Since the beginning of humanity, people have followed trends—patterns followed by civilisation after civilisation. Our ancestors followed trends to suit their surroundings, accommodate their beliefs, and, most importantly, survive.

Nowadays, though hardly serving as a commodity, Labubu figures have taken over our society as one of the largest trends and crazes of the decade.

The word ‘Labubu’ has been added to some modern dictionaries, though the word itself actually holds no meaning. The Labubu was created by artist and illustrator Kasing Lung. Before Labubu, the Hong Kong-born artist was still notably recognised for his imaginative work of toys and stories, which he credits to sourcing inspiration from old mythological and folkloric tales.

Labubu had first emerged from a series called The Monsters released by Popmart, proving to be a surprisingly ornate network of furry creatures. Each character in the series had their own role to serve in an advanced and functional community of Labubus.

The Labubu had truly emerged as a toy circa 2023, the birth of the creature that we all recognise today.

A labubu is a small collectible toy with a vinyl face and a plush body.

 The Labubu’s recognisable features are its contorted grin bearing nine pebble-like teeth, its upturned ears resembling those of a rabbit, and its big, void eyes with eyebrows that people cannot seem to figure out whether they are furrowed in mischief or sadness.

According to Labubu’s retailer, they say that Labubu is “kind-hearted and always wants to help, but often accidentally achieves the opposite.”

This may explain its cryptic expression, as its attempts to help others are at times in vain.

Regardless of what you think of Labubus - whether you find them cute, unpleasant, or simply uncanny - they have undeniably engraved themselves within modern pop culture and media.

Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Lisa from Blackpink and even David Beckham have all been spotted with these little creatures, inciting Labubu to become even more viral on social media.
 

2025 blossomed with Labubu taking over nation after nation, rapidly conquering the globe. 

Popmart, the retailer and producer of Labubus, now has over 500 stores across the world, selling Labubus to roughly 40 countries and regions.

The demand for Labubus still largely exceeds the availability of Popmart retailers. 

People who do not yet have Popmart stores available to them desperately scramble to the online market, hoping for the chance to purchase one of these small furry monsters.

Fans of the franchise eagerly wait for more characters of the series to be released, as the trend poses to be undying with Popmart profits continuing to rise.

 

At this very moment, wherever you may be reading this, it is likely that this region has been conquered by the Labubu empire.