Labubu is a whimsical collectible character created in 2015 by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, who was raised in the Netherlands. Drawing inspiration from Nordic folklore, he illustrated a mythical tribe of playful elf-like monsters in The Monsters book trilogy Indiatimes+15STLPR+15Psychology Today+15. Labubu, the female protagonist with pointed ears and a mischievous nine‑tooth grin, represents curiosity and kindness, though often clumsy in her helpful intentions STLPRCanvas & CharmsTurbo0.
🛍️ How Did Labubu Become Famous?
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In 2019, Pop Mart, a major player in collectible blind‑box toys, partnered with Kasing Lung to release Labubu figurines, turning the niche art toy into a mass‑market hit People.com+15Labubu+15Turbo0+15.
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The real breakout came in April 2024, when Blackpink’s Lisa posted Labubu keychains from Pop Mart on social media, triggering a viral frenzy, especially in Southeast Asia Northeastern Global News+15Goody Feed+15AP News+15.
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Celebrity endorsements—including Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Kim Kardashian—fuelled demand and cemented Labubu as a global fashion and collectible statement The Independent+15Vogue+15Business Insider+15.
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Pop Mart’s blind-box model—low entry cost, surprise element, scarcity—turned the buying experience into a cultural ritual, described as a “legal dopamine casino” The Sun+5Courier Mail+5AP News+5.
❓People Also Ask about Labubu
Q: Why are Labubu toys so popular?
They’re beloved for their "ugly-cute" design, nostalgic charm, and the thrill of blind‑box collecting. Fans cite their ability to spark childhood joy and personal expression People.com+11The Tab+11Byrdie+11.
Q: Are Labubu toys worth it?
Collectors and psychologists say if a Labubu sparks joy, creativity, community, or comfort—especially during stressful adult life—it can be a meaningful purchase. Others caution to avoid buying purely out of FOMO The Times of India+15Parents+15ABC News+15.
Q: How rare or expensive can a Labubu get?
Limited editions and large-scale versions have sold for six‑figure sums, including a human-sized mint green Labubu that fetched over $150,000 USD at auction The Times of India+2Reuters+2Wikipedia+2. Secondary‑market markups have turned typical figures into high‑value art pieces.
💡 What Does Labubu Mean to People?
Labubu has become more than a toy—it’s a symbol of emotional comfort, creative self‑expression, in‑group status, and playful rebellion against adult monotony:
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Fans describe collecting Labubu as emotional therapy, a way to reconnect with childlike wonder OwnPetz+5People.com+5Labubu World+5The Independent+1Vogue+1.
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It fosters community—TikTok and Instagram fans trade tips, unboxing videos, fan art, and build a global fellowship around these characters People.comLabubu World.
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The brand taps into a broader shift: Gen Z and Gen Alpha embrace imperfect, quirky aesthetics as a counterpoint to polished millennial minimalism Northeastern Global News+1Business Insider+1.
🧾 Summary Table
| Topic | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| Origin & Creator | Designed by Kasing Lung (HK/Dutch), debuting in The Monsters (2015) |
| Breakthrough Moment | Pop Mart collaboration in 2019 → viral endorsements in 2024 |
| Why It’s Popular | Ugly-cute design, collectibility, nostalgia, surprise element |
| Emotional Value | Comfort, joy, self-expression, sense of belonging |
| Collector Culture | Blind-box frenzy, resale culture, limited editions, global auctions |