In brief
During a Wednesday livestream, BTS member V disclosed that he has been battling hearing loss in one ear for over two years, a first for his fans. He explained the uneven hearing levels between his left and right ears, and how the issue worsened during his mandatory military service. V stated he is now receiving medication and regular hospital visits. The revelation came amid the band’s highly-anticipated world tour, which reunited all seven members after their hiatus. Alongside V, Jungkook highlighted a shin injury that could affect performances.
BTS V reveals hearing loss battle during livestream
By Koh Ewe
V, a member of pop sensation BTS, says he has been receiving treatment for hearing loss in one ear, a revelation made during the band’s highly-anticipated world tour.
In a livestream on Wednesday, the 30‑year‑old disclosed that he has dealt with the problem for about two and a half years. He notes this is the first time he has shared the information with the group’s fans.
"If the hearing in my left ear is at 100, it’s only about 30 in my right," V said, explaining the uneven hearing levels between his ears.
The band is currently on its first world tour in years, marking the reunion of all seven members after they went on hiatus for mandatory military service.
During the livestream, V said his hearing worsened while serving in the military and that he had not taken it seriously at first, thinking it was merely a matter of mental strength.
He added that he is now taking medication and visiting the hospital regularly to manage his condition.
All able‑bodied men in South Korea are required to serve 18 months of military service, a duty that was undertaken by BTS members as well. V joined the military in 2023 and was discharged in June 2025.
The Arirang World Tour, which began in April in South Korea, marked the highly‑anticipated reunion of the band’s seven members.
The livestream came after the tour’s concerts in Baltimore, Maryland. V was joined by his bandmate Jungkook, who discussed a shin injury he has been dealing with during the tour, saying he was "on the verge of developing a stress fracture" and that he will need to manage it carefully to keep performing.
In the coming months, the concert tour will bring BTS to cities around the world including Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, Bangkok, Sydney, and Hong Kong.
