Here we go again. McDonald’s has spotted its favorite golden goose—no, not the one in the fryer, the one named BTS. And this time, the plan is simple: weaponize TinyTAN cuteness, slap it on a Happy Meal, and watch ARMY empty their wallets faster than fries disappear from the bag on the ride home.
Starting September 3, the “Throwback Edition” drops, with figurines of TinyTAN dressed in those iconic 2021 promo outfits. Not enough? No problem—September 23 brings the “Encore Edition.” Because apparently, if you’re McDonald’s, you don’t just print money, you serve it with a side of fries. Each meal gets you one out of seven figurines, a character card, and special packaging that screams, “Yes, you will drive back tomorrow because you’re missing Jungkook.”
And as if that’s not enough chaos, McDonald’s is hosting a “Magic Meetup” in Los Angeles on September 27–28. Music, gaming, nostalgia, and food—basically a playground where ARMY can relive the trauma of trying to collect every toy before they sell out. Oh, and that packaging? It’s not just packaging. It’s also your ticket into “TinyTAN Power Up,” a mobile game where you tap along to BTS songs. Because clearly, fries weren’t addictive enough.
Of course, this isn’t McDonald’s first rodeo. Remember 2021? The BTS Meal turned into a global phenomenon. Sales went through the roof—26% up in the U.S., over 40% worldwide. McNugget sales jumped 250%. Nearly $100 million in revenue in just a month. And yes, people sold empty nugget boxes online like they were luxury handbags. ARMY turned dipping sauces into rare collectibles. Economists are still confused.
And now? We’re right back at it. McDonald’s isn’t just serving food; they’re serving a masterclass in marketing. BTS doesn’t just move music charts; they move chicken nuggets, fries, and collectible toys. It’s not fast food anymore—it’s an emotional rollercoaster with extra salt.
Fans online already know the storm that’s coming. One joked, “I manifested this.” Another, a former fast-food worker, sent condolences to employees who will deal with people demanding complete sets. And one brave soul predicted, “This will sell out in two days.” Honestly, two days feels generous.
At the end of the day, ARMY knows exactly what’s happening. McDonald’s waves a plastic figurine, and suddenly we’re seven Happy Meals deep, pretending we’ll stop after this one. Spoiler: we won’t. Because love for BTS has no limits—even if it comes wrapped in grease-stained paper and questionable sauces.
