8 Fascinating Facts About Labubu: The Toy That Captivated the World

Labubu, a character that's both playful and charming, has won the hearts of collectors across the globe. The creation of the gifted illustrator Kasing Lung, Labubu has become a symbol in the realm of designer toys, especially with its collaborations with Pop Mart. From its unique beginnings to its diverse array of designs, Labubu is more than just a toy—it's a collector's treasure. Here are eight intriguing facts that every Labubu enthusiast should be aware of, and reasons why this character should be the next to join your collection.

1. The Roots of Labubu: Inspired by Nordic Lore

Labubu made its debut in 2015 as part of Kasing Lung's story series "The Monsters," which was inspired by Nordic mythology. This "monster tribe" includes several unique characters like Zimomo, Tycoco, Spooky, and Pato. However, Labubu, with its sharp ears, mischievous grin, and serrated teeth, quickly rose to become the favorite among collectors. Labubu's fame surged even higher when Blackpink's Lisa was spotted adorning her bags with Labubu charms, solidifying its status in popular culture.

2. Unveiling Labubu

Labubu is depicted as a mischievous elf. According to Kasing Lung's narratives, Labubu is actually female! She is easily identified by her high, pointed ears, her signature nine serrated teeth, and her lively expression. Unlike many other fictional beings, Labubu lacks a tail, making her a truly distinctive creation. Over the years, Labubu has been introduced in over 300 different versions, each with varying colors, sizes, and themes, keeping collectors excited with every new release.

3. The Exclusive Collaboration with Pop Mart

In 2019, Kasing Lung joined forces with Pop Mart, a leading global toy company recognized for its blind-box collectibles. This partnership resulted in the Labubu Pop Mart series, which has since become a collector's must-have. The blind-box format of Pop Mart means that fans are in suspense about which Labubu they will get until they open the box, adding an element of surprise and thrill to the collecting journey. This alliance has propelled Labubu to global fame and significantly broadened its fan base.

4. Labubu Plush Pendants: A Hit with Collectors

Labubu's appeal extends beyond just figurines. The character has also been introduced as plush pendants, which are popularly used as bag charms by fans around the world. The Monsters – Tasty Macarons Vinyl Face Blind Box, also known as Version 1 (V1), marked the debut of Labubu plush pendants. These delightful charms come in an array of dessert-themed colors and feature adjustable heads, arms, and feet, making them ideal for bag decoration or home display.

5. Labubu V1 Charms: Small in Size, Big on Impact

Launched in October 2023, the V1 Labubu charms portray a standing pose and are equipped with a gold-tone ring clasp,便于 attaching to bags or keychains. These 8 cm by 17 cm plush pendants have become a hit among collectors, not just for their adorable design but also for the surprise element inherent in blind boxes. With six regular versions (such as Soymilk, Lychee Berry, and Green Grape) and a rare secret edition (Chestnut Cocoa), collecting them is an enjoyable and rewarding pursuit.

6. Labubu V2 Charms: A Seated Delight!

In July 2024, Labubu aficionados were delighted with a new version—The Monsters – Have A Seat Vinyl Plush Blind Box (Version 2 or V2). Unlike the standing V1 charms, these plush pendants are seated and measure 15 cm by 8 cm. The V2 charms boast a softer, furrier texture and come with tonal ring clasps that complement the color of each doll. Each Labubu in this series displays one of three endearing expressions—eyes open, winking, or eyes closed—enhancing their collectability.

7. The Excitement of Blind Box Rarity and Chance: The Hunt is On

One of the most thrilling aspects of collecting Labubu is the excitement of the blind box. Each Labubu plush pendant arrives in a sealed blind box, meaning you won't discover which version you've obtained until you open it. Both the V1 and V2 series feature six regular versions and one rare "secret" edition. In the V2 series, the secret Labubu (DuoDuo) has an extra sparkle in her eyes and an adorable red nose, adding an extra layer of charm and collectibility to the collection.

