Labubu

Labubu is one of the most iconic and globally adored characters in the modern designer toy and blind box scene. Created by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung and exclusively produced by POP MART, Labubu first appeared in 2015 as part of Lung’s illustrated fantasy universe The Monsters. With her signature pointed elf-like ears, wide sparkling eyes full of curiosity, fluffy fur, and that unmistakable mischievous nine-toothed grin, Labubu perfectly embodies the “ugly-cute” (or “kawaii-grotesque”) aesthetic that has dominated East Asian pop culture since the mid-2010s. She’s not just cute—she’s cheeky, slightly chaotic, and deeply endearing. Her personality is often described as a well-meaning troublemaker who always tries to help but ends up causing hilarious disasters. What started as a 2D storybook character quickly exploded into a 3D collectible phenomenon thanks to POP MART’s blind box format in 2019. By 2026, Labubu has become a cultural juggernaut: viral on TikTok (millions of unboxing and styling videos), carried as bag charms by celebrities like Blackpink’s Lisa, Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and even spotted on K-pop idols and Western influencers. The Monsters series (led by Labubu) generated massive revenue for POP MART in 2025–2026, with Labubu consistently ranking as one of the top-selling blind box IPs worldwide. Today, Labubu represents more than a toy—she’s a lifestyle symbol for urban collectors who love aesthetic displays, emotional storytelling through objects, and the thrill of the chase.