In brief
During a livestream, V, the 30‑year‑old singer of BTS, disclosed that he has been suffering from hearing loss in one ear for over two and a half years. He explained that his left ear retains 100% hearing while his right ear only has about 30%. The diagnosis coincided with his mandatory military service, a period during which his hearing deteriorated. V is now undergoing treatment, including medication and regular hospital visits. The revelation comes as BTS heads back on its world tour, highlighting the group’s commitment to health while performing globally.
V, a member of the globally acclaimed K‑pop sensation BTS, announced that he has been receiving treatment for hearing loss in one ear for roughly two and a half years.
The 30‑year‑old revealed the news in a livestream held on Wednesday, marking the first time he disclosed this health issue to the band’s fanbase.
“If the hearing in my left ear is at 100, it’s only about 30 in my right,” V shared, referencing the stark contrast between his ears.
The decline in hearing began during V’s mandatory military service, a period when most able‑bodied South Korean men, including the BTS members, serve for 18 months.
Initially, V did not view the condition as a serious issue, describing it as a mere “mental strength” test, but he has now begun medication and regular hospital visits to manage the condition.
The announcement follows BTS’s first world tour in years, a reunion of all seven members after their individual military duties. The tour, which began in South Korea in April, will culminate with performances in cities such as Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, Bangkok, Sydney and Hong Kong.
During the recent livestream, V was joined by fellow member Jungkook, who discussed a shin injury that threatens a potential stress fracture.
Jungkook stressed the importance of managing his injury to maintain the band’s high‑energy performances.
As the band continues to tour globally, fans and industry observers will watch closely to see how V’s hearing loss and Jungkook’s shin injury shape the group's performances.
