BTS Star V Discloses Two-Year Hearing Loss Battle During World Tour
Bbc · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago3 MIN
Summary
BTS member V (Kim Tae-hyung) has publicly disclosed his battle with hearing loss, revealing that his right ear has only 30 percent hearing capacity compared to his normal left ear. The 30-year-old pop star shared this personal health information during a Weverse livestream with bandmate Jungkook following a concert in Baltimore, Maryland. This marks the first time V has spoken publicly about the condition, which he says began during his military service and has persisted for about two and a half years. Despite needing regular medical treatment and medication, V continues performing as BTS embarks on its first world tour since the group reunited following mandatory military service for all seven members.
Key Points
- V disclosed that his right ear has only 30 percent hearing capacity while his left ear remains at full 100 percent, a condition persisting for approximately two and a half years
- The hearing problems began during his military service starting December 2023, and he was discharged in June 2025, though sources indicate June 2024
- V initially dismissed the symptoms, believing they were related to insufficient mental resilience rather than a physical medical condition
- Bandmate Jungkook also revealed a serious shin injury during the livestream, disclosing he is on the verge of developing a stress fracture in his tibia
- The Arirang World Tour kicked off in April 2025 in South Korea and will continue to cities including Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, Bangkok, Sydney, and Hong Kong
Why It Matters
The revelation highlights the physical toll that demanding performance schedules and military service have placed on BTS members. As the first world tour since their reunion following mandatory military service, the Arirang World Tour represents a significant milestone for both the group and their global fanbase. The disclosure also brings attention to hearing health awareness, particularly in the entertainment industry where artists are constantly exposed to high decibel environments.
Additional Context
V and Jungkook's health disclosures came after the band wrapped concerts in Baltimore, Maryland, part of the North American leg of their world tour. Both artists emphasized that while managing their respective health conditions presents challenges, they remain committed to completing the tour. BTS, formed in 2013, has become one of the world's best-selling music artists, and their reunion tour has been highly anticipated by fans worldwide.
The revelation highlights the physical toll that demanding performance schedules and military service have placed on BTS members. As the first world tour since their reunion following mandatory military service, the Arirang World Tour represents a significant milestone for both the group and their global fanbase. The disclosure also brings attention to hearing health awareness, particularly in the entertainment industry where artists are constantly exposed to high decibel environments.
Additional Context
V and Jungkook's health disclosures came after the band wrapped concerts in Baltimore, Maryland, part of the North American leg of their world tour. Both artists emphasized that while managing their respective health conditions presents challenges, they remain committed to completing the tour. BTS, formed in 2013, has become one of the world's best-selling music artists, and their reunion tour has been highly anticipated by fans worldwide.