What is Labubu?

Labubu is part of the vibrant "The Monsters" universe created by the artist Lung. This collection features a range of distinctive characters, including Zimomo, Tycoco, Spooky, and Pato. A fun tip to distinguish between Zimomo and Labubu is to look at their physical traits: Zimomo boasts a spiked tail and a round face, while Labubu has a squarish face without a tail. In 2019, Lung formed an exclusive licensing deal with Chinese toy manufacturer Pop Mart, launching a series of blind box figures inspired by The Monsters line. Since then, Labubu and her companions have taken the toy world by storm.

How Did Labubu Become a Global Sensation?

The success of Labubu is rooted in the broader popularity of Pop Mart figures. Iconic series like Skullpanda and Molly have attracted fanfare over the years; thus, it was natural that Labubu would reach a greater audience through this partnership. However, her fame skyrocketed in April when Lisa, a member of the global K-pop sensation Blackpink, shared an Instagram story featuring a plush Labubu and another with a Labubu charm. This endorsement triggered an unprecedented demand for Labubu figures globally.

The Soaring Popularity of Labubu Figures

In Singapore, limited-edition Labubu figures command resale prices that can soar into the thousands on platforms like Carousell. In Thailand, where Lisa is a cultural icon, many locals are reportedly traveling to China to snag Labubu toys, either as memorable souvenirs or to sell at a profit. The situation has escalated to the point where the Thai government issued warnings about scams involving Labubu merchandise. In August, authorities arrested a couple for allegedly defrauding online buyers by offering fake pre-orders, resulting in over 2 million baht ($61,276) in losses, according to the Bangkok Post. Interestingly, Pop Mart’s influence has even reached into political social media in Singapore. The Sengkang West branch of Singapore's People's Action Party utilized a TikTok video featuring a Labubu figure donning a party uniform to promote a grocery distribution initiative for senior citizens in Compassvale Crescent.

Is Labubu's Hype Here to Stay?

To gain insights into Labubu’s future in the toy collecting world, CNA Lifestyle spoke with several Pop Mart collectors in Singapore. Rachel Yohannan, a lifestyle magazine editor and Pop Mart enthusiast since 2021, admitted she remains unimpressed by Labubu's spotlight, preferring "cuter" vibes instead. She predicted that the Labubu craze will eventually fade, drawing from her observations of once-popular figurines being sold at a loss in collector circles. Fellow collector Leah Shannon Neubronner, a social media personality in the blind box community, echoed this sentiment. She believes Labubu’s popularity might diminish within months as new series featuring cuter designs or celebrity endorsements hit the market frequently. Labubu's rise to fame can largely be credited to Lisa's influence, having drawn attention to a figure previously branded as "ugly." As the toy industry evolves at such a rapid pace, only time will tell whether Labubu will remain a beloved figure or become just another fleeting trend in the bustling world of collectible toys.