BTS member V disclosed in a livestream that he is receiving treatment for hearing loss affecting his right ear, which now functions at roughly a third of the capacity of his left ear. The K-pop star shared the news with fans during a broadcast, explaining that he initially did not take the condition seriously.
V told viewers he had considered the hearing issue a matter of mental strength at first, but has since sought medical treatment. The revelation comes as BTS continues its world tour, though V did not specify whether the hearing loss would affect his participation in upcoming performances.
The 28-year-old singer, whose real name is Kim Tae-hyung, has been a member of BTS since the group's debut in 2013. He is one of seven members of the South Korean boy band, which has become one of the most popular music acts globally. V has also pursued solo projects alongside his work with the group.
Hearing loss is a recognized occupational hazard for musicians and performers who are regularly exposed to loud music, particularly through in-ear monitors and concert sound systems. The condition can result from prolonged exposure to high decibel levels during rehearsals and live performances.
V did not provide a timeline for his treatment or indicate whether the hearing loss is reversible. He shared the information directly with fans through the livestream platform, a common method for BTS members to communicate with their audience between official announcements.