The Complete History and Global Rise of Labubu– Labubu was brought to life in 2015 by Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong–born artist who was raised in the Netherlands and now resides in Belgium. Deeply influenced by European fairy tales and Nordic mythology, Lung crafted Labubu as a central figure in his whimsical art series titled “The Monsters.” His illustrations, blending eerie and endearing aesthetics, captured the essence of magical realism, a signature of his storytelling style.
Labubu and Its Visionary Creator
Labubu initially appeared in art books and limited-edition vinyl figurines through the creative production house How2Work, a Hong Kong-based company specializing in designer toys. These early renditions were primarily for niche collectors in the designer toy community. But the odd, captivating charm of Labubu would soon propel her from underground art circles to global pop culture fame.
Character Design and Distinctive Appeal
Labubu is not your typical cuddly toy. She is a small, mischievous yet gentle female creature that resembles a mix between an elf and a monster. She has a fuzzy, rounded body, Labubu and Its Visionary Creator, oversized, pointed ears, wide, gleaming eyes, and her signature feature—nine serrated teeth that give her a slightly eerie grin.
While most would call her cute, Labubu’s appeal lies in the contrast—the balance between adorable and unsettling, often labeled as “ugly-cute.” Her uniqueness resonates with youth, collectors, and art enthusiasts who are tired of conventional cute aesthetics.
Labubu is also part of a fictional universe with other characters, such as:
- Zimomo – the calm, tailed leader of the tribe
- Tycoco – a cheerful companion with exaggerated expressions
- Mokoko, Spooky, and many more, each having distinctive personalities and visual styles
Together, they form a rich narrative environment that fuels fan engagement, lore, and fan-created content.
The Game-Changing Pop Mart Partnership
Labubu’s meteoric rise began in 2019, when Kasing Lung signed a licensing agreement with Pop Mart, a Chinese powerhouse in the blind-box toy industry. Pop Mart’s influence and vast retail network helped turn Labubu from a boutique art piece into a cultural sensation.
With Pop Mart’s expertise in mass production and marketing, Labubu figurines were reimagined as blind-box collectibles—sealed boxes that don’t reveal the figure inside until opened. These included:
- Vinyl toys
- Plushies
- Keychains
- Fashion accessories and charms
Pop Mart released themed series such as “Macaron,” “Have a Seat,” “Sweet Bean,” and even crossover editions with Coca-Cola and One Piece. Each collection includes “secret” rare editions, which dramatically increased the figures’ value and created a secondary collector economy.
Why Labubu Became a Global Phenomenon
1. Blind-Box Excitement & Rarity Culture
The mystery of surprise boxes has created a buying frenzy. Fans repeatedly purchase figures in hopes of scoring rare or secret editions, sometimes even buying entire cases. This addictive element has transformed Labubu into a must-have for toy collectors and casual buyers alike.
2. Celebrity Endorsements
In early 2024, Labubu’s popularity exploded when Blackpink’s Lisa was photographed carrying a Labubu charm. The image went viral, leading to a domino effect where other celebrities such as:
- Dua Lipa
- Kim Kardashian
- Rihanna
- David Beckham
We were seen with Labubu collectibles. This visibility pushed Labubu beyond Asia, reaching audiences in Europe and North America.
3. Cultural and Emotional Resonance
Labubu symbolizes more than a collectible—it represents a return to childhood whimsy, individuality, and nostalgic escape in a fast-paced world. Especially among Gen Z and Millennial communities, Labubu is cherished as a symbol of identity, creativity, and comfort.
Major Milestones in Labubu’s Journey
- 2015 Labubu was conceived by Kasing Lung within “The Monsters” art series
- 2016 First figures and books released via How2Work
- 2019 Global licensing partnership with Pop Mart initiated
- 2023 Launch of “Macaron” keychains; bag charms gain mass popularity
- 2024–25 Cross-brand collabs (Coca-Cola, One Piece); 4ft Labubu sells for $170,000 at auction.
Labubu’s Expanding Universe and Collector Craze
By mid-2025, more than 300 versions of Labubu had been produced. These range in:
- Price: Standard figures sell for $15–$30, while large plush or limited editions reach $85–$200
- Rarity: Secret editions and early releases now fetch up to $20,000 on platforms like StockX and eBay
- Size: From 3-inch vinyls to 4-foot art installations
Collectors engage in trading, unboxing, customization (like dressing them up), and even painting their own Labubu variants. Entire communities exist on Reddit, Discord, and Instagram solely for sharing Labubu-related content.
Knockoff Culture and Legal Battles
As Labubu became globally recognized, counterfeit versions (dubbed “Lafufu”) began surfacing. While Pop Mart pursues legal action, some collectors ironically embrace these bootlegs for their quirky reinterpretations and meme value. Still, authenticity remains king, and real Labubu items dominate resale platforms and art auctions.
Economic Impact and Brand Value
Labubu has not only become a beloved figure—it’s a powerhouse brand. Pop Mart’s revenue from overseas markets skyrocketed due to Labubu’s influence:
- Sales hit RMB 6.3 billion (~ US$870 million) in early 2024
- Pop Mart’s profits increased by over 350% by Q2 2025
This success story showcases how niche art figures can transition into multi-million dollar franchises through clever marketing, storytelling, and emotional design.
The Future of Labubu
With new collaborations, fan-driven content, and global exhibitions, Labubu shows no signs of slowing down. Future collections promise interactive features (like AR-enhanced figures) and NFT-style digital Labubus for the metaverse.
As the brand continues to evolve, Kasing Lung’s original vision remains intact—a universe where the strange is beautiful, the flawed is adored, and monsters are not to be feared but loved.
