It's Labubu's world and we're living in it: What's this Pop Mart figure and why is everyone obsessed with it?
It's hanging off bags as keychains and people are displaying figurines of it in their homes. Even some of our politicians are joining in on the hype by dressing it up in its own little white uniform. But what exactly is Labubu and why is everyone so obsessed with it? The devilish creature is part of Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung's story series, The Monsters, which he created back in 2015.
In the Nordic fairy tale, there are both good and evil monsters and other characters include Zimomo, Tycoco, Spooky and Pato. While Labubu's serrated teeth and sneaky grin give off a mischievous first impression, the character is actually a kind-hearted one who always wants to help others while accidentally doing bad things. The character also hopes to inspire others to be more positive
"No matter what difficulties we encounter, we should grin like Labubu and naturally, we will become happy," a publicity copy reads. In 2019, blind box brand Pop Mart entered an exclusive license agreement with Kasing and the revenue generated from the first series broke the sales record in the art toy category.
While Labubu has been a well-loved character for years, its popularity boomed when Blackpink member Lisa posted an Instagram Story of herself earlier in April holding a giant plushie of it. Netizens also spotted a charm of the character hanging off Lisa's bag in another Instagram Story. Other superstars seen with Labubu toys are Thai actress Junji Janjira and actor Mario Maurer. Singaporeans have joined in on the hype too
4 things to know about Labubu, the popular Pop Mart figure with fans including Blackpink’s Lisa
A Halloween edition of a Labubu figure (left) and Blackpink member Lisa holding a giant Labubu plush toy
Serrated teeth. Devillish eyes. Despite eschewing the traits of conventionally cute mascots, Labubu has emerged as one of the most sought-after figures in recent months. In fact, this unassuming elvish toy is so popular that she has led to unruly crowds worldwide – even in Singapore.
Back in August, there were reports of shouting and pushing among fans at the Pop Toy Show, held at Marina Bay Sands, as they fought for limited-edition Labubu items including an exclusive Labubu Merlion pendant.
So what exactly is a Labubu and why is there so much fanfare surrounding her? Here’s what you need to know:
- WHAT IS A LABUBU? - Labubu is a character in a series of stories called The Monsters by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung who was raised in the Netherlands. Inspired by Nordic fairy tales, Lung created The Monsters universe in 2015 and modelled his characters after elves, fairies and monsters.
- HOW DID LABUBU GET SO POPULAR? - Generally, Pop Mart figures have been popular. For instance, the Skullpanda and Molly series continue to do well to this day. As such, it was a given that Lung’s licence with Pop Mart would bring The Monsters – and Labubu – to a mainstream audience.
- HOW POPULAR ARE LABUBU FIGURES? - In Singapore, prices of limited-edition Labubu figures can reach as high as the thousands on resale platform Carousell. In Lisa’s homeland of Thailand, there have been reports of more and more locals flying to China to purchase Labubu toys – either as souvenirs or for resale purposes.
- WILL THE HYPE SURROUNDING LABUBU LAST? - CNA Lifestyle reached out to a few Pop Mart collectors in Singapore to get their thoughts on Labubu and its impact.
The rise of Labubu: Why are people obsessed with this plush toy accessory?
Labubu, the latest must-have collectable, has been capturing hearts across Southeast Asia, including celebrities such as Lisa of Blackpink
Another day, another style trend. This time around? Fluffy toys adorning coveted luxury bags such as Birkins. Last Friday saw a swarm of people rushing to Singapore’s Pop Toy Show for one reason: Labubu dolls. For the uninitiated, this furry elf character was created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung and is recognised by its pointy ears, impish smile and sharp teeth. While the character was introduced in 2015, it has since become popular for many reasons, including endorsements by celebrities like Blackpink’s Lisa.
“The rise of Labubu plushie is mainly due to an organic post by Lisa from Black Pink earlier this year. It first turned into an online meme, followed by a buying frenzy in Thailand where many local celebrities and KOLs [were hunting] for this blind box collection, It extended to other well-known individuals such as Thail Royal Family members and senators. This trend then started to expand to SEA region and further went back to China and other international markets,” shares Pop Mart International’s head of strategic partnerships Kevin Zhang. From its origins to where we can get our hands on one, we share everything you need to know about this furry doll.
What is a Labubu doll? In 2015, Lung created Labubu as part of a larger group of creatures called The Monsters which included other characters like Zimomo and Tycoco. These characters were inspired by Nordic fairy tales and were first drawn into children’s books. 2019 saw Lung entering into an exclusive licensing agreement with Chinese toy company Pop Mart, known for its collectable toys often sold in blind boxes. The partnership transitioned The Monsters from a storybook character into a collectable toy. Since then, Labubu has been released in various colours, shapes and sizes, capturing the interest of fans around Asia. These dolls are also sold in different formats including plush toys and vinyl figures.
Everything to know about Labubu, Lisa’s new favourite mascot
No, you’re not the only one trying to figure out what is Labubu, exactly. Part gremlin, part bunny, but immensely popular all the same, this furry mascot has won over the hearts of kawaii enthusiasts globally, especially after a glowing endorsement from BLACKPINK member, Lisa.
