BTS member V has opened up about his suffering from significant hearing loss in one ear for two years, a condition he says worsened during his mandatory military service.
Kim Tae-hyung revealed his health battle for the first time during a Weverse livestream on Wednesday, August 12, after the group’s concert in Baltimore, Maryland.
V told fans: “If the hearing in my left ear is at 100, it’s only about 30 in my right.” He explained that the problem started around two and a half years ago but initially dismissed it as “a matter of mental strength,” especially during his military service when surrounded by others who emphasised physical resilience.
V said: “I got a little worse in the military, and since I was surrounded by people who exercised a lot.” He said that everyone around him tried to convince him it was a matter of mental strength, so “after that I kind of convinced myself that it was a matter of mental strength.”
Later, his bandmate Jungkook also joined the livestream, cautioning against that mindset and stressing the importance of consistent health care. V confirmed he is now taking medication and attending regular hospital appointments.
The revelation comes midway through BTS’s Arirang World Tour, the group’s first major tour since all seven members completed their compulsory military service.
Jungkook also shared his own health concerns during the livestream, revealing he has managed a shin injury throughout the tour.
