Drama in BTS: Pop star reveals medical issue in live broadcast

V, a member of the global pop group BTS, revealed on Wednesday that he is receiving medical treatment for hearing impairment in one ear. The announcement came during the group's world tour, which reunites all seven members following a hiatus for mandatory military service. The singer, whose full name is Kim Tae-hyung, shared in a live broadcast that he has been dealing with the condition for two and a half years.

This is the first time the star has disclosed his condition to fans. According to him, while his hearing in his left ear is at 100%, his right ear is at only about 30%. He noted that his condition worsened significantly during his military service, a period when he did not attach much importance to it. He admitted that at first, he believed it was a "matter of mental strength" and did not treat the problem with the necessary seriousness.

Currently, he is receiving regular medication and visits the hospital. As a reminder, in South Korea, all able-bodied men are required to serve 18 months in the military. The members of BTS, who were at the peak of their fame in 2022, began taking career breaks to enlist. V himself was enlisted in 2023 and was discharged in 2025.

The "Arirang World Tour," which began in April in South Korea, marked the long-awaited reunion of the seven members. The live broadcast took place after the group finished its performances in Baltimore, Maryland. V was joined by his bandmate, Jungkook, who shared that he is also dealing with a calf injury, noting he is "on the verge of developing a stress fracture."

In the coming months, the tour will include many cities around the world, including Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, Bangkok, Sydney, and Hong Kong.