Summary at a Glance:
- Creator: Kasing Lung (2015), inspired by European folklore
- Character: Female elf-monster, iconic nine teeth, fuzzy, ugly-cute appeal
- Milestone: Exploded after the 2019 Pop Mart deal
- Key Traits: Blind-box hype, celebrity endorsements, collector culture
- Impact: Major global icon; hundreds of variations; resale market booming
- Future: Digital collectibles, more collaborations, and fandom expansion
Selva Ganesh is the Chief Editor of this blog. A Computer Science Engineer by qualification, he is an experienced Android Developer and a professional blogger with over 10 years of industry expertise. He has completed multiple courses under the Google News Initiative, further strengthening his skills in digital journalism and content accuracy. Selva also runs Android Infotech, a widely recognized platform known for providing in-depth, solution-oriented articles that help users around the globe resolve their Android-related issues.
I never realized Labubu was this popular globally. This story makes me appreciate its charm even more.
Labubu inspires so many artists online. The creative fan tributes are endless.
My cousin in Mexico introduced me to Labubu. It’s incredible how far its reach has grown!
Can you share more insider stories from the creators of Labubu? These details make collecting more meaningful.
The article explained Labubu’s influence on global trends really well. I think more brands should collaborate!
Friends always ask me where I got my Labubu plushie. It’s the perfect gift for people of any age.
I attended a Labubu pop-up event last month. The artistry on display was breathtaking.
My collection started with a single Labubu figure. Now I have over a dozen, each with its own story.
Amazing to see how Labubu’s adventures touch international audiences. Thank you for this wonderful article.
I just read about Labubu for the first time. Now I want to collect every version!
Labubu’s popularity has skyrocketed since the early days. Online communities keep the legend alive.
I admire the details in every Labubu collectible. My favorite is the cosmic themed Labubu!
This piece was very informative. Hope Labubu continues to inspire creativity all over the world.
I hope to attend a Labubu exhibition someday. It would be amazing to see the original sketches.
The history and evolution of Labubu are so well documented here. Thank you for sharing!
My friends in France adore Labubu’s winter collection. Each theme brings something new.
The Labubu plushies are the cutest! I bought one for my niece and she takes it everywhere.
I love how Labubu personalizes messages during fan events. Such a nice touch for collectors!
Children connect easily with Labubu’s joyful personality. Great to see it used in schools!
I recently started following Labubu fan pages online. It’s a wonderfully supportive community.
The rise of Labubu is proof of Kasing Lung’s creative genius. It’s become much more than just a toy.
I appreciate the cultural references embedded in Labubu’s stories. It beautifully represents East meets West.
Labubu is extremely photogenic for toy photographers. I love staging scenes with my collection.
The different Labubu designs fascinate me the most. Every edition highlights a new personality trait.
Has Labubu appeared on TV recently? I recall seeing it mentioned in international news.
Every Labubu adventure is a new favorite for my kids. The creativity behind each release is fantastic.
This article really captures Labubu’s magical appeal. I hope more stories get published in the future.
Labubu’s smile instantly brightens my day. Do you know if there are coloring books for kids?
The figurines are incredibly detailed. These collectibles will surely be passed down generations.
What countries does Labubu have the most fans in? I see so many international fan art pieces online.
My children relate to Labubu’s sense of adventure. The character helps teach valuable life lessons.
Friends from Europe are surprised by Labubu’s reach. Its collaborations with big brands are impressive.
Labubu began as a simple sketch and now inspires art toy fans everywhere. Social media really spread its fame!
The backstory behind Labubu is heartwarming. Its worldwide success is well deserved.
Great article on Labubu’s global journey! Are there interviews with Kasing Lung available online?
My local comic store hosted a Labubu event last week. The atmosphere was so friendly and welcoming.
I just started collecting Labubu. Any advice for finding rare editions?
I love the storybook art style behind Labubu. Wish there were more behind-the-scenes videos of its creation.
What makes Labubu different from other designer toys? Its expression surely sets it apart.
Labubu’s merchandise is so diverse now. They even have themed cafes in some countries!
I’m amazed at the diversity of Labubu figures. Each version feels like a new interpretation of the original idea.
When did Labubu first appear in art exhibitions? It must have taken Kasing Lung years to perfect the character.
As a teacher, I’ve used Labubu’s story to encourage creativity in children. The lessons translate so well for young minds.
I read Labubu’s backstory and found it inspiring. Do you think its popularity will last?
The rise of Labubu reminds me of how icons can unite different cultures. Its merchandise is everywhere now!
My daughter adores Labubu’s playful character. Are there plans for new adventures or movies featuring Labubu?
I saw a Labubu exhibit during my trip to Tokyo. The display was incredibly creative and detailed.
It’s interesting how art toys like Labubu are shaping global pop culture. Has Kasing Lung commented on their success?
Do collectors trade Labubu figures worldwide? The community around it seems very passionate.
I’m amazed at how Labubu found fans far beyond its origin country. This shows the power of storytelling!
Grace, those are rare finds! I’ve only seen them online and they’re expensive.
I can’t believe I found a limited edition Labubu at a flea market. So lucky!
Ella, yes, usually new stock comes in with each collection launch, so keep an eye on their site!
The iconic smile of Labubu attracts people of all ages. I wonder what inspired its unique design.
Labubu merch is sold out everywhere, is there a restock planned?
Cindy, it looks like Kasing Lung draws a lot from folklore and personal childhood memories.
What do you think inspires Kasing Lung’s Labubu stories?
Hi Alice, I think social media really played a huge role in introducing Labubu to new countries.
How did Labubu gain so much popularity outside Asia?
Labubu’s journey from Kasing Lung’s imagination truly fascinates me. How did it become such a sensation worldwide?