Main image via TechCrunch + Hong Kong Tatler + BBC
Without a doubt, the introduction of the BTS meal has been the talk of the town for the past couple of weeks.
Fans of the K-pop group around the world went wild when the collaboration dropped and some even waited hours in line to get their hands on the chicken nugget meal.
With their excitement, one group of fans however decided to pay it forward by raising funds to thank the delivery riders who made it possible for them to be one of the first to receive the coveted meal.
via GIPHY
After the BTS meal’s release, the Indonesian BTS Army initiated a fundraising effort to provide lunch and distribute food packages for the food delivery riders who helped to deliver their special edition meals.
Through a crowdfunding website, the group of fans aimed to raise Rp107mil (RM31,000) by 13th June for the riders.
That goal however has been surpassed and at the time of writing, the fans have been able to raise over Rp246mil (RM71,144)!
via GIPHY
According to the fundraising page, the final amount as of 13th June will then donated to the food delivery riders, though no further details have been shared.
Before the release of the special edition meal, the Indonesian BTS Army adviced their followers on Twitter to not indulge in panic buying and to tip their delivery riders generously for their efforts.
Aida Nuraini, an Army member from South Jakarta, shared that the fans constantly reminded each other to “not be mad” at the delivery riders if they took too long with their orders, especially because of the overwhelming amount of purchases.
Aida also shared that she tipped her driver Rp30,000 (RM8.70), a generous amount that soon went viral and inspired other fans to send sizable tips to their drivers too.
via GIPHY
When asked about her generous tip, the fan explained that she was inspired by the K-pop group who are involved in many charity efforts that help women and children in need.
Wanting to be one of the firsts to get her hands on the BTS meal, Aida ordered first thing in the morning but was worried that her order would be cancelled by the driver due to the overwhelming queue.
“I really want to have that purple package for memorabilia,” Aida told The Jakarta Post. “And the nugget sauce was chosen by BTS for overseas fans, so we can try the Korean flavour.”
By this time however, word had gotten around about the fans’ generous tipping, so many riders stuck through the wait to deliver the meal to eager fans.
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It’s definitely great to see the BTS Army giving back to the community!
We’re definitely excited to see how much the fans will be able to raise by the end of the crowdfunding and to see how they would distribute the food packages to all the hardworking delivery riders.
Thank you to all the delivery drivers all over who have been diligently delivering our meals!
Have you got your hands on the BTS nugget meal yet? What are your thoughts on it? Let us know!
Info via The Star