Just when you think HYBE can’t squeeze another brand deal out of BTS, along comes the rumor: a possible McDonald’s collaboration with TinyTAN, the animated versions of the members. Yes, the same McDonald’s that already had a record-breaking BTS Meal in 2021. Apparently, nuggets weren’t enough, so now it’s cartoon BTS on the menu.
But if HYBE thought this would be a slam dunk, they clearly underestimated ARMY’s patience. Fans immediately split into two camps: one side saying, “Aww, that’s cute,” and the other side saying, “Are you kidding me?” And the louder side? Definitely the latter.
The outrage wasn’t random. Many fans are frustrated that while BTS themselves are only just returning from military service, the company seems more focused on milking their cartoon likenesses than preparing for actual music. To put it bluntly: ARMY didn’t survive enlistment and wait for real artistry just to be served Happy Meal toys.
And it’s not like BTS hasn’t already worked with McDonald’s. That 2021 BTS Meal wasn’t just a campaign—it was a global cultural moment. Fans lined up for sauces like they were concert tickets, and McDonald’s made enough profit to feed an army… no pun intended. So why recycle the idea, but without the actual members? For many, it feels like a downgrade, a lazy attempt at cashing in without the soul of BTS attached.
Of course, some fans are less bothered. For them, TinyTAN was always meant to be lighthearted fun, and if kids get a kick out of cartoon BTS on a burger box, why not? But the louder argument remains: BTS are artists, not mascots. Their legacy shouldn’t be treated like fast-food packaging.
At the heart of this clash is the protectiveness of ARMY. Fans have watched BTS climb from nothing to global icons. They know the blood, sweat, and tears behind the name. So when a billion-dollar company treats that name like a disposable sticker for fries, it feels like an insult.
Whether this collab actually happens or not, ARMY has already spoken: enough with the brand overload. BTS’s artistry is priceless, and it deserves more respect than a drive-thru marketing gimmick.
