Have you seen them? Those adorably mischievous figures with bunny-like ears, a signature toothy grin, and an undeniable spark of personality. They’re popping up on celebrity Instagram feeds, dominating TikTok unboxings, and selling out in minutes. They are Labubu, and they are more than just dolls; they are a cultural phenomenon. But to truly understand this craze, we need to look at the creative genius behind it all: Labubu Kasing Lung.
This isn’t just another fleeting trend. The explosive popularity of these vinyl art toys speaks to a larger shift in collecting, a love for tangible art, and the power of a perfectly designed character. In this deep dive, we’ll explore the origins of Labubu, unpack the viral Labubu Haribo collaboration, and get to the bottom of the ultimate question on every collector’s mind: why Labubu?
The Heart Behind the Art: Who is Kasing Lung?
Before there was Labubu, there was Kasing Lung. Born in Hong Kong and later moving to the Netherlands, Kasing Lung began his career as an illustrator of children’s fairy tale books. His European life heavily influenced his art, steeping it in the rich, whimsical, and sometimes slightly dark folklore of the continent. You can see echoes of Nordic and Germanic fairy tales in his work—a world filled with curious elves, mysterious forests, and magical creatures.
In 2011, he published his first storybook, My Little Planet, but it was his pivot to the world of designer toys that catapulted his creations into the stratosphere. He began collaborating with How2work, a Hong Kong-based toy company, to bring his illustrated characters to life in 3D vinyl form. This is where Zimomo, Tycoco, Spooky, and of course, the star of the show, Labubu, were born into the collection known as “The Monsters.”
What makes Kasing Lung’s work so special is its narrative depth. Every character feels like they’ve walked straight out of a storybook we’ve yet to read, carrying with them a history and a personality that transcends their vinyl form.
Meet Labubu: The Mischievous Elf with a Toothy Grin
So, who exactly is Labubu? Labubu is a curious, sometimes naughty, but always good-hearted elf. With her tall, floppy ears and a grin that reveals a set of prominent buck teeth, she is instantly recognizable. She isn’t conventionally “cute” in the way many mass-market characters are. Instead, she possesses a quirky charm and a mischievous spirit that feels authentic and relatable.
Labubu is just one character in Kasing Lung’s fantastical universe. She is often seen adventuring with her best friend Zimomo, a monster who wears a zip-up monster suit to hide his true form. This world-building adds another layer for collectors, making them feel like they are acquiring a piece of a much larger story.
From Niche Art Toy to Global Phenomenon
For years, Labubu was a cherished figure within the niche community of art toy collectors. But things changed dramatically with the rise of Pop Mart, a global entertainment company specializing in “blind box” toys. Pop Mart licensed Kasing Lung’s “The Monsters” characters and introduced them to a massive global audience.
The “blind box” model was a stroke of genius. Each box contains one random figure from a series, with the possibility of finding a rare, secret “chase” figure. This gamified the collecting experience, adding elements of surprise, luck, and the thrill of the hunt.
The tipping point for Labubu’s global fame can be traced to one person: Lisa from BLACKPINK. When the K-pop superstar posted a photo of herself with her impressive Labubu collection, the internet went into a frenzy. Searches for Labubu Kasing Lung skyrocketed, and what was once a collector’s item became a must-have accessory for trendsetters worldwide. Suddenly, everyone wanted a piece of the magic.
The Sweetest Collaboration: The Labubu Haribo Sensation
Just when you thought the hype couldn’t get any bigger, Pop Mart announced a collaboration that blended pop culture art with pure nostalgia: The Monsters x Haribo series. The Labubu Haribo collection was an instant hit, merging Kasing Lung’s beloved characters with the iconic German candy brand.
This Haribo Labubu series saw the mischievous elf and her friends dressed in outfits inspired by Haribo’s famous Goldbears, Happy-Cola, and other sweet treats. The designs were clever, colourful, and perfectly executed. The “Goldbear” Labubu, with its translucent, amber-coloured vinyl, became an immediate grail for collectors.
