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BTS’ V admits hearing loss took a toll

The global pop star revealed that he has significant hearing loss in his right ear, which he said retains only around 30 percent of its hearing capacity.

Pauline Joyce Pascual · Aug 16, 2026, 12:06 AM

KIM Taehyung, member of the global sensation BTS. — PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF HYBE ENTERTAINMENT

BTS member Kim Taehyung, better known as V, has revealed that he has been quietly dealing with significant hearing loss in his right ear for about two and a half years, sharing the condition for the first time with fans during a recent Weverse livestream with bandmate Jungkook.

V said his right ear has retained only around 30 percent of its hearing capacity. He is taking medication and undergoing regular medical check-ups to manage the condition.

The revelation came as V and Jungkook ate together in their hotel room after wrapping up back-to-back concerts at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, as part of BTS’ North American leg of its Arirang World Tour.

As the conversation turned to the physical demands of touring, V shared that he had never previously discussed the condition with ARMY.

“I’ve never told ARMY about this,” V said. “It’s been about two and a half years, but my ears started having problems... I’ve been taking medication consistently.”

V said the condition became noticeably worse during his mandatory military service. He initially thought he simply needed to endure the discomfort, saying, “I thought it was just a matter of mental strength,” which led him to delay seeking proper medical attention.

Jungkook expressed concern during the livestream, reminding V not to overlook health issues or rely solely on willpower when dealing with physical problems.

Despite the challenges hearing loss can pose for a musician, V reassured fans that he is actively managing the condition and continuing to receive medical care while performing onstage.