Popular K-pop girl group AESPA has been involved in controversy after revealing that they will be working with McDonald’s Japan once again.
Twitter users uploaded the 30-second commercial, which shows aespa members endorsing McDonald’s goods, including a recently added McCafe menu item.
Fans, however, have expressed their disgust and annoyance with the group as well as its management, SM Entertainment, as a result of the collaboration.
本日7/1(月)から#McCafe × #aespa
— マクドナルド (@McDonaldsJapan) July 1, 2024
コラボCM解禁!#オレオクッキーチョコフラッペ#水曜からチョコミントフラッペも pic.twitter.com/s3Ghbf320T
Backlash From Fans
McDonald‘s apparent role in the continuing violence in Palestine is at the center of the dispute. It was recently made public that an Israeli McDonald’s franchise owner has been feeding hospitals and soldiers in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) with complimentary meals.
Over 100,000 meals will be donated as part of this program, according to Newsweek, across five stores. Many groups, including aespa enthusiasts, have called for a boycott of McDonald’s in response to this disclosure.
Hello SM, We do NOT want AESPA or any of your artists to associate or promote STARBUCKS or McDonald's. The companies are financing a genocide in Palestine. Please take note of our concerns. @SMTOWNGLOBAL @aespa_official @aespaJPofficial #SM_BOYCOTT_GENOCIDE pic.twitter.com/C9ejegqZEP
— Karina♡ (@ujiminphoria) June 29, 2024
Hello SM, We do NOT want AESPA or any of your artists to associate or promote STARBUCKS or McDonald's. The companies are financing a genocide in Palestine. Please take note of our concerns. @aespa_official @SMTOWNGLOBAL @aespaJPofficial #SM_BOYCOTT_GENOCIDE pic.twitter.com/tcKqvZrgoG
— aespa International (@aespaintl) June 29, 2024
The fact that aespa, a band renowned for its positive image, has partnered with a company linked to such contentious behavior has angered many of its fans.
The reaction on social media has been largely negative, with many fans calling on SM Entertainment to sever ties with McDonald’s.
The outcry demonstrates how fans are becoming more vocal about the moral ramifications of the sponsorships of their favorite musicians.
Previous Controversies
For SM Entertainment, this circumstance is not brand-new. When NCT 127, another group on the roster, published joint goods with Starbucks—a firm that has also been the focus of boycotts due to its role in the same conflict—the company was hit with similar criticism.
It’s unclear if SM Entertainment or aespa would respond to the fans’ complaints or reevaluate their cooperation as the criticism against aespa and McDonald’s intensifies. Supporters are keeping a close eye on the situation to see how it plays out and whether any steps are taken to address the mounting unhappiness.