It seems that a certain fuzzy and mischievous character has once again taken Thailand by storm. After the hype of seeing K-pop idol Lisa clutch one in her arms, Labubu is trending once more after a brief tour here in Bangkok to promote Chinese tourism. But for those of us not in the know, it may be surprising and confusing as to who or what Labubu is and why it’s become so popular. If you’ve got questions, these are hopefully the answers you’ve been looking for.
What is Labubu? Labubu is an elf character recognisable for several notable features: the pointy ears, the sharp teeth that protrude from its mouth, small stature, and mischievous smile. Labubu is part of a group of creatures called The Monsters, a group of characters inspired by Nordic fairy tales. The character is featured in several items sold by Pop Mart, a Chinese toy company. Labubu is based on Nordic mythology. Its creator was inspired by the fairy tales of Europe and created Labubu along with the other Monsters first as characters in a children’s book.
According to the original books, Labubu is actually a girl.
All About the Hype Behind Labubu: Origins, Creator and More
Wondering what the hype around Labubu is all about? From BLACKPINK Lalisa’s obsession to Kasing Lung’s conception, we’ve got you covered.
It seems that a certain fuzzy and mischievous character has once again taken Thailand by storm. After the hype of seeing K-pop idol Lisa clutch one in her arms, Labubu is trending once more after a brief tour here in Bangkok to promote Chinese tourism. But for those of us not in the know, it may be surprising and confusing as to who or what Labubu is and why it’s become so popular. If you’ve got questions, these are hopefully the answers you’ve been looking for.
Labubu is an elf character recognisable for several notable features: the pointy ears, the sharp teeth that protrude from its mouth, small stature, and mischievous smile. Labubu is part of a group of creatures called The Monsters, a group of characters inspired by Nordic fairy tales. The character is featured in a number of items sold by Pop Mart, a Chinese toy company.
What The Heck Is Labubu And Why Is It Everywhere?
From luxury bags adorned with fluffy toys to multiple viral videos of people showing off collections, CCTV footage of people stealing collections, and more, Labubu has become the trend du jour. But what exactly is Labubu, and where does this new obsession stem from? Jom, let's explore.
Labubu, created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung in 2015, is part of a larger group of characters called The Monsters These creatures, including Labubu's friends Zimomo and Tycoco, were initially inspired by Nordic fairy tales and first appeared in children's books. Recognisable by its pointy ears, sharp teeth, and impish grin, Labubu has since transitioned from the pages of storybooks to becoming a highly sought-after collectible.
In 2019, Lung partnered with Chinese toy company Pop Mart, a brand known for its blind box collectibles. This collaboration turned Labubu into a cult figure, now available in various colours, shapes, and sizes, from plush toys to vinyl figures. The appeal lies not only in Labubu's quirky appearance but also in the joy of discovering which design you'll get when purchasing a blind box. Though Labubu has been around since 2015, its recent rise in popularity can largely be credited to a very influential fan: Lisa from K-pop group BLACKPINK.
Labubu: What Is It And Who Are Its Celebrity Fans
Known for its impish appearance and devilish smile, the Labubu doll has been the latest talk of the town. You’d have most likely seen pictures of it floating around social media or spotted its keychains dangling off people’s bags. Having gained a cult following, the character is currently one of Pop Mart’s most sought-after series.
The furry elf figure was created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung in 2015 as part of The Monsters universe. These characters were inspired by Nordic fairy tales and first made an appearance in children’s books. Characterised by its sharp fangs and pointy ears, Labubu’s personality is described as energetic and mischievous. However, despite its good intentions, it unwittingly causes harm while attempting to help others.
In 2019, Lung entered a partnership with the Chinese toy company, Pop Mart, known for its collectable toys and blind boxes. This exposed The Monsters to a mainstream audience. Since then, Labubu has been released in various colours, shapes and sizes. Some collections include the Happy Halloween Party, Lazy Yoga, and the Singapore-exclusive Hide and Seek series. Additionally, the dolls come in various forms, such as plush toys, vinyl figures, keychains, and pouches.
5 facts about Labubu, the viral doll sought after by toy collectors
Labubu, a doll with pointy ears and serrated teeth is increasingly popular among toy collectors. Created by POP MART China, this toy has managed to capture the hearts of many collectors around the world. The Labubu craze is not only happening in Indonesia, but has also spread to Thailand thanks to international celebrity Lisa BLACKPINK who shared a photo with Labubu on Instagram.
The beginning of Labubu's virality began in April, when Lisa uploaded a photo of herself with Labubu. The popularity of this toy immediately skyrocketed in Southeast Asia, making many people willing to queue for a long time to get it. In Indonesia, the POP MART store which just opened a few months ago is always crowded with visitors looking for Labubu.
Labubu prices vary depending on which country the doll is sold in. In China, Labubu was initially sold for 99 yuan (around Rp. 213,687). While in Thailand, the price soared to 2,590 Baht or around Rp. 1.1 million. In Indonesia itself, Labubu is priced from Rp. 250 thousand to Rp. 1.5 million depending on the type and size. In fact, Labubu The Monster Fall in Wild Series on the official POP MART website is sold for 79.90 US dollars or around Rp 1.2 million. With its increasing popularity, it is no wonder that many tourists bring home Labubu as souvenirs.