8. Labubu's Popularity Boost: A Shout-Out from Blackpink's Lisa

Labubu gained widespread attention in April 2024 when Blackpink's Lisa shared an Instagram story featuring a giant Labubu plush toy, followed by another showcasing her bag accessorized with a Labubu charm. This exposure brought Labubu into the mainstream, particularly among K-pop fans and designer toy collectors. Since then, Labubu has become a must-have for fans of Lisa and designer toys alike, increasing the demand for rare and exclusive versions of the character.

Conclusion: Why Labubu Belongs in Your Collection

Labubu is more than just an adorable designer toy—it's a piece of art, a collectible, and a cultural phenomenon. With hundreds of designs, the thrill of blind-box surprises, and limited-edition releases, Labubu keeps fans thrilled and engaged. Whether you're new to collecting or a seasoned enthusiast, there's always a new Labubu to discover.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is Labubu so popular?

Labubu's popularity is attributed to its quirky design, playful expressions, and vast array of variations. As a character in Kasing Lung's "The Monsters" series, Labubu's mischievous personality resonates with collectors. Labubu's fame surged further when Blackpink's Lisa was spotted with Labubu charms, turning the character into a coveted collectible in both the toy and fashion realms.

What is Labubu Pop Mart?

Labubu's collaboration with Pop Mart, a well-known collectible toy brand, began in 2019. Pop Mart is recognized for its blind-box format, where buyers are unaware of which figure they will receive until they open the box. Labubu Pop Mart figurines have become favorites among collectors due to their element of mystery and limited-edition releases, with hundreds of variations available.

What is Labubu Lisa, and why is it trending?

Labubu Lisa refers to the connection between Blackpink's Lisa and the Labubu character. In April 2024, Lisa's Instagram stories featuring Labubu plush toys and charms increased the character's visibility and demand. This endorsement by a global superstar has made Labubu even more appealing to fans of both Blackpink and designer toys.

What are blind-box toys, and how does Labubu fit in?

Blind-box toys are collectibles that come in sealed packaging, so you won't know which version you're getting until you open the box. Labubu is one of Pop Mart's most popular blind-box toys, with numerous versions showcasing different colors, outfits, and poses. This element of mystery adds to the excitement for collectors as they aim to complete their Labubu collection.

How many versions of Labubu exist?

As of 2024, Labubu has been released in over 300 variations, including different colors, sizes, and poses. Some versions are rare or exclusive, making them highly sought after by collectors. New designs are regularly introduced, keeping fans engaged with the latest releases.

What makes Labubu different from other Pop Mart toys?

Labubu stands out from other Pop Mart toys due to her distinctive design, featuring pointed ears and nine serrated teeth. Her expressions are playful and mischievous, making her both cute and quirky. Labubu also comes in a wide range of styles, from plush pendants to vinyl figures, ensuring there's a version for every collector.

How do Labubu’s “regular” and “secret” editions work in blind boxes?

In Labubu blind boxes, most figures are "regular" editions, but there is often one "secret" edition per series. For example, in the V1 series, regular versions like Soymilk and Lychee Berry are more common, while the secret Chestnut Cocoa figure is much rarer, with a 1:72 chance of being found. This rarity makes secret editions highly desirable.

What are some of the most popular Labubu figures?

Some popular Labubu figures include Soymilk, Lychee Berry, and Green Grape from the V1 series, and SiSi, HeHe, and BaBa from the V2 series. Collectors also seek out rare secret editions, like Chestnut Cocoa and DuoDuo, which feature unique designs and limited availability.

Who is Kasing Lung, and how did he create Labubu?

Kasing Lung is a Hong Kong-based illustrator and artist known for his whimsical characters. He created Labubu as part of his "The Monsters" series, which was inspired by Nordic mythology. Labubu quickly became the most popular character in the series due to her mischievous yet lovable personality, and she has since become a global icon through collaborations with Pop Mart.

Are Labubu figures valuable for collectors?

Yes, Labubu figures, especially rare and limited-edition versions, are highly valuable for collectors. The rarity of secret editions, combined with the excitement of blind-box purchases, makes Labubu figures sought after in the designer toy market. The association with celebrities like Blackpink's Lisa also increases their value and appeal.