Image credit and source: THV on IG
BTS member V, whose real name is Kim Taehyung, recently opened up to fans about a health concern he had kept private for years: partial hearing loss in his right ear. His candid disclosure sparked conversations among fans around the world, including here in the Philippines, and it serves as a timely reminder that changes in hearing deserve attention, no matter who you are.
Here is what V has shared publicly, and what his experience can teach all of us about caring for our hearing.
What V Revealed
On August 12, 2026, V went live on Weverse with bandmate Jungkook. The two were having a meal in their hotel room after back-to-back BTS concerts at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, part of the North American leg of the group’s Arirang World Tour.
During the livestream, V told fans that he had been dealing with hearing problems for about two and a half years, and that this was the first time he had talked about it with ARMY. He explained the difference between his ears in simple terms: if the hearing in his left ear is at 100, his right ear is at only about 30.
V has not publicly disclosed what caused his hearing loss.
When the Problem Grew Worse
According to V, his hearing got worse while he was completing his mandatory military service in South Korea, which ran from December 2023 to June 2025.
He admitted that he did not take the problem seriously at first and dismissed it as something he could push through with willpower. It was only after the issue continued and worsened that he sought medical help.
How He Is Managing It Now
V shared that he is now taking medication and going to the hospital regularly to manage his condition, all while continuing to perform with BTS on tour. The Arirang World Tour is currently scheduled to conclude at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bulacan on March 16, 2027.
What V’s Story Teaches Us About Hearing Health
V’s openness offers a few valuable lessons for everyone.
Hearing loss can affect one ear more than the other. V’s condition mainly affects his right ear. When one ear is still working well, it can be easy to miss changes in the other, which is one reason hearing problems can go unnoticed for a long time.
Early signs are easy to brush off. Like V, many people downplay changes in their hearing and hope they will go away on their own. Signs worth watching for include often asking people to repeat themselves, turning up the volume on the TV or phone, finding it hard to follow conversations in noisy places, and ringing in the ears. Our guide on how to identify signs of hearing problems early walks you through what to look out for.
Getting checked is the first step. V’s story shows the value of consulting professionals rather than waiting it out. A hearing test shows how well each ear is hearing, and there are different kinds of audiology tests that help audiologists understand the type and degree of any hearing loss.
Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. Changes in hearing can be gradual, so routine check-ups help you spot issues before they affect your daily life, work, or relationships. Learn more about why regular hearing tests are crucial, even if you feel your hearing is fine.
The right treatment depends on the person. How hearing loss is managed varies with its type and cause. Some people receive medical treatment, as V described. For others, an audiologist may recommend options such as hearing aids. Only a proper evaluation by a qualified professional can determine the best approach for you.
Have Your Hearing Checked at Active Hearing Center
If V’s story has you thinking about your own hearing, or that of a loved one, don’t set it aside. Active Hearing Center’s Main Branch holds NHSRC Category C certification as an Advanced, Fully Capable Audiology Facility, so you can go from hearing evaluation to hearing aid fitting under one roof, with a team that will guide you at every step.
Your hearing is worth protecting. Book an appointment with Active Hearing Center today.
This article is for general information only and is based on V’s public statements as reported by international media, including Variety, Rolling Stone, and the Daily Tribune. It is not medical advice. If you have concerns about your hearing, please consult a qualified audiologist or physician.
