During a casual Weverse livestream with fellow member Jungkook on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, V—legally known as Kim Tae-hyung—revealed that he is receiving ongoing hospital treatment for a hearing problem, noting that his right ear functions at approximately 30 percent capacity compared to his left. The candid admission arrived alongside updates on Jungkook’s shin injury amid the group’s ongoing “Arirang” world tour.
The Bottom Line
- The Revelation: V disclosed during an August 12, 2026 Weverse livestream that his right ear’s hearing capacity sits at roughly 30 percent, stemming from a deterioration that began about two and a half years ago.
- Medical Status: According to Yonhap News Agency, V is actively managing the condition through regular hospital visits and medication, while Jungkook continues to perform despite facing a potential shin stress fracture.
- Tour Impact: The group recently wrapped back-to-back concerts in Baltimore, Maryland, and is pressing forward with upcoming stops at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and Toronto’s Rogers Stadium.
Decoding the Weverse Broadcast and the Reality of K-Pop’s Touring Demands
Sitting down with Jungkook after a pair of shows in Baltimore, V pulled back the curtain on a health battle that has persisted for years. According to reports from Yonhap News Agency, V explained that his hearing began to deteriorate approximately 2.5 years ago and has failed to return to full capacity.
“If my left ear can hear 100 percent, my right ear is at just 30 percent,” V stated during the stream, adding that he maintains a routine of hospital visits and medication to manage the ailment. But V wasn’t the only member carrying physical burdens into the North American leg of the itinerary.
Jungkook Opens Up About Shin Injury and Stage Constraints
The broadcast also served as a venue for Jungkook to address physical ailments of his own. He revealed he is dealing with a lower-leg injury, describing his shin as being “on the verge of a stress fracture” accompanied by significant inflammation and suspected micro-damage to the bone.
“Although I wanted to run energetically on the stage today, pain forced me to hold back at times,” Jungkook told viewers on the platform, asking fans for their understanding as he navigates the remainder of the schedule. Despite the medical warning signs, Jungkook affirmed his intention to carefully manage the injury to see the tour through to the finish line.
Tour Logistics and the Road Ahead
BTS is executing stadium shows across North America under the banner of the “Arirang” world tour. Following their Baltimore engagement, the group faces turnarounds and demanding physical environments.
| Tour Milestone / City | Venue | Scheduled Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore, MD | North American Leg (Completed) | August 2026 |
| Arlington, TX | AT&T Stadium | August 15–16, 2026 |
| Toronto, Canada | Rogers Stadium | August 22–23, 2026 |
As the group prepares to take the stage at AT&T Stadium on August 15 and 16, followed by Toronto’s Rogers Stadium on August 22 and 23, fandom attention remains focused on how both artists will pace themselves through the stretches.
The Fandom Reaction and Industry Realities
News of V’s hearing loss and Jungkook’s injury rippled across global digital spaces, sparking concern from ARMY members worldwide.
Share your thoughts on how modern touring acts balance stage demands with personal health in the comments below.
