“One Ear Hears at Just 30%”: BTS Member V Reveals Hearing Problems

BTS member V has opened up to fans for the first time about his hearing problems. During a livestream, the 30-year-old singer revealed that he has been undergoing treatment for hearing loss in one ear for around two and a half years.

According to the singer, the difference between his ears is significant: while he considers the hearing in his left ear to be roughly 100%, he can hear only about 30% with his right ear.

“If the hearing in my left ear is 100, then in my right ear it’s only around 30,” said V, whose real name is Kim Tae-hyung.

The artist said he decided to tell fans about the issue only now. According to V, the problem became more pronounced while he was serving in the military, although he initially did not take it too seriously, believing it was a matter of mental resilience.

V is currently taking medication and regularly visiting the hospital.

The singer’s revelation comes as BTS prepares for its first world tour in several years, marking the return of all seven members following a break related to South Korea’s mandatory military service.

V enlisted in 2023 and completed his service in June 2025. The Arirang World Tour began in South Korea in April, and the group is now continuing its performances across the world. In the coming months, BTS is scheduled to visit Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, Bangkok, Sydney and Hong Kong.