McDonald’s Gochujang Butter Menu Is Giving Us Serious FOMO

McDonald’s is bringing Korean flavor to the Golden Arches across Asia, and G-Dragon is making sure fans notice. The K-pop star is teaming up with McDonald’s for a new Gochujang Butter menu that is rolling out across several Asian markets this fall.

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The only problem is, this menu is not coming to the U.S. or anywhere outside Asia. 

Gochujang Butter Sauce Is Taking Over McDonald’s

McDonald’s is teaming up with G-Dragon to launch the Gochujang Butter Sauce, a sweet, savory and mildly spicy creation developed by McDonald’s Korea. 

McDonald’s Korea created the sauce by mixing gochujang, the famous Korean fermented red pepper paste, with buttery flavor. This gives it some heat, but the sauce also has a rich and savory taste.

South Korea got the first taste on September 17th. The launch included two chicken sandwiches: the McCrispy Gochujang Butter and McSpicy Gochujang Butter. The McCrispy version uses a Cajun-seasoned chicken thigh patty with the sauce and Colby Jack cheese, while the McSpicy version swaps in a spicy chicken breast patty. The sauce is also available separately for dipping.

Hong Kong Is Going All In

McDonald’s Hong Kong has its own version of the Gochujang Butter Sauce, and the menu goes way beyond a single burger. The main attraction is a crispy fried chicken thigh topped with Gochujang Butter Sauce, pineapple and romaine lettuce. McNuggets can also be paired with the new sauce for dipping.

McDonald’s Hong Kong is also serving Shake Shake Fries in Korean BBQ and Honey Butter flavors. There is also a Jeju Satsuma Nata de Coco soda, giving the drink menu a fruity twist.

And for dessert, you get a Sweetheart Crunchy Oreo McFlurry and Salted Caramel Mini Churros. Basically, the meal can start spicy and savory and finish with something sweet.

And because this is a G-Dragon collaboration, the packaging gets its own makeover. McDonald’s Hong Kong is using designs inspired by PEACEMINUSONE, G-Dragon’s fashion and lifestyle brand, including its signature daisy and heart graphics.

G-Dragon Fans Can Get More Than A Meal

The food is only part of the fun. McDonald’s is also working with PEACEMINUSONE on limited-edition merchandise connected to the collaboration. That gives G-Dragon fans another reason to keep an eye on the rollout.

Hong Kong is getting collectible “I’M M FAN” cards, followed by PEACEMINUSONE merchandise such as a retro McDonald’s cap, metal pins and a canvas tote bag. The items are being released in different phases.

Taiwan is getting collectibles, too. Selected meals come with G-Dragon photo cards, along with special packaging for the campaign.

The U.S. Is Missing Out For Now

The Gochujang Butter collaboration is being rolled out across 13 Asian markets, and McDonald’s has not announced a U.S. release for the menu.

So American McDonald’s fans will have to watch from the sidelines while the new chicken sandwiches, special fries, desserts, and G-Dragon merchandise make their way around Asia. At least we have Pokémon Happy Meals to comfort us.