BTS member V, whose real name is Kim Tae-hyung, has disclosed that he is undergoing treatment for hearing loss in his right ear, a condition he has been managing for approximately two and a half years. The 30-year-old pop sensation shared this personal health update during a livestream on Wednesday.
V is currently in the midst of the band's extensive 79-date world tour, the first in several years for the group, marking a reunion of all seven members following their hiatus for mandatory military service.
During the livestream, V explained that his hearing issues became more pronounced while he was serving in the military. Initially, he did not take the condition seriously, attributing it to "a matter of mental strength." He is now receiving medication and attending regular hospital visits.
"If the hearing in my left ear is at 100, it's only about 30 in my right," V stated during the broadcast. His livestream followed the band's concerts in Baltimore, Maryland.
In South Korea, mandatory military service is a requirement for most able-bodied men, typically lasting 18 months. The members of BTS began their military enlistments in 2022, during a period of peak global fame.
V enlisted in the military in 2023 and was discharged in June 2025. The Arirang World Tour, which commenced in April in South Korea, signifies the reunion of the group's seven members: Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook.
Also present during the livestream was bandmate Jungkook, who discussed a shin injury he is managing during the tour, describing it as being "on the verge of developing a stress fracture." He emphasized the importance of managing the injury to continue performing.
Looking ahead, BTS is scheduled to perform in 34 cities worldwide, including Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, Bangkok, Sydney, London, Mexico City, and Hong Kong. Earlier this year, the group, nominated five times for Grammy Awards, informed their fanbase, ARMY, via mail that their four-year hiatus had concluded and their tenth studio album was set for release on March 20.
According to the Korea Times, handwritten letters from all members were included with the announcement. 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 expressed, "Let's have a joyful year together!" V anticipated, "In 2026, we'll make even more and even better memories together. So please look forward to it!" Jungkook added, "My heart has always been the same. I'll keep doing my best, just as I always have." Jin remarked, "I've greeted you as a solo artist over the past two years. And now I finally get to greet you again as part of the team."
Jungkook and Jimin were photographed after their military discharge on June 11, 2025, in Yeoncheon-gun. RM and V were photographed a day earlier upon their discharge in Chuncheon. Suga completed his service on June 21, with Jin and J-Hope finishing their duties in 2024.
BTS, whose members range in age from 28 to 33, has sold over 500 million records. On Spotify, they average 36.5 million monthly listeners, and all seven members have individually surpassed 2 billion streams on the platform.