SINGAPORE — McDonald’s Singapore’s collaboration with K-pop superstar G-Dragon has drawn crowds of eager fans, with more than 60 people queuing outside its Funan outlet ahead of the release of limited-edition merchandise on Thursday (Oct. 8).
The collection, created in collaboration with G-Dragon’s fashion label PEACEMINUSONE, includes a tote bag, a set of collectible pins and a vintage-style hat. The items went on sale at 11am, but some fans arrived hours earlier in hopes of securing the limited releases.
The response was particularly strong for the vintage hat, which is available exclusively to McDonald’s MyM members at 10 selected outlets. At the Canberra Plaza outlet, shutters were temporarily lowered amid the crowd, apparently as a measure to manage the flow of customers.
Fans queue hours before merchandise launch
More than 60 people were seen waiting outside the McDonald’s outlet at Funan on Thursday morning, according to Shin Min Daily News. The first customer reportedly arrived at about 9am, two hours before the merchandise went on sale.
One fan, Huang Yiwen, said she and her 13-year-old daughter were both G-Dragon supporters. She was able to work remotely while waiting in line, bringing her laptop to the outlet.
The crowds reflected the appeal of the collaboration, which combines the fast-food chain’s Korean-inspired menu with merchandise associated with the BigBang member’s fashion brand.
At Canberra Plaza, a photograph shared with Shin Min Daily News showed the McDonald’s outlet with its shutters down while customers waited inside. The publication reported that the measure was believed to have been taken to help manage the crowd.
Vintage hat among the most sought-after items
The vintage hat appeared to be the collection’s most coveted item.
Priced at S$9.90, it is available to MyM members who make a minimum spend of S$10. The offer is limited to 10 outlets: Canberra, Choa Chu Kang Lot 1, Sengkang Sports Complex, Woodleigh Mall, JEM, Aperia Mall, Bedok Mall, Pasir Ris Mall, Kallang and Funan.
Each selected outlet received a limited allocation of 900 hats, available on a first-come, first-served basis. The restricted availability added to the urgency among fans hoping to obtain the merchandise.
The collection also includes a tote bag priced at S$12.90 with a qualifying meal purchase and a pin set priced at S$5.90. Customers can purchase both items together for S$18.80 with a meal, subject to availability and the promotion’s terms.
Fans who purchase a Spicy Bulgogi Chicken Burger meal can also receive one mystery photocard, with three designs available to collect while stocks last.
Collaboration began with Korean-inspired burgers
The merchandise release is the latest stage of McDonald’s Singapore’s collaboration with G-Dragon.
The campaign began on Oct. 1 with the launch of the Spicy Bulgogi Chicken Burger and Bulgogi Beef Burger, accompanied by the mystery photocards. The menu draws inspiration from Korean flavours, including the sweet-spicy bulgogi sauce featured in the burgers.
The partnership has helped turn a regular fast-food promotion into a broader fan experience, combining food, collectibles and merchandise linked to the South Korean entertainer.
For collectors, the limited quantities and outlet restrictions have made the merchandise release a race to secure the items before stocks run out.
G-Dragon set to perform in Singapore
The excitement comes ahead of G-Dragon’s upcoming concerts in Singapore.
The singer, whose real name is Kwon Ji-yong, is scheduled to perform at the National Stadium on Oct. 17 and 18, alongside fellow BigBang members Taeyang and Daesung.
The concerts add to the anticipation surrounding the collaboration, as fans prepare to welcome the K-pop star to Singapore.
For McDonald’s, the queues demonstrate the draw of pairing a familiar food brand with a major music personality and limited-edition collectibles. For fans, the release offers a chance to bring home a piece of the collaboration before the merchandise disappears from participating outlets.
With the vintage hat restricted to selected stores and supplies limited, availability remains dependent on remaining stock. Customers can check the McDonald’s Singapore app for updates on the tote bag and pin set.
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