BTS V Opens Up About Hearing Loss Battle During Livestream

During a Wednesday livestream, 30‑year‑old V, part of the global K‑pop phenomenon BTS, revealed that he has been dealing with hearing loss in one ear for roughly two and a half years. This was the first public disclosure of the issue to the band’s fan base.

He explained that his left ear has an 100‑point hearing level, while the right ear is at about 30. The hearing deterioration began during his military service, a common 18‑month obligation for able‑bodied South Korean men.

Initially, V downplayed the problem, dismissing it as a challenge of "mental strength", but he has since begun medication and regular hospital visits.

The disclosure comes amid BTS’s comeback world tour, the first since members reunited after completing their respective enlistments. The tour has already hit cities including Baltimore, and will continue to cities worldwide, such as Los Angeles, Buenos Aires and Sydney.

V was joined by bandmate Jungkook during the livestream, who also discussed a shin injury that could lead to a stress fracture if not managed.