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 yesterday (August 12).
“If the hearing in my left ear is at 100, it’s only about 30 in my right,” he said, according to a translation by BBC News.
He went on to say that he believed the hearing loss had worsened while he was completing his mandatory 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, having enlisted in 2023, and all seven members of the band have gone through their government-mandated spell.
In the same livestream, Jungkook also revealed that he has been managing a shin injury during BTS’ current ‘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.”
BTS played two shows at Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium earlier this week (August 10 and 11), with the North American leg continuing with two nights each in Arlington, Toronto and Chicago, followed by four nights in Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium in September.
The group will then take the tour to Latin America, Asia and Australia, and it is currently scheduled to conclude at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bulacan on March 16, 2027. See all the dates here and find any remaining tickets here.
NME was at the opening night in Goyang, South Korea in April, and gave it four-and-a-half stars, writing: “Throughout, it’s clear that they’re still as committed to BTS as before their enforced break for military service, RM referring to decisions they’ve made so they “can keep doing this for a long time”. It’s a sentiment that makes the fireworks-heavy final song, ‘Into The Sun’, feel beautifully optimistic – this might be the end of the show, but BTS’ moment in the sun is far from over.”
BTS released fifth album ‘ARIRANG’ in March and in a four-star review, NME noted: “After nearly four years, BTS are back doing what they do best – serving as both ambassadors and explorers, fuelled by curiosity and creativity.”
The group also made headlines by refusing to submit the record to the Grammys after they introduced the Best Asian Pop Music category. “We hope music can be heard and loved for itself, beyond regions or languages,” they said. “We are grateful to our ‘ARMY’ and everyone who has always supported us.”
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