In brief
BTS member V disclosed that he has been managing hearing loss in one ear for over two years in a live stream that drew fans worldwide. The announcement came as the group resumed its world tour following mandatory military service for the members. V described hearing levels of 100 in his left ear versus 30 in his right and explained he began treatment only after the issue worsened in the army. The discussion also touched on Korean cultural expectations of service, the stigma around health challenges, and the pressures faced by high‑profile artists. During the same session, fellow member Jungkook highlighted a shin injury, underscoring the tour’s physical demands.
During a mid‑week livestream that reached millions of followers, 30‑year‑old Kim Tae‑Hyung—better known as V of the pop‑phenomenon BTS—confessed that he has been treating hearing loss in one ear for roughly two and a half years. The 2011‑breakthrough band, now on its first world tour since the group’s members completed Korea’s compulsory 18‑month military service, was the backdrop for V’s candid statement.
V explained the disparity between his ears, quoting a 100‑point hearing level on the left side against a 30‑point level on the right. He also noted that the problem intensified during his enlistment—a fact he initially dismissed as a “mental strength” issue common in the rigorous training environment of the armed forces. The livestream revealed that he now regularly visits hospitals and takes medication.
The disclosure sparked conversation beyond music, highlighting Korea’s cultural expectation that able‑bodied men serve in the military, and the societal stigma surrounding disabilities among public figures. Public health commentators point out that hearing loss is often underdiagnosed, especially in high‑performance groups where subtle deficits can be overlooked.
Notably, V’s fellow bandmate Jungkook joined the broadcast and spoke about a shin injury that may develop into a stress fracture, emphasizing how the tour’s relentless schedule tests the physical limits of performers. Both members contextualized the challenges within the broader scope of global health—once for muscular injury, once for sensory impairment—underscoring a growing trend of artists prioritizing wellness amidst fierce demand.
With the Arirang World Tour continuing to cities from Los Angeles to Bangkok, all seven members’ health, stamina and openness have become key narratives for fans worldwide.
