Labubu: From Storybook Drawing to Global Toy Icon

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Introduction (1)
Labubu — was a small toy that became very popular in this world. From little children to old men, everyone waits in lines to buy it.
Labubu was originally created as part of an illustrated storybook. This mischievous elf-like figure has become a symbol of joy, collectability, and creativity all over the world. Loved by fans of all ages, Labubu has transformed from a small drawing into a cultural icon.

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(2) Origin of Labubu
In 2015, an artist named Kasing Lung created it. He began to create a unique world of characters called "The Monsters".
Although most of Labubu's characters look the same, they featured myths, childhood memories, fairy tales, and imaginary creatures — including Labubu.
This is a cute, wide-eyed, and mischievous character.

Labobo is originally characterized by his large expressive eyes, sharp teeth (usually nine), pointed ears, and often colorful clothing.
His design is strange, modest, and cute at the same time. Small changes in color, clothing, and expression make each one unique.
Some versions are themed, such as wizards, or even food-themed costumes.
A special character in the lineup is Zimomo, who is recognized as a male figure.

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(3) Pop Mart and global expansion
The turning point came in 2019 when Pop Mart — a Chinese designer toy company — partnered with Kasing Lung.

Labobo finally gained fame in 2025 and became the most profitable and beloved series on the market.

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(4) Blind Box and Surprise
One of the key features of Labubu toys is the “blind box” model.
This is a model that hides a surprise. Each toy comes in a sealed box, and the buyer does not know which version is inside — until they open it.
This creates excitement and curiosity in people, and people make repeated purchases to get the original Labubu.
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Celebrity influence and social media buzz(5)

Labubu gained a lot of attention in 2024 when Lisa from BLACKPINK, a popular music group, was seen wearing a Labubu charm on her bag. Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Weibo exploded with Labubu content. Fans posted unboxing videos, photo shoots, and collection showcases.

Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Rihanna have also been spotted with Labubu accessories, furthering the trend and turning Labubu into not just a toy, but a fashion and pop culture item.

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Prices and Rarities(6)

Labubu toys come in a variety of sizes, from small figures priced around $15–$30 to rare editions costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Some limited releases, such as the "Magic of Pumpkin" or "Candy Thieves", are so hard to find that their resale value can exceed $1,000 USD.

In 2024, a 4-foot-tall mint green Labubu sold for $170,000 at an auction in Beijing, showing how valuable some editions have become.

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Labubu Fan Community(8)

Labubu is not just a toy — it has created a community. PopMart stores now host fan meet-and-greets, art exhibitions, and cosplay events centered around Labubu. People decorate their rooms, bags, and workplaces with Labubu-themed items. Some fans even paint custom designs on the replica dolls to express their creativity.

This sense of belonging has made Labubu a social experience, especially among young adults and art lovers.

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Problems and Counterfeit (9)

With growing popularity comes challenges. Many counterfeit Labubu toys, known as "lafufu," have appeared online. These imitations are cheap, often of poor quality, and lack the charm of the original. PopMart continues to take legal action against counterfeit sellers and advises customers to only buy from verified sellers.

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Concerns and Criticism (10)

Despite its success, Labubu has also faced some criticism. Some people worry that the blind box model encourages excessive spending, especially among teenagers. Others question the environmental impact of mass-produced plastic toys. However, many fans say that collecting Labubu is a form of self-expression, and a source of joy, creativity, and community.

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Conclusion(11)

Labubu has come a long way from a page in an artist’s book to becoming one of the world’s most recognizable and beloved collectibles. With a blend of mystery, design, storytelling, and culture, Labubu has captured the imagination of millions. It shows how art, emotion, and creativity can transform even the smallest character into a universal symbol of joy.