What is the meaning of Labubu?
- Labubu (pronounced lah-BOO-boo; Chinese: 拉布布) is a popular series of collectible plush figures designed by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung. These toys depict fantastical, animal-like creatures known for their exaggerated faces. The central character, Labubu, features sharp teeth, oversized ears, and a distinctively scruffy look.
- Exclusive manufacturer and retailer Pop Mart, based in China, sells Labubu figures primarily through blind box packaging. This method involves sealed boxes hiding the specific character inside. The collection has grown significantly to include numerous variations of Labubu and related characters, frequently released as limited editions or themed sets.
- The character Labubu originated from Kasing Lung's "The Monsters" story series. Lung (born 1972), raised in Utrecht, Netherlands, and now residing in Antwerp, Belgium, drew inspiration from Nordic folklore and mythology he encountered in childhood.
- First appearing as "Monsters" figurines produced by How2Work in 2015, Labubu gained major traction after a 2019 collaboration with Pop Mart. This partnership propelled its popularity within the collector community.
- By 2025, Pop Mart had released over 300 distinct Labubu figures. These vary in size and price, ranging from small $15 vinyl figures (8cm/3in) to a $960 "mega" edition (79cm/31in). A landmark event occurred in June when a rare 1.2-meter-tall (4ft) mint-green Labubu sold for $170,000 at the inaugural official Labubu auction in Beijing. An anime adaptation, comprising 156 episodes of 4-5 minutes each within a 7-minute slot, is scheduled for mid-2025 broadcast.
- Pop Mart's success, significantly driven by Labubu, boosted CEO Wang Ning's 48.73% stake to a $21.1 billion fortune by July 7, 2025 (up from $1.8 billion in 2024), making him, at age 37-38, the youngest member of China's top ten billionaires.
- Labubus possess a distinct blend of playfulness and slight fierceness, characterized by round, fuzzy bodies, large eyes, pointed ears, and a mischievous nine-toothed grin. Alongside Labubu, the "Monsters" tribe includes figures like Mokoko, Pato, Spooky, Tycoco (often described as Labubu's "skeleton-like" boyfriend), and Zimomo (the tribe leader, identifiable by a spiked tail). Numerous distinct designs have been produced.
- The debut keychain line, "Exciting Macaron" (Chinese: 心動馬卡龍), launched in October 2023. Subsequent collections include "Fall in Wild", the seven-figure "Have a Seat" (Chinese: 坐坐派對), and "Massive into Energy" (Chinese: 大動力系列).
- Pop Mart has engaged in notable collaborations, releasing an eleven-figure Coca-Cola-themed winter blind box series in late 2024 and a thirteen-figure set reimagining The Monsters as One Piece characters in early 2025. Special editions, like the "Labubu's Artistic Quest" series, have also been sold exclusively at venues such as the Louvre Pop Mart store in Paris.
- Blind Box Mechanics:
Labubu figures are commonly sold via blind boxes grouped into themed series. Each box contains a random toy from its series, which often includes an unadvertised rare "secret" figure. - Popularity and Controversies:
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Global recognition surged in April 2024 when Blackpink member Lisa was seen with a Labubu keychain. This sparked a trend, significantly boosting its profile across Southeast and East Asia. Endorsements by celebrities like Rihanna and Cher, plus appearances in unrelated film marketing campaigns (e.g., with actor Javier Bardem), further cemented its cultural presence.
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In 2025, New York Magazine's Liza Corsillo described the toy's appeal as stemming from an "inexplicable cuteness—somewhat ugly yet huggable, with a devilish grin—combined with surprise and scarcity." Corsillo noted that Labubus, similar to brands like Jellycat, blur "distinctions between toys and fashion accessories."
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High demand has crashed Pop Mart's website. The brand's popularity also fueled a counterfeit market, with knock-offs sometimes dubbed "Lafufus." Counterfeit accessories are also available online, attracting some collectors due to their unusual designs.
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Pop Mart's August 2024 interim report revealed Labubu line sales of 6.3 billion Chinese yuan (approx. $870 million) for the first half of the year.
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In May 2025, Pop Mart temporarily suspended Labubu sales across all 16 UK stores until June. This decision aimed to "prevent potential safety issues" following customer altercations over the toys.
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Russia's Federation Council proposed banning Labubus, citing their "frightening appearance" and alleged harm to children's mental health. Ekaterina Altabaeva, deputy committee chair, stated the figures cause fear in children, urging regulatory agencies Rospotrebnadzor and Rosobrnadzor to consider a ban. Tatyana Butskaya, a State Duma committee deputy chair, reported sales violations in Russia, including missing Russian language labeling and manufacturing origin details.
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Simultaneously in July 2025, authorities in Iraq's Kurdistan Region banned the dolls, claiming they caused behavioral issues in children and contained 'demonic spirits'. Around 4,000 dolls were seized near Erbil following media reports.
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Also in July, The New York Times highlighted Labubu's widespread cultural impact, calling them "adorable furry monsters with sharp teeth" and comparing their chaotic-cute charm to characters like Stitch and Toothless. The article credited Labubu with influencing a surge in cute sidekick characters in major studio films.
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Cultural Impact:
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Thai Amulets: Viral popularity in Thailand during 2024 led many Thais to associate Labubu's image with wealth and good luck, resulting in its incorporation into Buddhist amulets and sacred tattoos.
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Political Promotion: In September 2024, Singapore's People's Action Party (PAP) Sengkang team distributed Labubu plush keychains dressed in white shirts bearing the PAP logo during a grocery event for seniors. Lam Pin Min, branch chairman, shared social media photos calling it their "newest and cutest volunteer." The doll appeared in official group photos and a TikTok video.
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Nine Emperor Gods Festival: Singapore's Ling Lian Bao Dian Temple innovatively incorporated four Labubu figurines dressed as devotees (white clothes, hats, yellow sashes) into the October 2024 Nine Emperor Gods Festival (九皇爺誕) to engage younger generations. This sparked social media debate. While some praised the cultural innovation as cute, others questioned potential disrespect to deities. The temple clarified the toys were participants, not objects of worship. Videos drew high views and attracted young visitors.
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Psychological Concerns and Bans (Reiterated & Expanded):
Russian officials (Altabaeva, Butskaya) reiterated concerns in 2025 about the doll's "terrifying appearance" and mental health impact, alongside labeling violations. Similarly, Iraqi Kurdistan authorities enforced a ban and seized dolls, alleging behavioral influence and 'demonic spirits', though without providing scientific evidence. -
Demonic Conspiracy Theories:
Labubu has been linked online to conspiracy theories associating its sharp-toothed grin and eerie look with the ancient Mesopotamian demon Pazuzu. Popularized on TikTok and Reddit, these theories include claims of supernatural encounters and public doll destruction. Pakistani actress Mishi Khan echoed warnings about attracting negative energy or jinn.[46] Designers and analysts dismiss these claims, emphasizing the character's roots in European folklore and absence of occult intent. -
Marketing Criticism and Counterfeits:
The blind box sales model faces criticism for potentially fostering overconsumption and dependency through artificial scarcity. Detractors argue this leads to obsessive collecting, financial strain, and excessive materialism, with some editorials labeling the fan culture a form of consumer idolatry. -
Counterfeiting ("Lafufu") remains a significant problem globally due to Labubu's popularity. Pop Mart actively pursues legal action against counterfeiters, including a lawsuit targeting 7-Eleven in California for selling fake toys.