BTS star V reveals hearing loss battle during livestream
The K-pop star says he has suffered hearing issues for over two years before revealing it publicly this week.
During a recent livestream, V, a member of the globally renowned pop group BTS, disclosed that he has been grappling with hearing difficulties for over two years. This revelation comes as the band is in the midst of their much-anticipated world tour.
The 30-year-old artist, whose birth name is Kim Tae-hyung, shared on Wednesday that he has been undergoing treatment for hearing loss in one ear. He explained that he has been experiencing this issue for approximately two and a half years, and this livestream marked the first time he had shared this personal struggle with the band's fanbase.
V elaborated on the extent of his condition, stating, "If the hearing in my left ear is at 100, it's only about 30 in my right."
The band is currently undertaking their first world tour in several years, a significant event that reunites all seven members following their hiatus for mandatory military service. V noted that his hearing deteriorated further while he was serving in the military. Initially, he admitted, he didn't treat the problem with the seriousness it warranted, mistakenly believing it to be "a matter of mental strength." He confirmed that he is now on medication and attends regular hospital visits for his condition.
In South Korea, nearly all able-bodied men are mandated to complete 18 months of military service. This requirement extended to the members of BTS, who, at the peak of their global fame in 2022, began taking breaks from their careers to enlist. V himself enlisted in 2023 and is scheduled for discharge in June 2025.
The Arirang World Tour, which commenced in April in South Korea, signifies the highly anticipated reunion of the band's seven members. The livestream on Wednesday took place after the band concluded their concerts in Baltimore, Maryland.
V was joined during the livestream by fellow bandmate Jungkook, who also spoke about a personal health challenge. Jungkook revealed he has been dealing with a shin injury during the tour, stating he was "on the verge of developing a stress fracture." He emphasized the importance of managing his injury effectively to continue performing.
In the upcoming months, the concert tour is set to bring BTS to various international cities, including Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, Bangkok, Sydney, and Hong Kong.