2025-06-19T22:33:00Z

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In recent months, a curious phenomenon has swept the globe, captivating audiences with its mix of charm and eccentricity: the Labubu dolls. Originating from the creative mind of Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and produced by the Chinese toy company Pop Mart, these furry creatures are characterized by their elf-like features, complete with pointy ears, large, expressive eyes, and a quirky grin that reveals exactly nine teeth. They have sparked diverse opinions; some find them endearing, while others regard them as bizarre. However, there is no denying the dolls' meteoric rise in popularity, interlaced with endorsements from high-profile celebrities such as Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, and Lisa from Blackpink, further amplifying their appeal.

Fans eagerly lining up for hours in cities from Shanghai to London to secure their own Labubu dolls have made headlines, with reports of frenzied competition leading to heated exchanges. "You get such a sense of achievement when you are able to get it among such fierce competition," says Fiona Zhang, a devoted follower of the trend. This fervent obsession has proven to be a lucrative venture for Pop Mart, which has seen its profits nearly triple over the past year. The phenomenon has, some argue, revitalized China's soft power, which had waned during the pandemic and amid tensions with Western countries. But how did Labubu become a global sensation?

The essence of Labubu lies in its dual identity as both a fictional character and a brand. The name 'Labubu' itself does not carry any particular meaning; it represents a character from the toy series called "The Monsters.” According to the official website of Pop Mart, Labubu is described as a kind-hearted creature that aims to help others, albeit with amusing results that often lead to unintended consequences. The dolls are available in several thematic series, including "Big into Energy," "Have a Seat," "Exciting Macaron," and "Fall in Wild," each series introducing new friends from the Labubu universe, such as Zimomo, Tycoco, and Mokoko. While some may find it challenging to differentiate between the various dolls, enthusiasts have certainly embraced their unique characteristics.

Pop Mart has transformed the toy landscape by popularizing the concept of 'blind boxes'—mystery packages that reveal their contents only upon opening. The company was founded by entrepreneur Wang Ning in 2010 as a variety store in Beijing; however, it wasn’t until 2019, when they secured the rights to produce Labubu dolls, that they truly began to fly off the shelves. The initial success with the Labubu line eventually led Pop Mart to launch an IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in December 2020, resulting in stock prices skyrocketing by more than 500% within just a year. Currently, Pop Mart operates over 2,000 vending machines, dubbed 'roboshops,' that distribute these dolls worldwide, reaching over 30 countries, including the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Singapore. However, many stores have recently had to pause sales due to overwhelming demand.

The global expansion of Labubu began in earnest as China emerged from the pandemic in late 2022. Ashley Dudarenok, founder of the research firm ChoZan, notes that the post-pandemic desire for emotional escapism among the Chinese public coincided perfectly with the Labubu craze. This charming yet chaotic character resonated with many individuals looking for a break from reality. Fiona, now residing in Canada, discovered Labubu through her Filipino friends in 2023, which ignited her fascination and collecting passion. Although her husband struggles to comprehend her interest in the dolls, Fiona finds their unique allure and growing popularity irresistible. The price range, which typically falls between C$25 (approximately $18) and C$70, has made the dolls accessible to a broad audience, contributing to their rising demand.

Labubu's stardom reached new heights in April 2024 when K-pop icon Lisa began sharing images of her Labubu dolls on Instagram. Celebrities like Rihanna and Kim Kardashian quickly followed suit, showcasing their own collections and further solidifying the dolls' place in pop culture. With Labubu dolls becoming increasingly commonplace among friends and acquaintances alike, their presence is now woven into the fabric of contemporary toy culture.

However, the question of what lies behind the Labubu obsession remains a compelling mystery. As with many viral trends, the allure of Labubu is a complex interplay of timing, individual tastes, and the unpredictable nature of the internet. This surge in popularity has not gone unnoticed by the Chinese government, with state media proclaiming that Labubu exemplifies the global appeal of Chinese creativity and culture. Other examples of Chinese cultural exports gaining traction globally, such as the video game Black Myth: Wukong and the animated film Nezha, share this narrative of cultural export success.

In summary, the Labubu phenomenon showcases how quirky, creative ideas can cross cultural boundaries and resonate with audiences worldwide, illustrating the power of imagination and the universal language of play.