Since introducing its first-ever Happy Meal in the late 1970s, McDonald's has turned kids' meals into a global cultural staple. Over the decades, the fast-food giant has released countless themed editions, but its latest might be one of the most exciting yet.
McDonald's is once again partnering with global K-pop band BTS to launch a limited-time TinyTAN Happy Meal. The special edition features animated characters based on the group members, created by Big Hit Music.
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The new McDonald's x BTS TinyTAN Happy Meal includes a choice of a hamburger or four or six-piece Chicken McNuggets, fries or apple slices, a drink, and one of seven collectible toys modeled after the TinyTAN versions of BTS members.
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Here is the lineup of TinyTAN toy characters included in the new Happy Meal:
- Jungkook
- V
- Jimin
- SUGA
- Jin
- RM
- J-Hope
The TinyTAN Happy Meal will be available nationwide for a limited time starting in September. While McDonald's hasn't confirmed whether additional BTS-themed menu items will accompany the launch, it has done so before, as fans will likely recall the brand's previous collaboration with the band in 2021.
McDonald's history with the popular K-pop band BTS
McDonald's (MCD) first teamed up with BTS in 2021 to release the BTS Meal, which included a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, medium fries, medium Coca-Cola, and two exclusive sauces: Sweet Chili and Cajun.
This meal was a global success, launching in over 50 markets, including the U.S., a testament to how powerful celebrity collaborations can be for a brand if done correctly.
Related: McDonald's unveils new Happy Meal featuring two fan-favorite brands
McDonald's is no stranger to celebrity partnerships; it has teamed up with major stars to launch exclusive meals and limited-time offerings, including the Angel Reese Special, the Travis Scott Meal, the Taylor Swift Bestie Bundle, and its latest Shania’s Sides with Shania Twain.
In today's highly competitive and fast-evolving fast-food market, staying relevant means adapting to shifting consumer preferences, and tapping into fan culture is a great way to do so.
McDonald's celebrity partnership strategy to boost sales
Celebrity collaborations help drive food traffic and generate buzz, often going viral on social media, thanks to devoted fans who purchase anything with their favorite celebrity's name on it and casual customers who want to see what the hype is all about.
With over 1 billion Happy Meals sold annually worldwide, combining one of McDonald's most popular menu offerings with BTS's massive global fanbase seems like a no-brainer. And the fast-food giant's strategy is paying off.
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- Pizza Hut menu adds a completely new type of pizza
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After reporting a 1% decline in global same-store sales during the first quarter of 2025, McDonald's bounced back with a 3.8% increase in the second quarter.
The upcoming TinyTAN Happy Meal has the potential to be another major win for McDonald's. It could boost sales and brand engagement while recapturing lost market share to get the business back on track.
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