2. I respect all the artists that I talk about, be it kpop groups, kdrama actors etc.
3. This blog is meant for critical analysis and reviews, not to slander or break anyone down. Further discussion is encouraged and I am more than open to hearing about what you have to say.
In conclusion, these are my thoughts that are based on my previous knowledge, material that I have read and linked together to piece together an opinion over the course of me being a South Korean entertainment industry enthusiast.
Why I fail to understand the significance of the BTS Meal
Oh phew, okay, this is going to be a difficult post to write, but it must be done.
As all of you will know, the BTS meal at McDonald's consisted of french fries, nuggets, soda and two special dipping sauces (please do correct me if I am wrong). Here is the list of problems I have with it:
1. As someone who is a vegetarian, I don't think I will buy the BTS meal despite wanting to because the meal includes chicken nuggets. Therefore, there is a complete exclusion of BTS stans who are vegetarian or vegan. If I purchased the meal, I would only be able to consume the french fries, soda and sauces, which doesn't seem very filling or worth the expenditure.
2. This collaboration is one that is between two of the biggest companies in their own respective fields. Hence, I believe that the BTS meal could have consisted of so many things. For example, even if they didn't want to separately make a limited edition menu (which would have been extremely unique, with a little bit of BTS' personal influence), they could have made customised meals according to every member's order or personal tastes. (Now, I am more than aware that the nuggets and fries were the go-to items that BTS would order, but I am still not convinced that nuggets and fries with two new sauces were the best they could do for this collaboration). The only unique aspect of this meal was the two sauces and customised packaging (I understand that it was disappointing to learn that there will be no photocards or stickers etc., but I also believe that it would be logistically difficult). And this brings me to my final point...
3. In my eyes, I see this as a lazy collaboration, which is disappointing because both McDonalds and BTS are huge names in their respective fields. There is no doubt that this collaboration would be profitable for both parties. My problem is not the moneymaking aspect; making profits is the driving force in such an economy. My problem is further than that. What I am upset about you how easy it is for big collaborations to make money with minimal efforts (Again, I am not dismissing the work put in for this collaboration). Such a collaboration could have been planned out to be extremely unique, maybe even introduce a variation in the nuggets, or add a special spice for the fries, or even make a limited edition burger or wrap. But, they stuck with food that was already sold at stores and introduced two new sauces, which I found a tad bit disappointing. Especially because my expectations from this were high.
In conclusion, the point I am gradually trying to push here is to not place your faves on a pedestal (I know that calling them idols at this point is contradictory to this point, but I don't know what else to call them). Yes, I agree that they are extremely hardworking and extremely talented people, and they have struggled to get where they are today. However, it is imperative as a kpop stan to check the power these idols have over your life. As someone who enjoys kpop, it is very, very, very important for us to question everything that they do. For instance, not purchasing an item or not participating in an event does not make you any less of a stan and it does not decrease your appreciation for them. If you are disappointed with something fave has done, be it a music video, a kdrama or advertisement, you should not be compelled to like it because everyone else does. Think for yourself.
Please feel free to counter any of the points I mentioned, I would love to have a discussion. And also please do correct me if I have mentioned any incorrect information :)
(P.S. I am once again stating that I have immense respect for BTS. This is not a post to run them or McDonald's down. I am simply attempting to analyse this through a critical lens.)
(P.P.S Please read the disclaimer, which is my pinned post. Thank you)
