BTS’ V Opens Up About His 2-Year Struggle with Hearing Loss
The 30-year-old artist revealed that his right ear is working at 30% capacity only.
by Kyla Villena
Published on Aug 18, 2026
BTS is currently in the middle of their highly anticipated Arirang World Tour. After wrapping up their shows in Baltimore, Maryland, last week, Jungkook and V connected with fans around the world through a livestream.
During the broadcast, the two members of the global pop sensation candidly opened up about some of the challenges they have been facing while on tour. Jungkook revealed that he has been dealing with a shin injury, saying he was “on the verge of developing a stress fracture.” He also shared that he plans to manage the injury carefully so he can continue performing.
Meanwhile, V opened up about a health concern he has been dealing with for more than two years.
BTS V Reveals His Struggle with Hearing Loss
For the first time, V revealed that he has been dealing with hearing loss for about two and a half years. “If the hearing in my left ear is at 100, it's only about 30 in my right,” explained V, born Kim Taehyung.
The Arirang World Tour marks BTS’ first tour since all seven members completed their mandatory military service, which led the group to pause full-group activities for several years. The members began enlisting in 2022, while V started his service in December 2023 and was discharged in June 2025.
During the livestream, V shared that his hearing problem worsened while he was serving in the military.
At first, V believed it was simply “a matter of mental strength,” but eventually realized that the problem required medical attention. He is now taking medication and regularly visiting the hospital for treatment.
Despite his ongoing hearing problems, V continues to perform with BTS on the Arirang World Tour.
The Arirang World Tour continues through March 2027, with BTS set to make stops in Los Angeles, Bangkok, Sydney, and more cities around the world. The group will conclude the tour with two shows at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bulacan on March 13 and 14, 2027.
Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.