In recent years, a mischievous yet adorable character has taken over social media feeds worldwide: Labubu. With its quirky appearance, collectible vinyl figures, and emotional backstory, Labubu has quickly turned into a global phenomenon—especially among toy collectors and pop culture enthusiasts. But what exactly is Labubu, how did it come to life, and what makes it so popular?
What is Labubu?
Labubu is a collectible vinyl toy character created by Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong-based illustrator and storyteller. Produced and distributed by Pop Mart, a leading Chinese designer toy brand, Labubu is part of the “The Monsters” series—a collection of imaginative creatures with unique personalities.
Labubu is easily recognizable with its large ears, sharp teeth, and mischievous smile. Although its appearance carries slightly eerie elements, its charm lies in its playful and emotional design, which appeals to both children and adult collectors.
How did Labubu originate?
Labubu was born from the childhood imagination and emotional reflections of its creator, Kasing Lung. Drawing inspiration from feelings of loneliness and outsider identity, Lung created “The Monsters” as a symbolic world of characters who are different yet endearing. Labubu quickly became the standout figure in this collection.
Initially introduced in 2014 through limited edition releases, Labubu gained traction among art toy collectors in Asia. Its popularity soared after Pop Mart began mass-producing the character in 2016, integrating it into blind box formats and collectible series that fueled demand across the globe.
Why is Labubu so popular?
Several key factors have contributed to Labubu’s global rise:
Unique character design: Labubu’s mix of cute and creepy appeals to people looking for something different from traditional toys.
Limited-edition culture: Most Labubu figures are released in blind boxes and produced in limited quantities, which drives exclusivity and collector enthusiasm.
Social media virality: Unboxing videos, Instagram posts, and TikTok trends have propelled Labubu into the spotlight, especially among Gen Z and millennials.
Emotional storytelling: The deeper meaning behind Labubu’s creation resonates with fans, who often see themselves reflected in its outsider yet lovable identity.
Labubu’s place in popular culture
Labubu is no longer just a designer toy—it’s a cultural icon. The character has expanded beyond the toy aisle into fashion, art, and even animation rumors. Labubu can be found:
Collaborating with fashion brands (appearing on apparel, bags, and accessories),
- Showcased in art galleries and global toy conventions,
- Featured in limited-edition art prints by Kasing Lung,
- Circulating in the resale market for significant markups.
- As designer toy culture continues to grow in Asia and around the world, Labubu has cemented its place as a must-have figure among collectors.
Where to buy Labubu figures?
Labubu figures are available through Pop Mart official stores, online marketplaces, art toy shops, and collector forums. Due to the limited nature of many series, certain editions become rare and can fetch high prices in the resale market.
Collectors often seek complete sets, chase figures (rare variants), or collaboration editions, which adds to the excitement and investment potential of owning a Labubu figure.
Labubu is more than just a toy—it’s a symbol of emotion, creativity, and individuality. Created from the heart of Kasing Lung and brought to the world through Pop Mart, Labubu has captured the imagination of fans worldwide. Its unique design, touching backstory, and viral presence ensure it will remain a beloved icon in pop culture and collectible toy history.
