Park Gun-wook (박건욱), a member of the South Korean boy group ZEROBASEONE (제로베이스원), recently became a trending topic after a red mark on his neck unexpectedly went viral. Upon seeing images, some netizens immediately speculated it resembled a “hickey,” leading to widespread online discussion and speculation about his private life. However, Park Gun-wook has since personally addressed the rumors.
On the 22nd, Park appeared on MBC's program Close Friends alongside fellow member Seok Matthew (석매튜), with Kim Tae-rae (김태래) from the same group serving as host. During the show, the two discussed their recent activities, and Park openly praised Seok.
Unexpectedly, during their conversation, as Park turned his head, a distinct red mark on his neck came into view, immediately catching the attention of eagle-eyed netizens.
Due to the prominent location and shape of the red mark, some netizens believed it strongly resembled a hickey, with some even directly asserting it was one. However, Park explained that it was a mark left after receiving a traditional Korean deep tissue massage known as “Kyungrak massage” (경락마사지), and not a hickey as speculated.
One netizen commented, “Park Gun-wook got a Kyungrak massage, and it left a very clear mark on his neck, which is why he said it wasn't a hickey.” But others questioned, “This must be the first idol suspected of having a hickey that actually looks super like one.”
As the discussion continued to escalate, a post questioning Park’s “truthfulness” quickly spread online, leading to a surge of malicious comments targeting him, with even his private life becoming a subject of attack.
Some comments even included sexually suggestive remarks, ridicule, and invasions of privacy, prompting many fans to speak out in defense of Park.
One fan stated directly that the situation had gone beyond the scope of “fans expressing opinions,” saying, “The continuous sexualization, humiliation, invasion of privacy, and harassment of Park Gun-wook is truly excessive. Some people have completely lost their sense of boundaries.”
Other fans pointed fingers at ZEROBASEONE's agency, WAKEONE, criticizing the company for its lack of proactive response to the extensive malicious attacks against Park. They expressed “extreme disappointment” and demanded that the company immediately take legal action to stop the ongoing malicious comments and online attacks targeting him.
Currently, the “hickey” claim remains solely netizen speculation, with Park himself having clearly stated that the red mark on his neck was from a massage. The incident continues to spark discussion, once again bringing the boundaries of idol artists' private lives and online discourse into the spotlight for fans.
