“Desperate for clout” - Fans slam McDonald’s for alleged misleading BLACKPINK tie-in ahead of new ice cream launch

BLACKPINK
BLACKPINK's speculated McDonald's collab (Image via X/@McDonalds_ID, @BLACKPINK)

On October 24, 2025, McDonald’s Indonesia released its returning ice cream flavor, the 'Pink Top Black Cone,' sparking a frenzy of BLACKPINK collaboration rumors.

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The brand wrote on X (translated via Google from Indonesian):

"The long-awaited is finally back! Pink Top Black Cone is back with its iconic look and flavor that always makes you miss it. The softness of vanilla ice cream blends with layers of fresh strawberry on top of the crunchy black cone.”
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However, earlier teasers had fans speculating a K-pop act tie-in. For instance, on October 22, McD Indonesia posted on X:

“Some are black... some are pink...I wonder if something nostalgic will be coming back to McDonald's? Just wait, because something berrylicious is ready to return!”

The following day, they added:

"From the crunchy black cone to the creamy fresh strawberry layer, every bite will instantly refresh your mood! This flavor combo is ready to accompany your day with a sensation that’ll make you crave more! Wait up, because something berrylicious is ready to enjoy in just a bit!”
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The post led many to think it was a BLACKPINK x McDonald's affiliation. Since then, the group received massive criticism online for allegedly endorsing the fast-food chain.

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Earlier today, the 'Pink Top Black Cone' launch confirmed that it was not a collaboration. Originally launched in 2019, this is a limited-time flavor that combines strawberry and black sesame. Fans were quick to notice, accusing the chain of trying to ride on the South Korean girl group's popularity with the black-and-pink theme.

"The way they're desperate for clout given that BP con in ID is next week and all they're actually doing is just releasing a new cone+flavour. If they were actually collab-ing like the quotes say. It would be on MCD's main acc and BP acc would have RT-ed, like a certain group," an X user commented.
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Many said that adding the quintet's signature colors was purely a marketing move, given the group's imminent arrival in the country for their DEADLINE concerts.

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Others continued to defend the group despite the backlash they received online for the suspected partnership.

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BLACKPINK returns to Jakarta for the DEADLINE world tour

BLACKPINK (Image via X/@BLACKPINK)
BLACKPINK (Image via X/@BLACKPINK)

BLACKPINK is getting ready for a two-night gig at Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on November 1-2, 2025, marking their first big-stage return to the city since 2023.

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The shows are part of their WORLD TOUR: DEADLINE. Promotions are once again handled by iMe Indonesia, the same team from their 2023 run. The tour will then head to Bulacan, Philippines, on November 22-23, 2025.


Earlier this year, rumors surfaced that McDonald’s had reached out to YG Entertainment about a “BLACKPINK Meal.” However, YG reportedly turned it down due to “ongoing matters” (likely contract complications or timing conflicts), and the brand shifted its focus to other K-pop acts.

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Edited by Shreya Jha
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