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If you’ve been on TikTok or Instagram in recent months, you’ve likely come across a strange little face with big eyes, long teeth, and a smile that’s somewhere between cute and evil. His name is Labubu, an imaginary creature from the mind of Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung. Although he first appeared in children’s books in 2015, he’s only now become a global phenomenon.

What is Labubu?

Labubu is a character from a series of children’s stories called The Monsters. In these books, he has a special personality: a little mean, a little funny, but always curious about the world. In 2019, the company Pop Mart took Labubu’s image to make blind-box toys — that is, you buy a box without knowing which of the collection is inside. This has even made people more attached, because it creates suspense and the desire to collect all the models

Why do people love Labubu so much?

There are several reasons why Labubu is a must-have

Unique look – Labubu is unlike any other popular toy. It’s cute in its own way, but it also has a quirky side that makes it stand out. Unlike many toys that always try to be cute and sweet, Labubu has a little “edge” that makes people feel like they have something special.

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Celebrity effect – When someone like Lisa from BLACKPINK, Rihanna, or even David Beckham shows up with a Labubu in their hands, it becomes a sign of “coolness”. One photo on social media is enough to put a product on everyone’s wish list.

Collectibles and rarities – Pop Mart doesn’t release large quantities of each model. This means that if you miss out on a set, you may never get it again… unless you pay a lot on the second-hand market. Some people even sell some Labubu figures for more than an iPhone!

Social media spread – TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are full of videos of people opening blind-boxes. These videos easily make people want to buy, even if they didn’t know Labubu before.

Why is it so popular now?

Labubu is so popular today for three main reasons. Limitations and the “drop” strategy: Pop Mart releases new models in a way that makes them events. You can’t just buy them anytime; you have to wait and hope that you get there before everyone else.

  • Resale market: Those who are lucky enough to find rare models can resell them for very high prices. This creates an “investment” effect where people buy not only to collect, but to make a profit.
  • Viral effect: A short video or photo can make a particular model an obsession in just a few hours.

Labubu as a social symbol

For some people, Labubu is not just a toy. It becomes a sign that you belong to a circle of people who are “in the know”. It’s like having something that is not easy to find, and it gives a little prestige on social networks. Some people display them in their home windows, others use them as accessories in their bags or cars.

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Not just a toy: a cultural movement

In some countries, Labubu has even become part of the local culture. In Thailand, some people treat Labubu figures as lucky charms. Online, it has already become a source of memes, with photos and videos of it in funny situations. There is even a meme coin on the blockchain named after it.

A word of caution
Of course, when something becomes so popular, there are people who try to take advantage. People should be careful not to buy fake Labubu that can be dangerous, especially for children, as there are many copies on the market.

Labubu is more than a toy. It is a mixture of art, clever marketing, social media effects, and a little luck. It is attractive because it is unique, hard to find, and brings a piece of global pop culture to a small plastic or plush figure. Whether you are a serious collector or just want to follow the trend, one of the greatest truths about Labubu is this: once you lay eyes on it, it is hard not to fall for its charm.

By- Wilgens Sirise