Labubu

Labubu ( lah-BOO-boo; Chinese: 拉布布; pinyin: Lābùbù) is a line of collectible plush toys created by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung. The series features zoomorphic elves with exaggerated facial expressions, of which the central figure is Labubu, a monster with sharp teeth, large ears and a scruffy appearance. The toys are produced and sold exclusively by the China-based retailer Pop Mart, which primarily releases Labubu figures in sealed "blind box" packaging that conceals the specific character inside. Over time, the series expanded to include different versions of Labubu and other related figures, often released in limited runs or as part of themed sets. Labubu toys became especially popular in 2024 across East and Southeast Asia, becoming one of Pop Mart's signature characters and a central figure in the global blind box collecting trend. The character has also inspired collaborations with fashion brands and limited-edition art figures. Academic research has examined consumer behavior surrounding the Labubu series, particularly in relation to scarcity-based marketing strategies.