Unfiltered Resilience: BTS’s V Opens Up About His Two-Year Struggle with Hearing Loss

During a recent candid livestream following BTS’s sold-out Arirang World Tour stops in Baltimore, Maryland, V shocked fans worldwide by revealing that he has been quietly battling severe hearing loss for over two and a half years.

Connecting directly with global ARMYs alongside bandmate Jungkook, the 30-year-old superstar opened up about the physical challenges of maintaining high-octane stadium performances while navigating a compromised sensory condition.

1. The Livestream Confession: Right Ear Operating at 30%

For the very first time, V (born Kim Taehyung) shared the exact extent of his health struggle with the public. The vocalist explained that while his left ear functions at a full 100% capacity, his right ear is operating at only roughly 30%.

“If the hearing in my left ear is at 100, it’s only about 30 in my right,” V shared during the broadcast, offering fans an extraordinarily rare, unfiltered look into the personal physical hurdles behind his effortless stage presence.

For an artist who relies on live in-ear monitors to match pitch, feel rhythmic cues, and hear backing tracks over the roar of tens of thousands of cheering stadium attendees, losing 70% of hearing in one ear presents a formidable artistic obstacle. Yet, V has managed to deliver flawless vocal performances throughout the ongoing tour.

2. Military Duty and the Medical Journey

The timing of V’s hearing struggles coincides with a monumental period of transition for both himself and BTS. The Arirang World Tour marks the group’s triumphant reunion circuit following the completion of all seven members’ mandatory South Korean military service.

V initially enlisted in December 2023 and was officially discharged in June 2025. During the livestream, he admitted that his hearing condition noticeably worsened during his time serving in the military, where exposure to loud environments and intense physical drills added extra strain.

At first, V treated the hearing issue as something he could simply push through using willpower alone, believing it was purely “a matter of mental strength.” However, as symptoms persisted during high-volume rehearsals and tour prep, he recognized the necessity of professional medical intervention. Today, V is actively managing the condition through prescribed medication and regular hospital visits, ensuring he can perform safely without compromising his long-term well-being.

3. Physical Realities Behind the Arirang World Tour

The broadcast provided a grounded look at the intense physical demands placed on global icons during a mega-tour. Alongside V’s hearing update, Jungkook revealed that he has been managing a serious shin injury that was on the verge of developing into a stress fracture, requiring careful physical management between show dates.

[V's Health Update] ──────> Right Ear at 30% Capacity ────> Managed via Medication & Hospital Visits
[Jungkook's Health Update] ──> Shin Stress Fracture Risk ───> Managed via Controlled Physical Therapy

Group Member	Reported Health Challenge	Current Management & Tour Plan
V (Kim Taehyung)	Right ear hearing loss (~30% capacity for 2.5 years)	Ongoing medical treatment, hospital visits, and prescription medication
Jungkook	Shin stress injury	Controlled physical therapy, careful performance management

4. The Scale of the Global Tour Circuit

Despite these physical hurdles, V and his bandmates continue to deliver high-energy performances on their post-military reunion tour. The Arirang World Tour stands as one of the largest pop productions of the decade, celebrating the group’s full reunion after years of solo projects and military hiatuses.

Running continuously through March 2027, the world tour features stops in major global cities, including Los Angeles, Bangkok, and Sydney. The grand finale will see BTS heading to Bulacan, Philippines, for a massive two-night performance at the Philippine Sports Stadium on March 13 and 14, 2027.

Navigating complex stage choreography and live harmonies under these conditions highlights V’s exceptional muscle memory and professional discipline. Singing live in packed arenas while relying primarily on one ear requires extraordinary pitch control and focus.

5. Normalizing Vulnerability in Pop Culture

At D-Muse Magz, we deeply respect artists who pull back the curtain on the unrealistic expectations of perfection often placed on global performers. V’s decision to speak openly about his hearing loss breaks down the myth of untouchable stardom.

By demonstrating that even top-tier artists experience physical vulnerabilities, V provides comfort to fans navigating their own quiet health struggles. His transparency highlights the importance of seeking medical care rather than suffering in silence under the guise of toughing it out.

As BTS continues their tour across the globe, V’s openness serves as a powerful testament to his passion for performing and his deep connection with his audience. His commitment to delivering incredible shows—even while balancing hospital visits and medication—underscores his resilience as a performer.

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