The collaboration between the global pop phenomenon BTS and the fast-food chain McDonald’s has generated significant consumer interest, particularly around limited-time meal offerings and associated promotional items. These collaborations, such as the BTS Meal and the TinyTAN Happy Meal, are structured as marketing campaigns that combine food purchases with exclusive, collectible merchandise and digital experiences. While these are primarily paid transactions rather than free samples or no-cost trials, the promotions often include bonus items, special packaging, and charitable components that are of interest to deal seekers and fans. This article details the specifics of these promotions as reported in the provided source material, focusing on their availability, contents, and associated benefits for consumers.
The BTS Meal was first launched in May 2021 as a limited-time collaboration. It is described as a cultural phenomenon, driven by the massive global fan base of the South Korean boy band. The meal’s core components are a set menu item: a 10-piece (or 9-piece, depending on the market) Chicken McNuggets, medium fries, a medium drink, and two exclusive dipping sauces—Sweet Chili and Cajun—inspired by recipes from McDonald’s South Korea. These sauces are noted as being unavailable in any other McDonald’s meal, adding to the offering’s uniqueness. The meal’s popularity led to significant sales surges, with many locations experiencing sell-outs on the first day of release. The collaboration is viewed as a successful marketing strategy that brings together two iconic global brands.
Following the initial BTS Meal, McDonald’s launched a separate promotional campaign centered on the TinyTAN Happy Meal, which features collectible toys inspired by the BTS members. This promotion includes two distinct editions with different release dates and toy designs. The first edition, the Throwback Edition, was released on September 3, featuring TinyTAN toys dressed in outfits from the original 2021 BTS Meal promotional campaign. A subsequent edition, the Encore Edition, was released on September 23, with toys featuring outfits designed as a nod to the latest collaboration. These Happy Meals are available for purchase in person or through the McDonald’s app at participating restaurants in nearly 70 countries, including the United States, and are sold for a limited time.
In addition to the food and collectible toys, the promotions include several bonus features and merchandise opportunities. Customers who order the BTS Meal through the McDonald’s app can receive a free set of BTS-themed digital stickers and wallpapers. Some participating locations have also offered limited-edition physical merchandise, such as posters and photocards, though availability varies by location. McDonald’s has indicated the possibility of future promotions, including special discounts or bundle deals, and advises customers to monitor official channels for updates. Furthermore, the BTS Meal campaign included a charitable component, with McDonald’s partnering with BTS to support education initiatives in underserved communities. A portion of the proceeds from the BTS Meal sales was allocated to these programs.
For the TinyTAN Happy Meal, the promotional experience extends beyond the physical toy. Customers can scan a code on the meal box to access a digital TinyTAN Power Up game. McDonald’s also organized an in-person "Magic Meetup" event in Los Angeles, described as an immersive, multisensory experience where BTS fans could interact with the TinyTAN theme. The availability of these promotions is subject to location, with McDonald’s recommending that customers check with their local restaurant for specific details. Delivery options and the availability of merchandise or special events may also vary significantly by region.
The sourcing for these details is drawn from a combination of official corporate communications and news reports. The official McDonald’s corporate website includes an article from the Global Chief Marketing Officer detailing the BTS Meal’s launch, menu, and participating markets. A dedicated website for food-related topics provides an overview of the BTS Meal’s global availability, historical context, and promotional details. News outlets such as Today and USA Today have reported on the subsequent TinyTAN Happy Meal campaign, outlining the different editions, release dates, and methods for acquisition. While these news sources provide timely information on the promotions, the most authoritative details regarding the core meal components and corporate strategy originate from the official McDonald’s corporate communication.