Macca’s turns Drive Thru into KPop battleground in Akcelo play

McDonald’s Australia has launched a KPop Demon Hunters-themed drive-thru activation in Sydney, developed with Akcelo, as part of a broader global campaign rolling out across multiple markets.

The Waterloo site has been transformed into an immersive retail experience, positioning the Drive Thru as a campaign touchpoint ahead of the national rollout tied to the “Battle for the Fans” platform.

The activation invites customers to select a lane aligned to competing factions from the KPop Demon Hunters franchise before placing their order beneath the Honmoon.

As vehicles move through the site, the experience incorporates franchise audio, character visuals, and physical installations, including a HUNTR/X plane wall, character windows, and appearances by key figures such as Derpy the tiger.

Amanda Nakad, Senior Marketing Director at McDonald’s, said: “Bringing KPop Demon Hunters to life through our iconic Drive Thru has been incredibly exciting for us. It taps into a real cultural moment, inviting fans to quite literally drive into the world of the franchise and experience Macca’s and their fandom in a way that’s never been done before.”

Limited-time menu ties into global platform

The local activation forms part of McDonald’s global “Battle for the Fans” campaign, which centres on character-led competition for fan attention.

Two limited-edition meals have been introduced for the campaign: the HUNTR/X Meal, which includes 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, fries, a drink, and two Demon sauces, alongside collectible character cards; and the Saja Boys Breakfast Meal, featuring a Spicy Saja McMuffin, hash brown, soda, and collectible cards.

A limited-edition Derpy McFlurry, topped with boba pearls and brown sugar sauce, is also included in the range.

Akcelo CEO Aden Hepburn said, “Kpop Demon Hunters is an unstoppable cultural phenomenon. So many fans within Akcelo have loved the opportunity to craft this unique ‘Battle For the Fans’ launch moment for Australia and we can’t wait for everyone to experience it.”

The “Battle for the Fans” campaign launched on April 1 across Australia and the US, spanning TV, radio, out-of-home, social and in-store channels.

The Drive Thru activation is running at McDonald’s Waterloo from April 1, with the experience most effective during evening hours.

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