The 30-year-old singer, whose real name is Kim Tae-hyung, shared the update during a livestream on Wednesday, marking the first time he had spoken publicly to fans about the condition.
The revelation comes as BTS is in the middle of its Arirang World Tour, the group’s first major tour since all seven members completed their mandatory military service. The tour supports the group’s latest album Arirang and is scheduled to continue through 2027.
V Says His Hearing Became Worse During Military Service
V gave fans a striking comparison when describing the difference between his ears. “If the hearing in my left ear is at 100, it’s only about 30 in my right,” he said during the livestream.
Source: Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The singer also revealed that the issue had become more pronounced while he was serving in the military. At first, however, he did not view the problem as something that required immediate medical attention. “I thought it was a matter of mental strength,” V said, describing how he initially approached the changes in his hearing.
He has since sought medical care and is now taking medication as part of his treatment. V also said that he regularly visits the hospital as he continues to manage the condition.
The timing of the revelation is particularly notable given the scale of BTS’ current return to the stage. The Arirang World Tour began in April and has already taken the group across Asia, North America and Europe, with additional dates scheduled in the United States and other international markets through 2027.
V’s comments came shortly after BTS’ latest Baltimore concerts on August 10 and 11, with the tour continuing to Arlington, Texas, later this week. The group is scheduled to perform dozens more shows before the tour concludes next year.