This collaboration was brilliant for two reasons:
- Nostalgia: It tapped into the fond childhood memories associated with Haribo candies.
- Crossover Appeal: It introduced Labubu to a new audience of candy lovers and pop culture enthusiasts who might not have been familiar with the art toy scene.
Here’s a quick look at some of the figures from this iconic series:
| Figure Name | Description | Rarity |
| Goldbear | A translucent yellow Labubu embodying the classic Haribo Goldbear. | Common |
| Happy-Cola | Labubu dressed in a brown and red cola-themed outfit. | Common |
| Raspberry | A vibrant red Labubu with a raspberry candy texture. | Common |
| Licorice | A sleek black Labubu inspired by Haribo’s licorice wheels. | Common |
| The Chameleon (Secret) | A special color-changing figure, the ultimate chase in the series. | Secret/Chase |
| Golden Goldbear (Super Secret) | An ultra-rare, shiny gold version of the Goldbear figure. | Super Secret/Chase |
The hunt for the secret chase figures in the Haribo Labubu series only amplified the craze, with unboxing videos and fan theories flooding social media platforms.
So, Why Labubu? Deconstructing the Global Obsession
We’ve seen the who, what, and how. But the most important question remains: why Labubu? Why has this particular character captured the hearts and wallets of so many? The answer lies in a perfect storm of factors.
1. The Psychology of ‘Blind Box’ Collecting
The “blind box” format is incredibly addictive. It leverages the same psychological principles as gambling—intermittent rewards. The dopamine hit of not knowing what you’re going to get, combined with the thrill of pulling a rare item, keeps consumers coming back for “just one more.”
2. The Power of Unique Character Design
In a sea of perfectly polished and symmetrically cute characters, Labubu stands out. Her toothy grin, expressive eyes, and slightly wild appearance give her a personality that feels genuine. She’s not perfect, and that’s what makes her perfect. She embodies a spirit of adventure and mischief that resonates with people looking for something beyond the mainstream.
3. Celebrity Endorsement and Social Media Hype
The “Lisa Effect” cannot be overstated. A single post from a global influencer can create an unprecedented wave of demand. This initial celebrity boost was then amplified by thousands of TikTok and Instagram users posting their own unboxings, collection tours, and fan art, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of hype.
4. The ‘Art Toy’ Investment Potential
For some, Labubu is more than a collectible; it’s an investment. The resale market for rare and chase figures is booming. Limited edition releases, like the Labubu Haribo chase figures, can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars—a significant increase from their initial retail price. This potential for financial return adds a compelling layer for a different type of buyer.
How to Get Your Hands on Labubu (and Avoid Fakes)
With popularity comes the inevitable problem of fakes and scalpers. If you’re looking to start your own collection, the best way to ensure you’re getting an authentic Labubu Kasing Lung product is to buy from official sources.
- Official Pop Mart Stores: Visit a physical Pop Mart store or their official online website.
- Authorized Retailers: Many collectible shops and department stores are authorized Pop Mart dealers. Check Pop Mart’s website for a list of partners in your region.
- Reputable Resale Sites: If you’re hunting for a sold-out or rare figure, use reputable platforms like StockX or trusted collector communities on Facebook and Discord, but always do your due diligence to verify authenticity.
The Enduring Charm of a Toothy Elf
Labubu is the perfect example of how art, storytelling, and smart marketing can converge to create a global phenomenon. From Kasing Lung’s imaginative fairy tale world to Pop Mart’s global distribution and the viral power of social media, Labubu’s rise is a masterclass in modern brand building.
She is more than just vinyl and paint. She is a symbol of quirky individuality, the thrill of the chase, and the joy of collecting something you truly love. Whether you’re a seasoned art toy veteran, a fan of the Haribo Labubu series, or someone just discovering this toothy elf for the first time, one thing is clear: the world of Labubu Kasing Lung is a magical one, and its charm is here to stay.
What Do You Think?
Do you have a Labubu collection? What’s your favorite figure, or which one are you hunting for? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below—I’d love to see them! And if you enjoyed this article, be sure to share it with a friend who needs to know about the Labubu craze.
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