Arirang World Tour, represents a significant reunion for the seven members of BTS.
The livestream took place shortly after the band concluded its concerts in Baltimore, Maryland. During the broadcast, V was joined by bandmate Jungkook, who also addressed a shin injury he has been managing during the tour. Jungkook described his injury as being on the verge of a stress fracture and emphasized the need for careful management to continue performing.
Aside from V and Jungkook, BTS comprises members Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, and Jimin. The group is scheduled to perform in 34 cities globally in the coming months, including stops in Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, Bangkok, Sydney, London, Mexico City, and Hong Kong.
Earlier this year, BTS notified their fanbase, known as ARMY, via mail about the end of their four-year hiatus and the release of their tenth studio album on March 20. The album was accompanied by handwritten letters from the members, expressing anticipation for their reunion. RM wrote, "Waiting for (this comeback) more than anyone else." Jimin and J-Hope referred to 2026 as "the year we finally meet again," while Suga anticipated, "Let's have a joyful year together!" V added, "In 2026, we'll make even more and even better memories together. So please look forward to it!" Jungkook committed to "keep doing my best, just as I always have." Jin expressed his excitement to greet fans again as part of the team after his solo activities.
Discharge dates for the members have varied. RM and V completed their service and were photographed on June 10, 2025. Jungkook and Jimin were photographed after their discharge on June 11, 2025. Suga was the final member to conclude his service on June 21, while Jin and J-Hope finished their duties in 2024. BTS, whose members range in age from 28 to 33, has sold over 500 million records worldwide. Individually, all seven members have achieved over 2 billion streams on Spotify as solo artists.