The worlds of anime, K-pop, and fast food are colliding in a way that’s capturing the imagination—and appetites—of fans around the globe. The stars of Netflix’s runaway anime hit, KPop Demon Hunters, are reuniting for a series of special online performances, thanks to an inventive partnership with McDonald’s. This collaboration, dubbed the Battle of the Bands, is more than just a marketing stunt; it’s a full-fledged cultural event that promises to deliver music, exclusive content, and a taste of Korean-inspired cuisine—all accessible through a simple scan on the McDonald’s app.
The excitement is building as April 26, 2026, draws near. On that day, fans will be able to access these exclusive performances by scanning the Derpy Access Card, a collectible item included with limited edition McDonald’s meals themed after the film’s beloved characters. According to IGN, these meals—launched on March 31, 2026—feature culinary creations inspired by the movie, such as the Spicy Saja McMuffin (described as being “inspired by the fire of Gwi-Ma”) and Huntrix Ramyeon McShaker Fries. Each meal also comes with a photocard, a cherished staple in K-pop fandom, and the all-important Derpy Access Card, which acts as the gateway to the digital event.
The lineup for the performances is a dream come true for fans. EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI—the vocal talents behind the animated girl group Huntrix—are set to debut a brand new song together. Meanwhile, the Saja Boys, brought to life by Andrew Choi, samUIL Lee, Kevin Woo, Neckwav, and Danny Chung, will perform as a real-world group for the first time. As IGN reports, this marks a significant milestone for both groups, who have previously only existed within the animated world of KPop Demon Hunters. The anticipation is palpable, with many fans eager to see how the rivalry between Huntrix and the Saja Boys will play out on this new digital stage.
Marian Lee, Chief Marketing Officer at Netflix, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, stating, “KPop Demon Hunters has ignited an incredibly passionate global fandom, and we’re always looking for authentic ways to bring fans deeper into the worlds they love.” She emphasized how the partnership with McDonald’s allows fans to experience the film’s central rivalry in a tangible way, drawing on Korean culture and culinary traditions that are at the heart of the movie. “With McDonald’s, we were able to turn the rivalry between The Saja Boys and Huntrix into something fans can actually experience, drawing inspiration from Korean culture and food traditions that sit at the heart of the film. From Ramyeon McShaker Fries to Demon sauces paired with Soda Pop, every detail was designed to feel like it could have come straight out of a scene in the movie,” Lee added, according to IGN.
Since its release in the summer of 2025, KPop Demon Hunters has become a phenomenon. By December of that year, the film had racked up more than 500 million views on Netflix, as reported by multiple outlets. Its cultural impact was further cemented at the Academy Awards, where it took home the trophies for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song. Given this runaway success, it’s no surprise that a sequel is already in development—though, as IGN notes, fans shouldn’t expect it to arrive anytime soon.
But the innovation doesn’t stop at the performances themselves. According to McDonald’s global marketing lead Guillaume Huin, the Derpy Access Card is more than just a ticket to a virtual concert. “The card will unlock exclusive video performances from both groups featured in the collab,” Huin explained, as reported by Dexerto. Fans will not only get to see the Saja Boys’ first official performance together and a new song from Huntrix, but also receive exclusive updates and new content tied to KPop Demon Hunters. The rollout is designed to deliver the kind of fresh content that fans have been clamoring for since the film’s release.
The collaboration has also sparked a frenzy among collectors. The limited edition photocards and Derpy Access Cards have become hot commodities on the secondary market, with online resellers cashing in on the demand. This phenomenon underscores the cultural weight of K-pop collectibles and their enduring appeal, as noted by Dexerto. It’s a testament to how deeply KPop Demon Hunters has resonated, not just as a film but as a broader cultural movement that blends music, animation, and fandom into a potent mix.
This isn’t the first time the stars of KPop Demon Hunters have stepped beyond the screen. Earlier in 2026, Huntrix made a splash at Coachella, performing their hit song “Golden” alongside Katseye. The reception was overwhelmingly positive, setting the stage for the upcoming McDonald’s collaboration and raising expectations for what’s to come. According to IGN, this appearance helped pave the way for the Battle of the Bands event, giving fans a taste of what it’s like to see their favorite animated idols come to life.
At its core, the collaboration is about more than just selling meals or streaming performances. It’s a celebration of a global fan community that has rallied around KPop Demon Hunters, finding connection and excitement in its unique blend of storytelling and spectacle. The event is designed to foster a sense of togetherness, allowing fans to share in the thrill of new music, exclusive content, and the simple joy of collecting memorabilia. It’s a reminder of how brands can tap into the pulse of popular culture, creating experiences that resonate on multiple levels.
As the April 26 launch date approaches, the anticipation among fans is almost tangible. The prospect of scanning a Derpy Access Card to unlock a world of music and entertainment is a testament to the innovative ways companies are engaging with audiences today. With the promise of new songs, first-time performances, and exclusive updates, the Battle of the Bands collaboration between Netflix and McDonald’s is shaping up to be a landmark moment—not just for fans of KPop Demon Hunters, but for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of entertainment and fandom.
With the digital stage set to light up and fans around the world ready to scan their cards, this event stands as a vibrant celebration of creativity, community, and the enduring power of pop culture. The stars of KPop Demon Hunters are poised to deliver an unforgettable experience, and their global audience is more than ready to join in the fun.