Story perspectives

V Says Right Ear Hearing Drops to 30%

8/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

V said on Aug. 12 his right ear works at about 30 % of his left ear.
He said the loss began 2.5 years ago and worsened during his military service (Dec. 11, 2023–June 10, 2025).
Jungkook disclosed he is coping with a shin injury that is on the verge of a stress fracture.
The group’s North American shows are scheduled for Arlington, Texas (Aug. 15-16), Toronto (Aug. 22-23), Chicago (Aug. 27-28) and Los Angeles (Sept. 1, 2, 5, 6).

History

Historical Context

In 2008, K-pop star Rain enlisted for South Korea’s compulsory military service, halting his chart-topping releases and acting contracts. Rain’s 21-month tenure, overseen by the Ministry of National Defense and managed by SM Entertainment, cost his agency an estimated $5 million in lost revenue. Today, BTS members V and Jungkook confront similar service-related health setbacks—V’s 30 % hearing loss and Jungkook’s impending stress fracture—while maintaining a North American tour. The precedent set by Rain’s hiatus signals that prolonged absences can reshape global fan engagement, prompting agencies like Big Hit Music to adapt tour schedules and health protocols.

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Story summary

V said on Aug. 12 his right ear works at about 30 % of his left ear.
He said the loss began 2.5 years ago and worsened during his military service (Dec. 11, 2023–June 10, 2025).
Jungkook disclosed he is coping with a shin injury that is on the verge of a stress fracture.
The group’s North American shows are scheduled for Arlington, Texas (Aug. 15-16), Toronto (Aug. 22-23), Chicago (Aug. 27-28) and Los Angeles (Sept. 1, 2, 5, 6).

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