Real Origin Story of Labubu and Kasing Lung
Kasing Lung was born in Hong Kong in 1972, but his life took a pivotal turn when his family relocated to the Netherlands during his childhood. Far from home, Lung found comfort and inspiration in drawing, immersing himself in European fairy tales and Nordic folklore. This creative environment fueled his imagination and introduced him to the mythical creatures and mischievous spirits that would someday become his artistic signature. Labubu emerged as part of Lung’s storybook universe called “The Monsters”, first appearing in illustrated tales well before the toys became a craze. Labubu itself is depicted as a sprite-like, elf creature: mischievous on the outside but gentle and helpful at heart.
Mischief and Mayhem: Meet Labubu, the Internet’s Favorite “Monster”
You may have seen it lurking on celebrity Instagram feeds, dangling from the bags of fashionistas in Milan, or even causing a stir at Wimbledon. *Labubu*—the toothy, elf-like collectible has stormed the world. Its quirky design, with jagged fangs, smirky smile, expressive eyes, and spiky ears, are instantly recognizable. Labubu isn’t just a toy—it’s a phenomenon. Its rise has fueled *Pop Mart*, the Chinese toymaker, into a $45-billion global juggernaut, with skyrocketing profits and millions of diehard collectors across continents.
How a Blind Box Monster Triggered a Global Craze
Labubu’s journey to omnipresence is rooted in mystery—literally. Every doll is sold in a “blind box,” concealing which design you’ll get until unboxing. This gamble, combined with extremely rare “secret” editions, has ignited a resale frenzy as fans chase that elusive, ultra-valuable variant. Some limited edition Labubus now sell for tens (or even hundreds) of thousands at auction. The hunt has only grown more intense, as TikTok and Instagram influencers showcase their rarest catches—driving fans to queue overnight, fight for restocks, and even fuel a black market of counterfeits.
Dark Whispers: From Nordic Folklore to Demonic Rumors
But in 2025, Labubu’s reputation took a wild turn. Viral social media posts and TikTok conspiracy theories compared Labubu’s mischievous look to *Pazuzu*, the demon from ancient Mesopotamian myth (and *The Exorcist*). A now-deleted video spliced Labubu images with horror movie clips, warning parents of “demonic energies.” Religious influencers weighed in, some urging followers to ban the dolls from their homes. Paranormal rumors—from alleged nightmares to a child witnessing Labubu’s eyes change color—spread like wildfire, despite zero credible evidence.
The TikTok Hysteria: Social Media Fuels the Fire
If you think this drama stayed on obscure forums, think again. Hashtags like #LabubuCurse and #HauntedToy racked up millions of views. TikTok became a battleground: while many creators dismissed the panic as viral hysteria, some leaned in, posting stories of “haunted” Labubus or warning about their supposed “dark energy.” Even incidents like Katy Perry rejecting a Labubu at a concert went viral, adding to the toy’s mystique and controversy.
Record Profits and Sold-Out Hype
Behind the spooky rumors, Labubu’s popularity has meant real money—for collectors, resellers, and Pop Mart itself. In the first half of 2025 alone, Pop Mart’s profits soared by 350%, thanks in large part to international demand for Labubu toys. Some special editions—like the Labubu x Vans Old Skool Plush—are fetching nearly $10,000 on eBay, while Sotheby’s auctions have seen exclusive Labubus hit six-figure price tags. Even a temporary suspension of doll sales in some regions (due to stampedes and in-store fights) hasn’t slowed the craze—limited drops still sell out instantly.
Why Are We All Obsessed? The Psychology of the Labubu Boom
Blind Box Thrill: Not knowing which design you’ll get makes every unboxing feel like winning a tiny lottery—and “secret” editions drive serious FOMO.
Celebrity Endorsement: Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and David Beckham are just a few stars caught with Labubu in public, turning the toy into a viral fashion accessory.
Scarcity & Status: With most official retailers perpetually sold out, owning a rare Labubu is a badge of honor. Some fans post their entire collections as a flex.
Cultural Trend: The rise of “cute horror” collectibles and designer toys has made quirky figures like Labubu the centerpieces of both kids’ rooms and adult workspaces—and now, fashion runways.
The Verdict: Harmless Novelty or Cultural Phenomenon?
Critics call the panic over a “demonic” doll a case of viral mass hysteria. Experts (including the creator Kasing Lung himself) emphasize that Labubu is inspired by fairy tales and fantasy—not anything occult.
There’s no proof of curses, and no shortage of buyers. In fact, the only thing truly scary about Labubu is how fast they vanish from store shelves, and how high their prices can climb on resale platforms.
In 2025, Labubu is more than just a collectible. It’s a mirror reflecting the power of internet folklore, social media hype, and the timeless thrill of the chase. Whether you see it as cute, creepy, or downright cursed—one thing is clear: Labubu’s wild ride is far from over.
So, are you lining up for one… or locking your doors against the next haunted hashtag? Either way, Labubu is the toy you can’t ignore.
