BTS Member V Reveals Significant Hearing Loss Worsened During Military Service
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- V, a member of the K-pop group BTS, revealed he is experiencing significant hearing loss in his right ear.
- The condition worsened during his mandatory military service, which he completed between 2023 and 2025.
- V is currently receiving regular medication and hospital treatment, but has not disclosed a specific diagnosis or cause.
V, a member of the globally acclaimed K-pop group BTS, has disclosed that he is suffering from significant hearing loss in his right ear. The artist shared this personal health challenge during a live broadcast on the fan platform Weverse, accompanied by bandmate Jungkook.
"If I hear 100 with this ear, I only hear 30 with this one," V stated, illustrating the severity of his condition. He explained that the symptoms began to worsen during his mandatory military service, a period he served from 2023 to 2025. At the time, influenced by the intense training environment, he initially considered the issue a matter of mental fortitude.
V, whose real name is Kim Tae-hyung, confirmed that he is currently undergoing regular medical treatment, including medication and hospital visits. However, he refrained from revealing a specific diagnosis or the exact cause of his hearing impairment. The revelation comes amidst BTS's ongoing world tour, 'Arirang World Tour,' which marks the septet's return to the stage after all members fulfilled their military duties.
The tour has not been without its physical challenges for the group. During their comeback concert in Seoul in March, leader RM performed with his ankle in a cast following an injury sustained during rehearsal. BTS is scheduled to perform next in Arlington, Texas, on August 15.
If I hear 100 with this ear, I only hear 30 with this one.
Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.