ZEROBASEONE’s Zhang Hao Gains Viral Praise For Mentioning “International Women’s Day” On Live Broadcast

Fans were touched by his gesture.

ZEROBASEONE’s Zhang Hao is earning viral praise from Korean netizens for acknowledging International Women’s Day during a recent live stream. While a simple congratulations may not mean much to some, to netizens, it felt like a big step in the right direction.

| Wake One

While interacting with fans during an impromptu live broadcast on Weverse, Zhang Hao brought up the occasion, explaining that it is a holiday dedicated to women and celebrated in China. He admitted he wasn’t sure how to say it in Korean but still made an effort to extend his well wishes, hoping everyone would have a great day. He ended his message with a warm “Happy Women’s Day.”

국제 여성의 날 언급하는 거 ㅈㅉ 호감 pic.twitter.com/xJPQRJLFZh

— 짱 ✶ (@zzzaaanng1) March 8, 2025

Fans were touched by his words, especially since it’s rare for male idols to mention the day at all. Many took to social media to express their appreciation, noting that for some, this was the first time they had heard an idol acknowledge the occasion.

His gesture stood out even more because, while International Women’s Day is widely celebrated in countries like China, it is often overlooked or even considered a controversial topic in South Korea.

I stanned multiple male idol before but it's my first time hearing "happy women's day" in a video form, from solo live, without anyone ask for it first.
It's an easy word but only few can say it. Zhang Hao truly an idol I can found only once in a lifetime. https://t.co/fhcm9Y1XoT

— ꒰১.•장章•.໒꒱ (@haotowonyoung) March 9, 2025

[250308] International Women’s Day

— Zhang Hao went viral on X in Korea for wishing fans on International Women’s Day

#ZHANGHAO #장하오 #章昊 #ジャンハオ #ZEROBASEONE #제로베이스원 #ZB1 pic.twitter.com/MU7DLHg1z7

— ZHANG HAO CHARTS | 장하오 (@ZHCHARTS) March 10, 2025

hao mentioning that today was women's day and even if right now it's the end of the day, he hopes we had a good day 🩷 pic.twitter.com/cylPmXNcHA

— zhang hao archive (@haopics) March 8, 2025

The moment quickly went viral — first on X and then on Korean forums like Pann — sparking discussions about gender debates in the K-Pop industry. Some fans pointed out that male idols, who owe much of their success to female supporters, should be more mindful of recognizing and appreciating women. Others simply expressed their gratitude for Zhang Hao’s thoughtful words.

| Pann

• “In China, Women’s Day is a big deal, but in Korea, even mentioning it gets you labeled as a feminist. Respect to Zhang Hao for saying something.”
• “Male idols who make their entire fortune off female fans should at least acknowledge Women’s Day. Zhang Hao did it right.”
• “Wow… Not like Korean men, that’s for sure.”
• “Fans pour their money and time into these idols, and they don’t even get a simple Happy Women’s Day in return. Zhang Hao’s words meant a lot.”
• “Funny how China actually has worse gender inequality, but at least they acknowledge Women’s Day. Still, props to Zhang Hao for this.”