# McDonald's and BTS Team Up for Third Limited-Edition Collaboration Space-themed BT21 Happy Meal toys launch July 14 worldwide. - **Source:** [CNET](https://brifing.si/source/ce507de7-7f24-4ff4-ab6d-7635abcc095a) - **Published:** 2026-07-13 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/04f55588-49aa-4181-bb8a-5aecec3f97f3 ## K-pop Meets Fast Food McDonald's is preparing its third special collaboration for BTS fans. Starting July 14, 10 unique space-themed BT21 character toys will be available with Happy Meals. The collection features all seven band members plus Van, a character representing the ARMY fandom. ## Fan-Centric Design The toys feature BTS's BT21 cartoon characters with ring clips for bags or clothing. The set also includes a spaceship with all characters and a sticker poster. These designs aim to integrate fandom into daily life, creating both collectible and functional items. ## Strategic Brand Partnership The brands first collaborated in 2021 with a BTS meal featuring Korean sauces, followed by TinyTAN figurines in 2025. This third campaign coincides with BTS's world tour and World Cup performance, amplifying marketing impact through multiple high-profile events. ## K-pop's Consumer Power BTS's ARMY fandom is known for queuing for hours for merch. Global brands like McDonald's increasingly partner with K-pop acts to reach this loyal, high-spending demographic. Limited editions strengthen emotional connections while driving sales. ## BTS's Packed Schedule Alongside their Arirang tour, BTS launched special Oreo cookies and will perform at the FIFA World Cup halftime show on July 19 with Madonna and Shakira. This intense schedule multiplies the impact of their brand collaborations. ## Experience-Driven Marketing Trend McDonald's BTS campaigns tap into consumers' desire to collect memories, not just products. Happy Meal toys generate both physical collectibles and digital engagement via social media. Such emotionally resonant campaigns are becoming key for brands. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.cnet.com/culture/entertainment/bts-mcdonalds-collectible-toys-bt21-happy-meals/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._