BTS’s 2026 comeback and tour was not the only announcement the K-pop boy group made this summer. Following their long-awaited reunion, the band revealed a special collaboration with McDonald’s: a celebratory TinyTAN Happy Meal. The fast-food chain teased the promotion earlier this month, confirming that it will officially launch Sept. 3.
The meal will follow the standard McDonald’s Happy Meal menu: a four-piece Chicken McNuggets or a hamburger, fries or apple slices and a beverage. The difference comes with the addition of collectible miniature figures of each BTS member. The name TinyTAN plays on both the toys’ small size and BTS’s Korean name, Bangtan Sonyeondan.
The announcement of the meal has received mixed reactions. Many fans expressed excitement, with one writing on social media, “Omg nooooo stop I’m literally gonna cry on how cute this is @mcdonalds.” For some in the BTS ARMY (the name of the fanbase), the collaboration carries a sense of nostalgia, as the group was previously known for its BT21 merchandise and other collectible items before their hiatus. BTS also partnered with McDonald’s in 2021 for a special meal inspired by menu items in McDonald’s South Korea.
At the same time, some fans voiced disappointment over the partnership, citing concerns about McDonald’s past involvement in the Israel-Gaza conflict. McDonald’s has stated that the corporation itself has not taken a position in the conflict and does not provide support to either side. However, controversy arose in 2023 when McDonald’s Israel donated meals to Israeli soldiers, prompting backlash and calls for boycotts in several countries.
BTS stepping into the global spotlight once again is exciting for fans all over. However, it also raises questions about the influence of corporate reputation on pop culture moments.