BTS’s V is drawing concern after revealing that he has been dealing with reduced hearing for more than two years, a health issue he had not previously shared with fans.
On August 12, V spoke about his condition during a Weverse live broadcast with fellow BTS member Jungkook.
V said, “I’ve never told ARMY this before, but has it been about two and a half years? My hearing has gotten worse.”
He explained that there is a noticeable difference between his ears, saying, “If this ear hears at around 100, the other one only hears around 30. I’ve been taking medicine regularly.”
V also shared that the problem became more noticeable during his military service. He recalled being surrounded by people who encouraged one another to push through difficult situations, which led him to think of the issue as something he could overcome through willpower.
As fans expressed concern, V reassured them by saying, “I’m going to the hospital regularly.”
His disclosure has also brought renewed attention to other Korean singers who have previously spoken about hearing-related health concerns.
IU recently revealed that symptoms related to patulous Eustachian tube had worsened enough to affect her ability to perform comfortably. She announced that her planned September concert at Goyang Stadium would not go ahead.
IU explained, “Recently, the symptoms of my long-standing patulous Eustachian tube have been getting worse.”
She said the condition does not greatly affect her everyday life but can become difficult when singing, particularly during physically demanding concerts.
IU added that medical professionals had advised her that performing concerts involving extensive movement and physical exertion would be difficult for the time being.
Hwasa has also previously spoken about reduced hearing in one ear. During her appearance on KBS2’s Crazy Rich Korean last year, she recalled increasing the volume of her in-ear monitor during a concert because the crowd noise was extremely loud.
Hwasa said, “The cheering was so loud that I turned the in-ear volume all the way up, but I still couldn’t hear.”
She later added, “I don’t hear very well in this ear,” and shared that she regularly experiences tinnitus.
Although V, IU, and Hwasa have described different circumstances and conditions, their comments have drawn attention to hearing-related challenges that can affect singers whose work depends heavily on sound and live performance.
For V, the latest revelation gave fans their first public look at a hearing problem he says he has quietly managed for more than two years while continuing his activities.
