Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Hu Ge has achieved cult status in his native China after producing a number of ads that have become Internet sensations.
Last week, as if foreseeing McDonald's price hikes in mainland China, Hu Ge produced a new ad narrating a dual love story-a man's love for a woman, and a country's love for McDonald's.
On Wednesday, the fast food chain increased prices of menu items at its 1,000-plus mainland China restaurants from RMB .5 to RMB 1 (roughly $.15), citing an increase in the cost of raw materials.
This development is surprising, considering that the fast-food market landscape in China is so competitive that earlier this year McDonald's began accepting coupons issued by its competitors (like KFC and Burger King). Coupons issued by rivals were applicable toward an additional 10 percent discount on certain products.
Hu's video depicted a love-struck man who finally wins over his object of affection by offering her McDonald's coupons.
The popularity of the video indicates on some level Chinese acceptance of the chain, which has only been in China since 1990. Hu Ge's Youku (a Chinese YouTube copycat) page has received over 2.2 million hits as of Nov. 19.
There are currently no discount coupons available on the McDonald's China Web site-the last batch expired on Nov. 2, but they would have come in handy this week.
McDonald's China coupons: http://www.mcdonalds.com.cn/mclub/coupon_hot.aspx
McDonald's U.S. coupons: http://www.8coupons.com/coupons/McDonald's
Watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-0BQ5zcb5Y
Because YouTube is blocked in China, visit Hu Ge's Youku page at: http://u.youku.com/user_show/id_UMTIxMjE4NjY0.html
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments