BTS’ V reveals 2.5-year hearing struggle, says it worsened during military service: ‘Doing my absolute best’

The singers spoke honestly about V’s hearing problem and Jung Kook’s painful shin injury during a live broadcast.

BTS members V and Jung Kook have opened up about health issues they have been quietly dealing with during their Arirang World Tour, leaving fans worried about their well-being. During a Wednesday live broadcast on Weverse, the singers spoke honestly about V’s hearing problem and Jung Kook’s painful shin injury.

V opens up about hearing loss

BTS’ V reveals hearing loss struggle, Jung Kook says shin is near stress fracture amid tour.

Speaking to the fans, whom they call ARMY, V (Kim Taehyung) revealed that his hearing has been getting worse for around two and a half years, something he said he had never previously shared with the fans. “I've never told ARMYs about this, but it's been like two and a half years? My hearing's gotten worse,” he said.

When Jung Kook asked if V had visited a hospital recently and whether his condition had improved, V explained that the difference between his two ears was significant. He said that if one side allowed him to hear at 100, the other was only around 30. “Maybe after a month? Like, if I can hear 100 over here, I can only hear about 30 over here,” he added.

Jung Kook said that V should not ignore a health problem simply by trying to tough it out. “That won't do.” V, however, assured fans that he is now taking his medication regularly and continuing to visit the hospital. His comments suggested that he is actively monitoring the condition and following the treatment he has been given. “Right, I am doing my absolute best,” he said.

Jung Kook talks about his shin injury

Jung Kook also spoke about a health issue that has been making his performances more difficult. The singer said he has been dealing with significant pain in his shin and that the injury is dangerously close to becoming a stress fracture. “We are currently continuing to perform, but my shin area is, well, in a state where it is right on the verge of getting a stress fracture," he revealed.

He admitted that the injury has been particularly frustrating on stage. While he still wants to run and jump freely during performances, the pain has sometimes forced him to hold back. “On stage—honestly, even today, in my heart I really wanted to keep running and jumping, but it hurt so much in between that I couldn't. That is why... yes, I hope you can understand this part,” he added.

He also explained that recovering properly has become difficult because of the group's packed schedule and continuous concerts. Rather than getting enough time to rest, he has had to find ways to manage the injury while continuing to perform. “I also want to recover quickly, but because we have continuous shows, it is impossible for it to heal. So, I will do my best to manage and maintain it well while performing,” the singer revealed.

The revelations have prompted a strong reaction from BTS fans, with many expressing concern over the health issues both singers are dealing with while continuing to take the stage. Fans were especially surprised to learn that V had been privately managing his hearing problem for such a long period.

About BTS

BTS resumed their Arirang World Tour. Following a few weeks' break, they kicked off their return to the stage on August 1st, with two separate concerts at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, followed by appearances in Foxborough, Baltimore, Arlington, Toronto and Chicago, in August.