K-pop’s rising stars BABYMONSTER are under fire after announcing a collaboration with McDonald’s. The collaboration comes at a sensitive time, as the fast-food chain faces global boycotts over its alleged ties to Israel amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.
On April 22, McDonald’s Hong Kong released a promotional ad with BABYMONSTER members. The members were seen dancing to their song “Drip” while promoting its menu items.
Fans and social media users have expressed disappointment over the timing of the deal, with many calling it tone-deaf to current geopolitical tensions. Supporters question why YG Entertainment would approve such a partnership during an internationally charged moment.
Netizens are leaving harsh comments like
“2025 and they are doing this like they don’t know about boycotting?”
“It doesn’t matter because they are not a HYBE artist”
“YG so desperate for revenue as they are flopping as a company and go and allow this”
“These girls couldn’t be more unlikable”
“They are a rookie group, and their own company is forcing them to promote it”
“The way some of you think idols have a say in brand collaborations is hilarious”
Besides BABYMONSTER, many K-pop acts were called out by fans for promoting boycotted brands. BTS V, j-hope, Jeon Somi, aespa, Jennie, Jisoo, Hoshi, Gaeul, and more.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen as Israeli attacks persist. On Friday alone, airstrikes killed at least 45 Palestinians, according to medical sources. The UN’s food rights expert Michael Fakhri condemned Israel’s 50-day blockade as a deliberate “starvation campaign” operating without consequences.
Official figures show over 51,000 Palestinians killed and 117,000 wounded since the war began 18 months ago. Following a ceasefire agreement in January, Israeli attacks on Gaza have unfortunately resumed, leading to a tragic loss of life and displacement of many. This has led to increasing calls for boycotts of Israel-supporting brands from pro-Palestinian activists.
On the work front, BABYMONSTER concluded their Japanese leg of the world tour “HELLO MONSTER” with their last shows in Fukuoka on April 19-20. They attracted 150,000 fans, significantly higher than the number of spectators predicted. BABYMONSTER will tour major Asian cities including Singapore, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh, Bangkok, Jakarta, and more.