Labubu, the fuzzy elf-like figure with nine signature sharp teeth, has become a cultural touchstone since its rise to international fame. But beyond its viral status lies a rich origin story rooted in artistic vision, cultural fusion, and strategic commercialization. To answer "Where is
Labubu from?" is to trace a creative journey from a Hong Kong artist's sketchbook to the global stages of pop culture.
Labubu's story begins with Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung (also known as Lung Ka Shing), who conceived the character in 2015 as part of his The Monsters series. Lung, known for blending whimsy with dark fantasy, drew inspiration from Nordic fairy tales and mythological creatures, particularly the mischievous sprites of Scandinavian folklore. These influences are evident in Labubu's pointed ears, impish grin, and fuzzy blue fur—elements that evoke both cuteness and a hint of otherworldly mystery.
"I wanted to create characters that felt like they belonged to a hidden universe, where beauty coexists with a bit of edge," Lung explained in a 2023 interview. "Labubu's design is a mix of the adorable and the uncanny, which makes it relatable in a unique way."
The The Monsters series, which also includes characters like Zimomo and Ty Coco, initially gained traction in Hong Kong's underground art scene. Lung sold limited-edition vinyl figures at local markets, cultivating a niche following before catching the eye of a major player in the toy industry.
In 2019, Lung entered an exclusive licensing agreement with Pop Mart, a Chinese company revolutionizing the collectible toy market with its blind-box model. This partnership marked a pivotal shift in Labubu's journey, transporting the character from art galleries to mass-market appeal.
Pop Mart's founder, Wang Ning, recognized Labubu's potential to bridge artistic uniqueness with commercial viability. By packaging Labubu figures in blind boxes—mystery containers with random variants—the brand ignited a global collecting craze. The strategy capitalized on human psychology: the thrill of the unknown, the drive to complete a collection, and the status of owning rare "secret" editions.
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2020: Labubu's first collaboration with Pop Mart, the Zodiac Series, sold out within hours, foreshadowing its viral potential.
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2022: The Labubu Art Gallery collection, featuring interpretations of famous artworks, positioned the character as a cultural chameleon.
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2024: A life-sized Labubu installation at Paris Fashion Week solidified its status as a (cross-disciplinary) icon.
While Labubu's design roots lie in Nordic folklore, its global success stems from its ability to absorb and reflect diverse cultural influences. Pop Mart strategically creates region-specific editions, blending Labubu's core identity with local symbols:
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Singapore: The Merlion Labubu pendant combines the city-state's iconic half-lion, half-fish symbol with Labubu's fuzzy form.
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Thailand: A traditional Thai attire-clad Labubu was commissioned by the Tourism Authority of Thailand to promote cultural heritage.
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Japan: The Shinto Mythology Series reimagines Labubu as a kami (spirit), complete with ornate headdresses.
This adaptability has made Labubu more than a toy; it's a cultural translator. As Professor Akihiro Igarashi of Tokyo University notes: "Labubu thrives because it doesn't impose a single narrative. It becomes a canvas for different cultures to project their stories onto."
Today, Labubu's origin story extends beyond its physical form. Pop Mart has expanded the character into a transmedia franchise:
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Animation: A short animated series on YouTube, Labubu's Mysterious Journey, has amassed over 50 million views.
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Gaming: Labubu appears as a playable character in the mobile game Pop Mart: Bubble Odyssey.
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Fashion: Collaborations with Vans, Coach, and even high-fashion labels like Comme des Garçons have placed Labubu on runways.
This evolution raises a thought-provoking question: When a character travels across cultures and mediums, does its "origin" become less about geography and more about its ability to connect? For millions of fans, Labubu's true home is in the shared joy of collecting, creating, and storytelling.
So, where is Labubu from? The answer spans three key dimensions:
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Creative Origin: Hong Kong, via the imagination of Kasing Lung, inspired by Nordic myths.
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Commercial Birthplace: Beijing, through Pop Mart's blind-box innovation.
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Cultural Home: Everywhere, as fans worldwide infuse Labubu with their own stories.
In an era of globalized pop culture, Labubu exemplifies how art, commerce, and community can converge to create something that transcends borders. Its journey from a Hong Kong artist's concept to a billion-dollar brand is a testament to the power of storytelling—and a reminder that the most compelling origins are those that leave room for interpretation.