Okay, what the heck is Labubu?
Still trying to understand what this furry doll is? We’ve got you covered. Here are some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Labubu. It seems that a certain fuzzy and mischievous character has once again taken Thailand by storm. After the hype of seeing K-pop idol Lisa clutch one in her arms, Labubu is trending once more after a brief tour here in Bangkok to promote Chinese tourism.
But for those of us not in the know, it may be surprising and confusing as to who or what Labubu is and why it’s become so popular. If you’ve got questions, these are hopefully the answers you’ve been looking for. Labubu is an elf character recognisable for several notable features: the pointy ears, the sharp teeth that protrude from its mouth, small stature, and mischievous smile. Labubu is part of a group of creatures called The Monsters, a group of characters inspired by Nordic fairy tales. The character is featured in a number of items sold by Pop Mart, a Chinese toy company.
Labubu is based on Nordic mythology. Its creator was inspired by the fairy tales of Europe and created Labubu along with the other Monsters first as characters in a children’s book. According to the original books, Labubu is actually a girl.
What is a ‘Labubu’ and why does everyone seem to have it?
Everyone’s got it—the It girls, Gen Zs, Millennials, K-pop idols, even Gen Xers–quite literally everyone with a bag has one of these things hanging on them.
We’ve seen celebrities proudly show their “Labubu” collection, TikTok videos showcasing hauls, blind boxes, and unboxings, and people reselling them for an insanely higher price. Strictly speaking, these “Labubu” are the newest anik-anik (knickknacks) craze that has almost everyone in a chokehold.
So, what’s the backstory of this beloved ‘monster-thing-anik anik’ that everyone seems to love? Labubu is an elf character created by Hong Kong-born, Belgium-based artist Kasing Lung back in 2015 when he published “The Monsters” story series. “The Monsters” is a group of stories and characters inspired by European fairy tales and Nordic mythology.
This character is a “she,” and is very recognizable for her pointy ears, sharp teeth that poke out of her mouth, small height, and mischievous smile. The Pop Mart website describes her as “mischievous but kind-hearted, always wanting to help though sometimes inadvertently doing bad things.” Labubu and the rest of the characters from “The Monsters”—Zimomo, Spooky, Tycoco, and Pato are being sold as toys and collectibles by Chinese blind box maker Pop Mart.
Labubu craze in Singapore: Here are 6 creative ways that local businesses are jumping on the hype train
Crazy to think how a single character can get grown adults brawling with each other, but that’s the sheer power of Labubu for you. Believe it or not, this latest object of desire in Singapore sparked an actual physical altercation at the most recent Pop Toy Show earlier this year, and was even the subject of multiple theft cases despite Singapore’s status as the safest city.
With razor sharp teeth and a mischievous – almost devious-looking – facial expression, this impish rabbit character already gained a decent fanbase when collecting Pop Mart toys first started becoming a trend in Singapore. But it’s Blackpink’s Lisa who catapulted it into its current fame status after being spotted with it in the form of a large plushie and a smaller bag charm.
Love it or hate it, the Labubu craze is here to stay for the foreseeable future – and these homegrown businesses have cleverly jumped onto the hype train:
- Real eyelash extensions for your Labubu
- Labubu bouquets
- Facial demonstration featuring ambassador Labubu
- Labubu-themed cake with blind box hidden within
- Actual braces for your Labubu
- Free Labubu with handbag purchase
S'pore man, 41, burns S$10,000 on Labubu dolls in 1 month
When Blackpink member Lisa revealed that she owned Labubu dolls back in April 2024, Singapore found itself gripped by an inexplicable hype over the little monster. Even one 41-year-old man was not immune to its charms.
Lu Tianfu (transliteration from Chinese) works in the architecture industry, but off the clock, you can find him on the hunt for Labubu. Speaking to Shin Min Daily News, Lu said that he gets his dolls from claw machines. Lu's arcade ventures have left him with quite an impressive collection of Labubu toys at home. He currently possesses over 60 Labubu blind boxes, in addition to larger figurines that he bought online.
Lu visits various arcades in the west nearly every day, and has resorted to selling all that he catches now. This particular hobby of his has set Lu back by S$10,000. "I'm facing a lot of pressure at work," Lu admitted.
“I’d rather spend $80 on my laobu (mother) instead of Labubu” — Singaporeans on “why people are obsessed” with “stupid trends”
A Singaporean shared on the Reddit forum that he saw a woman spending $80 on a Fun Claw machine at Seletar Mall, trying to catch a Labubu.
In a post on r/SGexams, he voiced his astonishment at the scene, pointing out that the money could have been spent on much more practical things. He wrote, “Crazy bro, like, with $80, I could buy 16 $5 MacDonald meals.”
He also mentioned that Labubus is popping up everywhere—on people’s bags, his mom’s wallpaper, and even for sale at TikTok Shop. “I don’t get it… Why are people so obsessed with Labubu?” he asked.
