BTS's V Reveals Significant Hearing Loss in Right Ear, Sparking Fan Concern

BTS member V (Kim Tae-hyung; 김태형) recently made a rare disclosure about his health during a livestream, revealing that he began experiencing hearing problems approximately two and a half years ago. Symptoms intensified during his military service. He shared that if his left ear's hearing is at 100%, his right ear's capacity is only around 30%. V is currently taking medication and receiving treatment, which has caused considerable worry among fans.

According to Korean media reports, V and fellow member Jung Kook (Jeon Jung-kook; 전정국) held a livestream on a fan platform on the 12th. The two chatted with fans while eating and diligently answered various questions. However, the most talked-about topic that day was their health.

Jung Kook first mentioned that he had visited the hospital for a “stress fracture,” after which V unexpectedly admitted that he had also recently been to the hospital.

V then suddenly told fans, “Although I’ve never told ARMY (the fandom name) before, it’s been about two and a half years, right?” He continued, “My ear has gotten worse.” He further explained the difference in hearing between his ears: “If this side (left ear) can hear about 100 now, then this side (right ear) can only hear 30.” Hearing V’s statement, Jung Kook couldn’t help but remind him, “You need to manage that well.” V responded, “That’s why I’ve been continuously taking medication.”

Discussing the origin of his hearing problem, V revealed that his condition worsened during his military service. “After it got worse in the military, weren’t there a lot of people around who loved to exercise and were full of fighting spirit? So everyone around me just said it was a matter of willpower.” V even joked, “Later, it was like I was hypnotized, and I kept thinking it was a matter of willpower…” He then paused his explanation.

Upon hearing this, Jung Kook immediately responded with concern, “You can’t do that.” V quickly reassured fans, emphasizing that he is currently “diligently going to the hospital” and continuously receiving medical examinations and treatment.

Observers believe that V’s remarks suggest he may have been told by those around him during his service that his physical condition was due to a lack of “mental strength,” potentially causing him to miss the optimal time for treatment. This has made fans particularly sympathetic.

V entered the Nonsan Army Training Center in December 2023 for training and was subsequently assigned to the Republic of Korea Army’s 2nd Corps Military Police Special Duty Team (SDT) for service. He is scheduled to be discharged in June 2025. Since his enlistment, V has occasionally shared anecdotes about his military life with fans through livestreams. Recently, a fellow soldier who served with him posted online, praising V as “the most outstanding person in our squad,” which unexpectedly sparked discussion.

Meanwhile, BTS members are currently fulfilling their mandatory military service, with the group expected to reconvene in 2025. The information about a world tour, including dates in Foxborough, Baltimore, and Arlington, appears to be outdated or incorrect, as the group is not actively touring while members are enlisted.