BTS' V reveals hearing loss issues

BTS' V has revealed that he has been experiencing hearing loss in his right ear for around two-and-a-half years.

The singer, whose real name is Kim Tae-hyung, discussed the issue publicly for the first time during a Weverse livestream on 12 August.

"If the hearing in my left ear is at 100, it's only about 30 in my right," he shared, BBC News reported.

He went on to add that he believed the hearing loss had worsened while he was completing his military service in South Korea, and he initially tried to dismiss the issue as "a matter of mental strength" before seeking medical help. He is now taking medication and regularly attending hospital for treatment.

V and bandmate RM completed their military service in June last year. All seven members of the band have gone through their government-mandated stint.

In the same livestream, Jungkook revealed that he has been managing a shin injury during the BTS Arirang world tour, which has resulted in him sitting through some concerts.

"There's a lot of inflammation in my shin, and I think there's some microdamage to the bone," he said. "I'll be careful with myself so I can finish this tour properly."

The North American leg of the tour continues into September. The group will then head off to Latin America, Asia and Australia, with the outing scheduled to conclude at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bulacan on 16 March, 2027.