BTS V’s Hearing Difficulties: Fans Revisit Past Moments with New Understanding
Seoul – BTS member V’s recent revelation about his ongoing treatment for hearing difficulties has sent ripples through the ARMY community, prompting fans to revisit past moments and find new meaning in them. The beloved idol’s candor has led to a flurry of online discussions, as fans share support and express concern for his well-being.
Revisiting the Gillette Stadium Moment
One particular clip has gained significant traction, resurfacing from the first of BTS’s two iconic shows at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, United States, on Aug 5. In this widely shared footage, V, whose real name is Kim Tae-hyung, is seen seated onstage with fellow band member Jimin. Fans noted V’s apparent gesture of turning his head to present his right ear towards Jimin during their interaction.
This seemingly minor detail has taken on new significance in light of V’s disclosure. “Now I understand this interaction,” one viewer commented, reflecting the sentiment of many. Another fan, identifying with V’s struggle, wrote, “As someone who suffers from Meniere’s, I understand how difficult it is for Tae, especially him as a musician.” The sheer dedication of the idol was also highlighted, with a third fan remarking, “It’s crazy to think he is able to sing and perform while having this health issue.”
Fans are now interpreting various past behaviors as potential subtle signs of V’s condition, with some speculating that other BTS members might have been quietly accommodating him. However, some cautioned against over-interpreting every clip, pointing out that V often wears in-ear monitors, which could explain certain behaviors.
V Shares His Personal Struggle
V’s emotional remarks came during a live stream on Aug 12, where he bravely shared his struggles with hearing difficulties over the past 2½ years. “If my hearing on this ear is 100, the other ear can only pick up around 30,” the 30-year-old explained, gesturing to each ear. He reassured fans that he is actively managing the condition: “I’m regularly taking prescribed medicine and visiting the doctor often.”
The idol also revealed that his condition worsened during his mandatory military service. “This actually started while I was in the military, and after that it got a bit worse,” he stated. V served in the military from Dec 11, 2023, to June 10, 2025.
Understanding Hearing Difficulties: Medical Context
While V has not disclosed a specific diagnosis, medical experts note that hearing loss in one ear can stem from various causes, including conductive or sensorineural hearing loss. Conditions affecting the inner ear, such as Meniere’s disease – which commonly impacts one ear – can also lead to reduced hearing.
The Korean Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery highlights that prolonged exposure to loud sounds can contribute to hearing loss. Specifically, exposure to 90 decibels for eight hours a day, or 105 decibels for over an hour a day, can cause noise-induced hearing loss. While temporary hearing loss might recover with rest, the association stresses that there is no known treatment to reverse permanent noise-induced hearing loss. Prevention, through limiting noise exposure and regular hearing tests, is therefore paramount.
(THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK)
