Rabat – During a livestream on August 12, BTS member V, whose full name is Kim Tae-hyung, revealed for the first time that he has been dealing with hearing loss in his right ear for about two and a half years. He explained that his hearing deteriorated further while he was completing his mandatory military service.
According to V, he initially dismissed the issue, believing it was something he could overcome through mental strength rather than medical treatment.
He also described a significant difference in hearing between his two ears, saying his hearing on one side was around 100, while the other was only about 30.
After his condition worsened, he finally sought professional treatment and began taking medication.
The news comes as BTS is in the middle of its long-awaited return to the global stage.
The group resumed activities with all seven members following a period in which they stepped away from group promotions to complete South Korea’s mandatory military service.
The group launched its “Arirang” World Tour in South Korea in April, marking its first major global tour with the complete seven-member lineup in years.
BTS is expected to remain on the road in the coming months, with performances planned in major cities including Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, Bangkok, Sydney, and Hong Kong.
For fans celebrating the group’s return, the tour has also offered a reminder of the physical toll that comes with performing on a global scale.
