NEWSBTS’ V Reveals Hearing Loss in His Right Ear Amid Grueling World Tour
BTS’ V opened up about struggling with hearing loss while performing on tour.
Aug. 13 2026, Published 10:28 a.m. ET
V, whose full name is Kim Tae-hyung, revealed he is battling hearing loss in his right ear while powering through BTS’ Arirang World Tour.
It was “a matter of mental strength,” V said, reflecting on how he first handled the concern.
During a Wednesday livestream, the BTS member explained that hearing in his right ear is now functioning at about one-third of the level in his left ear, according to the BBC and Variety.
The update came after BTS completed its Baltimore, Maryland, concerts and prepared for further shows in Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, Bangkok, Sydney and Hong Kong.
V Said the Condition Became Worse During Military Service
BTS’ V revealed his hearing loss worsened during military service and now requires regular treatment.
V admitted that the problem became more serious during his South Korean military service.
He began his service in 2023 and was discharged in June 2025, after all seven BTS members completed their mandatory enlistment periods.
South Korea requires most able-bodied men to serve for around 18 months, a policy that affected every BTS member as the group paused joint activities. BTS began its staggered enlistments in 2022, when the act was still at the height of its worldwide commercial success.
The singer is now taking medication and making regular hospital visits to manage the condition, per Variety. His candid health update arrived during BTS’ first major group tour since the members reunited following years of solo schedules and military commitments.
Jungkook revealed he is performing through a shin injury that could lead to a stress fracture.
Jungkook also addressed a separate physical issue during the same livestream, revealing that he has been performing while managing a shin injury.
He said he is nearing a stress fracture and will need to monitor the injury carefully as BTS moves through the remaining dates on its global itinerary.
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Champion’s New Campaign Puts V At Its Center
BTS’ V expanded his fashion portfolio with a new global partnership with Champion.
The health disclosure comes just as V expands his fashion portfolio through a new global partnership with American athletic and lifestyle brand Champion.
Announcing the Fall/Winter True Champion campaign on August 12, Lifestyle Asia reported that V will front the project alongside SOFI TUKKER, soccer player Romeo Beckham, NBA player Kyle Kuzma and singer Danna Paola.
Stefani Fleurant, executive vice president of marketing, sport and lifestyle at Authentic Brands Group, explained why they selected the BTS star.
“V’s creative vision, global influence, and genuine connection with his audience make him a natural partner for Champion,” she said.
BTS Also Recently Made a Grammy Decision
BTS declined Grammy consideration after the Recording Academy introduced a new Asian pop category.
In July, BTS said it would not submit its music for consideration at the 69th Grammy Awards after the Recording Academy introduced a Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.
Responding to the group’s decision, Grammy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. stated, “It’s never to divide, but to expand who is recognized by our 15,000 Grammy voters.”
