Nearly a year has passed since KPop Demon Hunters first graced our screens, quickly amassing a dedicated following thanks to its fluid animation and a soundtrack that dominated the Billboard Hot 100. A particular fan favorite is “Free,” a soul-stirring ballad performed by Rumi (Ejae) and Jinu (Andrew Choi) that captures their yearning to escape the pressures of fame. Until very recently, that track stood as the duo’s only collaboration.
That changed when McDonald’s announced a high-profile partnership with the KPop Demon Hunters brand for a limited-time event titled “Battle For The Fans.” The campaign pits the trio from Huntr/x—Rumi, Zoey, and Mira—against the Saja Boys, inviting enthusiasts to pledge their allegiance by choosing between two specially curated McDonald’s meals.
The promotion kicked off on March 31, accompanied by two vibrant new commercials. The first short features the demon-slaying protagonists and their manager, Bobby, enjoying a meal break. The second features the two elderly women seen in the original Sony/Netflix film, who are surprised to find the Saja Boys populating their Happy Meal box.
Image: McDonalds/Netflix/Sony Animation
As each spot draws to a close, viewers hear the unmistakable “ba da ba ba ba” audio signature. Though this iconic five-note jingle has been the cornerstone of McDonald’s branding since 2003, it takes on a fresh life here.
Observant fans might notice something special about the voices behind the melody: the jingles for these KPop Demon Hunters ads are actually performed by Ejae and Choi. It is a subtle but perfect touch, given that they portray the leaders of the two competing groups.
While a fast-food commercial might not be the cinematic duet Rumi and Jinu fans were holding out for, it serves as a charming stopgap. It will have to satisfy the craving for more content until the eventual release of KPop Demon Hunters 2.
Source: Polygon
