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Cuteness that Sells Out McDonald’s x Choonsik Keyring Causes Open Run Frenzy

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Summary

Cuteness that Sells Out McDonald’s x Choonsik Keyring Causes Open Run Frenzy
Type	Other	Genre	Character/Licensing

Cuteness that Sells Out McDonald’s x Choonsik Keyring Causes Open Run Frenzy

This content shows how IP-based character merchandising, when paired with food service

promotions, can drive massive consumer turnout and resale buzz—highlighting a scalable model for

global brands seeking emotionally resonant, fandom-powered marketing.

Torrential rain on July 17 couldn't stop Korean consumers from lining up early at McDonald's for

the limited-edition ‘Choonsik Doll Pack’.

The promotion tied into their new ‘Iksan Sweet Potato Mozzarella Burger Set’ – pay an extra 10,600 KRW and

get one of two Choonsik keyrings : ‘Farmer Choonsik’ or ‘Granny Choonsik’. Online Communities were

buzzing before the 10:30 a.m. sales start.

By afternoon, resale prices on ‘Karrot Market’ hit 20,000–30,000 KRW per keyring. McDonald's and Kakao

Friends already crushed it with Choonsik packs in 2024, and this year's drop sparked the same FOMO

(Fear Of Missing Out)-driven “Open Run” behavior that proves the character's serious commercial power.

♦ Offline Collectible Merch as Brand Driver

McDonald's nailed how limited-edition K-character keyrings can drive both foot traffic and viral hype.

For global brands, character IP tie-ins offer a smart way to localize marketing in ways that actually

resonate emotionally with consumers.

♦ Character Licensing x Food Service Synergy

The recurring Choonsik collaboration shows how character goods paired with consumable products

create ongoing buzz cycles.

This signals to IP owners and food franchises that well-timed releases can build long-term co-branding

momentum that works across multiple seasons.

Source

The Korea Economic Daily. (2025. 7. 17.)

Source

The Korea Economic Daily