If you are familiar with VandyThePink, you know that the Korean-born designer loves burgers and fries. Since starting his namesake label in 2017, illustrations of the delicious food items have been a throughline in his design language. But he isn’t just a really big foodie. Vandy’s choice to make a burger one of his brand’s mascots stems from his appreciation for American culture. He has fond memories of the giant billboards for fast food restaurants that he saw throughout Times Square on his first visit to New York City as a teenager.
In 2023, that story came full circle when he released a special edition packaging and apparel collection with McDonald’s Hong Kong. Fast forward to 2026 and Vandy’s leveled up the partnership even more. He’s designed a full merch collection to help celebrate the upcoming McDonald’s meal with Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters, a project that perfectly fuses his brand ethos with his South Korean heritage. The apparel is available to shop now exclusively on Complex.
“The process of connecting these two worlds was very interesting. McDonald’s is one of the most iconic global brands, while Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters represents a global movement that has redefined how Korean culture is seen and experienced worldwide,” Vandy tells Complex. “As a proud South Korean, Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters goes beyond just entertainment. It introduces people to our culture in a very real way. You see it in the food, the music, the characters inspired by Korean folklore, and even small details like Sussie wearing a traditional 갓. Those choices in clothing and styling reflect real cultural roots, not just aesthetics.”
The 11-piece collection will consist of graphic T-shirts, long sleeves, hoodies, letterman jackets, and more that fuse graphics and characters from Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters with Vandy’s whimsical art style and McDonald’s omnipresent branding. Pairing his love for fast food with the music that represents his home country makes Vandy the perfect candidate to execute the partnership.
“K-pop has always been part of my life, from my teenage years in Korea to the current generation of idols,” Vandy tells Complex. “K-pop has always been closely tied to fashion. Over time, it has grown into a global force that shapes not just music, but style, identity, and culture. Being able to grow up watching that evolution, dressing like the artists I looked up to, and now being in a position where I can create for K-pop artists myself, feels surreal.”
Vandy’s favorite piece from the collection, the character T-shirt featuring Derpy and Sussie in front of the Hanok (한옥), because of the strong Korean elements that were evident in their designs. “While watching the film, those characters immediately stood out to me,” says Vandy.
The collab with McDonald’s and Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters is the latest moment in a constant string of events that have led to K-pop’s popularity exploding around the world in recent years. Vandy has a deep understanding and respect for how important the film is to that equation.
“It feels very meaningful to me,” says Vandy. “As someone who grew up with K-pop, enjoys animation, and is Korean, there is a strong sense of pride in seeing this kind of content resonate with people all over the world.”
For Vandy, this collab is also another watershed moment that proves why he has become a go-to collaborator in streetwear. He doesn’t just design coveted products. He continues to construct an immersive world.
“It is about telling stories rooted in Korea, while also reflecting my journey of experiencing and connecting with different cultures, especially through food,” says Vandy. “This collaboration is more than just brands coming together. It connects culture, identity, and storytelling in a way that feels honest and meaningful to me.”
Shop the Vandy The Pink x McDonald’s x Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters collection exclusively on Complex.
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