Hong Kong, 17 September 2026 — McDonald’s has joined forces with K-pop icon G-DRAGON to launch an Asia-exclusive culinary and fashion collaboration, bringing a bold taste of Korean street food culture to 13 markets across the region. Starting at 9:30 AM Hong Kong time (10:30 AM KST) on 17 September, the fast-food giant will roll out a lineup of Korean-inspired menu items alongside a curated collection of collectible merchandise, marking one of the brand’s most ambitious cross-cultural partnerships to date.
A Fusion of Flavor and Pop Culture
At the heart of the collaboration is a new signature sauce developed by McDonald’s Korea: Gochujang Butter Sauce. Inspired by the traditional Korean fermented paste “Jang,” the sauce blends the subtle heat of gochujang with the umami depth of fermented soy, finished with the silky richness of butter. This distinctive condiment stars in the new Gochujang Butter Crunchy Chicken Burger, featuring a whole fillet of crispy chicken thigh, topped with grilled pineapple and crisp romaine lettuce for a sweet-spicy contrast.
The same sauce is also available as a dipping option for Chicken McNuggets, offering a thick, creamy alternative with a gentle kick.
Limited-Time Sides and Sweet Treats
Beyond the flagship burger, the collaboration introduces a range of region-exclusive items:
- Jeju Tangerine Coconut Milk Soda – a refreshing, citrus-forward beverage blended with chewy coconut jelly bits.
- Korean BBQ Shake Shake Fries – classic fries tossed in a smoky, savoury Korean barbecue seasoning.
- Honey Butter Shake Shake Fries – a sweeter option combining rich honey with creamy butter notes.
- Sweet Heart Crunch OREO® McFlurry – soft-serve vanilla blended with OREO® crumbs and pink heart-shaped crisps.
- Salted Caramel Mini Sticks – golden, crunchy sticks filled with salted caramel, direct from Korea.
Returning favourites such as the Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken and the upgraded Crispy Chicken Burger with Smoked Sauce will also be available, featuring larger fillets and toasted sesame buns for an elevated bite.
Collectible Packaging and Fan Merch
In a nod to G-DRAGON’s personal brand PEACEMINUSONE, all limited-edition items come in custom packaging featuring the iconic daisy motif, co-branded with a red heart and the stylised initials “MCD.” The design is expected to appeal to both foodies and fashion-forward fans.
Hong Kong fans will have additional reasons to celebrate starting 21 September, with the release of the I’m M Fan collectible cards. On 23 September, McDonald’s will introduce an exclusive merchandise drop, including a vintage-inspired retro cap, metal lapel pins, and a canvas tote bag, all co-designed with PEACEMINUSONE. Redemption details are expected to be announced via McDonald’s official digital channels.
App-Exclusive Deals and Accessibility
To complement the launch, the McDonald’s app is offering limited-time coupons, including discounted bundles featuring the Gochujang Butter burger with a McFlurry or salted caramel sticks. A $10 add-on allows customers to include four-piece Chicken McNuggets with the new sauce. Terms and availability vary by location, with select venues such as theme parks and racecourses excluded.
Broader Impact
This collaboration underscores McDonald’s strategy to leverage K-culture’s global appeal while supporting local fan engagement in Asia. By pairing a culturally rooted menu with exclusive merchandise, the partnership aims to attract not only loyal patrons but also younger audiences who value limited-edition experiences.
Food and lifestyle observers note that the move reflects a growing trend among global QSR brands to deepen regional relevance through celebrity partnerships. As the campaign rolls out across multiple markets, it will be interesting to watch how quickly the merchandise sells out—and whether this inspires similar cross-border collaborations in the future.
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This article is based on official announcements from McDonald’s as of the publication date. Offers are subject to change and availability. Please refer to the official McDonald’s app and website for the latest terms and conditions.