YG x Paris Baguette Launch KRUNK Cafe in Shanghai

When a global K-pop fandom collides with a French-inspired bakery chain, what do you get? In Shanghai’s Nanfang Shopping Mall, the answer is a first-of-its-kind KRUNK-themed café that merges BIGBANG’s iconic style with Paris Baguette’s sweet offerings — and it’s opening December 18.

The new BIGBANG x KRUNK CAF opens December 18 on the second floor of the Paris Baguette location inside Shanghai’s Nanfang Shopping Mall, transforming the space into a colorful, KRUNK-branded coffee haven for BIGBANG fans.

What Is KRUNK and Why Is It in a Cafe?

KRUNK is YG Entertainment’s signature cartoon character, a funky, hip-hop-inspired mascot that first appeared in 2013. Originally introduced via singer Lee Hi’s album “It’s Over,” KRUNK quickly evolved into a full merchandising and lifestyle property, appearing in pop-up stores, fashion shows, and art collaborations. Now, KRUNK is stepping into the world of specialty retail with a cafe co-branded with Paris Baguette.

A First for YG and Paris Baguette

This collaboration marks the first time YG has partnered with Paris Baguette’s parent company, SPC Group China, to merge a K-pop idol image — BIGBANG — with a bakery-café concept. While both Korea and China have seen many themed cafes, none have combined a major global boy band with a premium bakery brand quite like this.

The KRUNK BAE BAE Concept and Menu

The Shanghai cafe will feature the third iteration of the KRUNK character design, BAE BAE, as its central theme. The 2nd-floor coffee area of the Paris Baguette branch has been fully redecorated with KRUNK imagery. The menu includes Paris Baguette staples reimagined with KRUNK branding: mini pure milk cakes, puddings, macarons, milkshakes, and espresso drinks like the Affogato. These sweet and caffeinated items are tailored specifically for the 10–20 age demographic, aiming to create a friendly, youth-oriented brand experience.

Fan Engagement and Promotions

To celebrate the launch, the cafe will run multiple online campaigns and offer exclusive KRUNK merchandise. One standout promotion is the “Send a BIGBANG Postcard” campaign: fans who mail in postcards may win signed BIGBANG CDs. This fan-focused activation has already generated significant excitement online.

Why This Matters for Coffee and K-Pop Culture

This venture breaks new ground in how pop culture icons can influence retail food spaces. By connecting a globally recognized music group with a well-established bakery-café brand, YG and Paris Baguette are testing a new model for fan engagement, especially targeting younger Chinese consumers. The KRUNK character, already familiar through music and fashion, now enters the daily lives of fans through coffee and sweets — creating a new touchpoint for loyalty and lifestyle branding.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the BIGBANG x KRUNK CAF open in Shanghai?

The BIGBANG x KRUNK CAF officially opens on December 18, 2015, on the second floor of the Paris Baguette store inside Shanghai’s Nanfang Shopping Mall.

What is KRUNK and who created it?

KRUNK is a cartoon character created by YG Entertainment, representing hip-hop fashion and youth culture. It was first introduced in 2013 through singer Lee Hi’s album “It’s Over.”

Which BIGBANG-related character is used in the cafe?

The cafe’s main design theme is based on the third version of the KRUNK character, called BAE BAE.

What kinds of products are sold at the KRUNK cafe?

The cafe sells Paris Baguette favorites such as mini milk cakes, puddings, macarons, milkshakes, and coffee drinks like the Affogato, all featuring BIGBANG x KRUNK branding.

Are there any special promotions for fans?

Yes, fans can participate in online events and send postcards to win signed BIGBANG CDs. There will also be exclusive KRUNK merchandise and promotional items available.

Who is the target audience for this cafe?

The cafe is designed to attract young customers aged 10 to 20, particularly BIGBANG fans, and aims to build a friendly, youthful brand image for Paris Baguette.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Cafe Creations

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