{"id":351484,"date":"2024-10-30T17:09:32","date_gmt":"2024-10-30T09:09:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/?p=351484"},"modified":"2025-07-24T14:20:40","modified_gmt":"2025-07-24T06:20:40","slug":"what-is-labubu-the-global-phenomenon-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/2024\/10\/30\/what-is-labubu-the-global-phenomenon-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Labubu? The Global Phenomenon Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Words by Dickson Chin<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the whirlwind world of viral toys, few have captured hearts quite like Labubu. This eerie, yet adorable creature has exploded in popularity, leaving many scrambling to understand the phenomenon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From its mysterious origins to its surprisingly complex backstory, Labubu offers more than just cute visuals. Dive into the world of Labubu and discover all you need to know about this captivating toy that’s stolen hearts worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Birth of Labubu<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"Kasing<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Labubu first debuted in 2015 as part of Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung’s story series, The Monsters, which is inspired by Nordic mythology. It features a variety of quirky characters, including Zimomo, Tycoco, Spooky, Pato, and, of course, Labubu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With her pointy ears, playful grin, and nine serrated teeth, Labubu is an elf known for her mischievous personality. *Fun fact: Labubu is a girl!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond her cute appearance, Labubu embodies the spirit of childhood adventure and imagination, which is evident in her many expressive faces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI feel that this character has grown with me throughout all these events. In the past, I\u2019d just thought of her as mischievous and kooky, but now I think she\u2019s showing much calmer and amicable qualities,\u201d said Lung.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Real-world Invasion<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>
\"Labubu<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Although Labubu has built a dedicated following since its launch, it wasn’t until 2019 that Kasing Lung officially signed an exclusive licensing agreement with the Chinese toymaker Pop Mart to produce physical products in a blind-box format.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This partnership propelled Labubu into the global spotlight. The diverse array of designs, distinguished by expressions and colors, has further fueled public interest in collecting these toys, resulting in over 300 variations to date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"What<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Labubu<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This brings us to the highly sought-after Labubu plush pendants, which are now popular as bag charms. The first of these, The Monsters \u2013 Tasty Macarons Vinyl Face Blind Box, commonly known as V1, was launched in October 2023. These charming figures come in various dessert-themed colors and feature adjustable heads, arms, and feet, making them ideal for both accessorizing and display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following that, in July 2024, the second series, The Monsters \u2013 Have A Seat Vinyl Plush Blind Box (V2), was released, introducing seated charms made from a softer, furrier material. These come with tonal ring clasps that match each doll’s color. Each Labubu in this series showcases one of three adorable expressions: eyes open, blinking, or closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, both V1 and V2 are available in a \u201csecret\u201d edition alongside the \u201cregular\u201d edition, featuring rare designs that are hard to find, adding to the excitement of collecting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Star Power Surge: BLACKPINK’s Lisa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"BLACKPINK<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"BLACKPINK<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With Labubu’s existing popularity, the true spark came when BLACKPINK’s Lisa shared her Labubu collection, with R\u00f3se also appearing in the shot. This sent the internet into a frenzy, capturing the attention of fans of the K-pop group and pop culture enthusiasts alike, and resulting in numerous sell-outs worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Now that you know a bit about Labubu’s background, you might be eager to get one for yourself! Typically available at Pop Mart stores worldwide, Labubu can also be found on the SNKRDUNK platform. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a piece of this trendy collectible and enjoy the thrill of owning your very own Labubu. Happy shopping!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Labubu Products on SNKRDUNK<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"What<\/figure>
\n

Labubu Happy Halloween Party Sitting Pumpkin Vinyl Plush Pendant<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Check Prices<\/strong><\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Best<\/figure>
\n

Labubu x Pronounce Wings of Fortune Vinyl Plush Hanging Card<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Check Prices<\/strong><\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"POP<\/figure>
\n

POP MART Classic Bag Series LABUBU Big Head Backpack<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Check Prices<\/strong><\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"POP<\/figure>
\n

POP MART “Mega Collections” Labubu 400% Sketch<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Check Prices<\/strong><\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"Labubu<\/figure>
\n

Labubu Constellation Series Eco Bag [Assortment Box]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Check Prices<\/strong><\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Labubu<\/figure>
\n

Labubu The Monsters Space Adventures Series [Assortment Box]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Check Prices<\/strong><\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u203bThese products are handled through secondary distribution.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
Browse more on SNKRDUNK<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Follow us on:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n