BTS’ V Reveals Right-Ear Hearing Loss Amid World Tour

Kim Tae-hyung, better known to the world as V of the global sensation BTS, disclosed on a Wednesday livestream that he is currently seeking medical care for hearing impairment in his right ear. The idol revealed that the ear now operates at only about one-third of its original capability when compared to his left. Initially, the 29-year-old admitted he dismissed the condition, attributing it to a lack of mental fortitude, but he has since changed his approach and is now adhering to a regimen of medication and scheduled hospital visits, as reported by BBC News.

This personal health update emerged amidst the group’s Arirang World Tour, a massive undertaking that kicked off in South Korea in April of this year. The tour represents a significant milestone for the septet, as it marks their first collective return to the stage since completing their mandatory military enlistments, a process that saw all members serve sequentially. The broadcast occurred shortly after electrifying shows in Baltimore, Maryland, with the itinerary stretching ahead to include major cities like Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, Bangkok, Sydney, and Hong Kong. V, who debuted with the group in 2013 and has been a cornerstone of their meteoric rise, explained that his auditory issues were exacerbated during his own military service, which began in 2023 and concluded with his discharge in June 2025.

The physical toll of their grueling schedule was further highlighted when fellow member Jungkook also spoke on the same livestream. He revealed he has been battling a persistent shin injury throughout the tour, noting that he is dangerously close to developing a stress fracture and must monitor the condition closely to avoid being sidelined. These dual disclosures cast a stark light on the immense physical demands placed on the artists, who are navigating the dual pressures of a world-class touring schedule and the lingering effects of their service. For context, South Korea’s conscription system requires nearly all able-bodied men to serve 18 months, a policy that interrupted the group’s career at its zenith starting in 2022.

In a separate but notable development, BTS made headlines in July when they opted to withhold their work from consideration at the 69th Grammy Awards. This decision came as a direct response to the Recording Academy’s introduction of a new category, Best Asian Pop Music Performance. Grammy CEO Harvey Mason jr. defended the new award, stating, “The Asian Pop category was created to celebrate the depth, diversity and extraordinary growth of pop artistry coming out of Asia. The spirit of this new category is to shine a dedicated spotlight on these important artists. More categories mean more artists’ work is recognized. It’s never to divide, but to expand who is recognized by our 15,000 Grammy voters.” The move has sparked widespread debate within the music industry. Some critics argue that such dedicated categories, while well-intentioned, risk ghettoizing artists from certain regions, while proponents view them as a crucial step toward broader recognition of global talent. For a group like BTS, whose influence has irrevocably transformed the international pop landscape, the decision signals a deliberate assertion of control over how their artistry is framed and celebrated, a stance that resonates deeply with their massive global fanbase.