BTSâ Kim Taehyung Opens Up About Losing 70% of His Hearing Power

BTS member Kim Taehyung, better known as V, has opened about a health issue he had kept private for nearly two and a half years. During a recent Weverse livestream with fellow BTS member Jungkook, V revealed that he has been receiving ongoing medical treatment for significant hearing loss in his right ear. The disclosure came as the two relaxed in their hotel room after performing back-to-back concerts at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, during the North American leg of BTS’ Arirang World Tour.

While discussing the physical demands of touring, V told fans that his ears had been causing problems for about two and a half years. He explained that while his hearing in one ear remains at full capacity, the other is functioning at roughly 30 percent. He also said that he has been taking medication consistently as part of his treatment.

V noted that he had never previously shared the issue with ARMY, BTS’ global fanbase. His candid revelation offered fans a rare glimpse into the physical challenges he has been dealing with while continuing to perform on an international stage.

The singer’s comments have drawn attention to the pressures artists can face during demanding tour schedules, while also highlighting his decision to continue working despite quietly managing the condition.

taehyung having to switch sides when bts members are talking to him because he lost 70% of hearing in one ear is so hard to watch. he stated on live that the pain started before going to the military and has only gotten worse. as a musician this must be a difficult change for him pic.twitter.com/3V18rt10na

— ♡ (@thatssosmiley) August 12, 2026

According to V, his hearing deteriorated further while he was serving in the South Korean military, which lasted from December 2023 to June 2025. Like other able-bodied South Korean men, BTS members were required to complete roughly 18 months of mandatory service, leading the group to pause activities after reaching global fame in 2022.

V initially dismissed his hearing difficulties, thinking he could overcome them through mental strength rather than recognizing them as a medical issue. However, as the symptoms continued and worsened, he eventually sought medical attention. He is now taking medication and receiving regular treatment at the hospital.

�아미분들한테 한번� 얘기를 안 드렸지만 2년 반 �나? 귀가 안 좋아져가지구
�그래� 최근� 병�� 갔다 와서 빼가지구 괜찮아졌나? 아니면 다시 �아가지
�� 한 달 뒤면? 제가 요기가 지금 여기가 100 정� 들리면 여기는 30밖� 안 들려요
�그거 관리 잘해야�
ðŸ�»ê·¸ëž˜ì„œ 꾸준히 약 먹고… pic.twitter.com/y6mfo5DfJl

— 안달.mp4 (@v1230mp4) August 12, 2026

During the same livestream, Jungkook revealed that he has been struggling with a painful shin injury while on tour. He explained that the injury had developed significant inflammation and was at a stage just before becoming a stress fracture. Despite the discomfort, Jungkook said he plans to carefully manage the condition so he can continue performing for the remaining tour dates.

BTS’ Arirang World Tour will continue for several months, with upcoming stops across North America, South America, Asia and Oceania. The group’s return to touring after its military hiatus has become one of the year’s biggest music events, with tickets selling out rapidly worldwide.

Also Read: BTS: V and Jungkook’s Fallon Moment Goes Viral After ‘kissing’ Mix-up