'Love Bite' On Kenneth Ma's Neck Turns Out To Be Publicity Stunt For Curry Noodles

We thought we would never see a TVB star proudly showing off a love bite on his neck... But then there's Kenneth Ma.

Recently, the 51-year-old had the Internet buzzing after he shared on Instagram a picture of himself with a mark that looked a lot like a hickey.

The actor was then seen at an event for Hong Kong restaurant chain TamJai SamGor Mixian last week with the same, albeit fainter, mark. 

Naturally, people started wondering if Kenneth was having too much fun at home with his wife, Hong Kong actress Roxanne Tong, 37.

But the actor says it's not what people think. 

Turns out, the hickey was fake and was used as a form of publicity for TamJai SamGor Mixian's newest product: Curry mixian.

In Hong Kong, a love bite is also called "ka li ji" which translates to "curry chicken". Don't ask us why. 

When asked if going around with a hickey was embarrassing for him, Kenneth said it was no big deal.

"It's just a love bite. I don't understand why everyone had such a big reaction," he said. "I eat curry chicken, curry brisket all the time, I love them!" he joked.

The actor also found it interesting that people associate the mark on his neck with "those things", presumably referring to intimate sexual interactions. 

Some friends, on the other hand, messaged him to ask if he was sick or had a skin allergy, and urged him see a doctor. 

"I told them this was just a publicity stunt, please don't think the wrong way," he chirped.

This is in fact also the first time Kenneth has gotten a 'love bite'.

"I really never had one, I've also never given anyone one. I really don't know what's the reason for that," he replied.