BTS's V discloses hearing loss during livestream

BTS member V (Kim Tae-hyung) announced during a livestream that he has been dealing with hearing loss in his right ear for about two and a half years. He said it was the first time he shared the issue with fans. The revelation came after the band’s concert in Baltimore, Maryland, as part of their ongoing world tour.

What V said

During the livestream, V explained that hearing in his left ear is at about 100 percent, while his right ear functions at roughly 30 percent. He noted that the problem began to worsen while he was serving mandatory military service in South Korea. Initially he did not take it seriously, attributing it to mental strength, but now he is taking medication and attending regular hospital appointments.

Tour and military service

V enlisted in the military in 2023 and was discharged in June 2025, joining his BTS bandmates who had paused their careers for service. The group’s Arirang World Tour started in April in South Korea, marking the first time all seven members have performed together since the hiatus. After the Baltimore show, the livestream took place, and bandmate Jungkook mentioned he is managing a shin injury to avoid a stress fracture. The tour will continue with stops in Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, Bangkok, Sydney and Hong Kong.