McDonald's Korea has launched new products as part of its "Taste of Korea" series, showcasing its dedication to collaborating with rural areas in the country. The latest lineup features the Jinju Pepper Cream Cheese Burger and Jinju Pepper Cream Cheese Muffin, both incorporating locally sourced peppers from Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province. The company's public affairs director, Yang Hyoung-keun, emphasized the commitment to supporting rural farmers, contributing to the local community, and promoting the brand domestically and internationally. McDonald's Korea aims to introduce the new lineup to overseas branches, reflecting its openness to expanding the domestic items globally. The Jinju Pepper Cream Cheese Burger, developed over one year and three months, combines pepper cream cheese, pepper horseradish sauce, beef patties, bacon, tomato, and lettuce. The product development team focused on creating a balanced taste of spicy pepper and cream cheese to appeal to a wider audience, considering the growing global popularity of spicy flavors. McDonald's Korea's choice of Jinju for this year's theme stems from the city's reputation as the largest producer of peppers in the country, ensuring sustainable procurement. Since the launch of the Taste of Korea program in 2021, McDonald's Korea has sold over 20 million items featuring locally sourced ingredients and continues to prioritize the use of fresh, local produce in its offerings.