BTS member V has told fans that he is receiving treatment for hearing loss in his right ear, which he said is functioning at roughly one-third of his left ear. The disclosure is significant because it comes during BTS’ first full-group world tour in years, after all seven members completed their compulsory military service.

V, whose real name is Kim Tae-hyung, said the problem worsened while he was serving in the military and that he now takes medication and attends regular hospital appointments. The Arirang World Tour began in South Korea in April and has recently visited Baltimore, with dates planned in Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, Bangkok, Sydney and Hong Kong; fellow member Jungkook also said he is managing a shin injury that could develop into a stress fracture.