Labubu Craze Encapsulates And Takes Over Pop Culture

Imagine you are out to dinner and you hear a crashing sound. When you check it out, you realize that your car was broken into, and your limited edition Labubu has been stolen.

Over the past year, the popularity of Labubus has increased with hordes of people lining up at the mall in the wee hours of the morning for a chance to purchase the elf-like characters.   There have been reports of fights and thefts involving Labubus. But how did they become so popular, and what is the hype all about?

Labubus which are known for their mischievous grins and sharp teeth were created by artist Kaising Lung and first appeared in 2015 as a part of an illustrated book series called “The Monsters.” The characters were inspired by Nordic folklore and mythology.

In mid April of 2024, a Korean popstar, Lisa Manobol, from Blackpink started wearing Labubus. Manobol posted a YouTube video talking about her Pop Mart haul and showcasing her Labubus and Zimomos (a larger Labubu without a tail).  However, it was her viral post on Instagram wearing a Labubu keychain that people liked. People began buying the creatures and storing them in boxes as keepsakes.

Mr. Vo, a math teacher at John F. Kennedy High School, states, “Labubus got pretty popular near the end of last school year. I did not understand the hype until my fiancee wanted to get them in the most authentic way which was online from Pop Mart.  They looked weird and creepy at first, but turns out they are pretty cute and the quality made for them is really good.”

“Also, the sense of accomplishment of getting a real one at market price is probably the best part of having a Labubu,” Vo continued, “After constantly checking late afternoon online almost every day back in June and clicking on the Pop Now website, the feeling of finally getting one and wondering what you will get from the blind boxes are also exciting. It is like playing gachapon in real life.” 

Personally, I think it is worth it to purchase Labubus to fit in the ‘’trend’’ but I don't think people should steal, gamble or fight over them. I think availability should be limited so that everyone can have the opportunity to own one.

Because I have been able to purchase them for a cheaper price, I own a lot of Labubus. However, my first attempt to purchase the viral sensation was unsuccessful. Due to the large demand, the Pop Mart store was completely out of stock.

The product sells for $50 at malls or gas stations, but reseller prices range from $100 to $5000. Currently, Pop Mart’s website lists the item for $21.99 which I believe is a fair price.

So, are Labubus worth the hype? Ultimately, the consumer makes that determination, but in this instance, I believe the consumer has spoken.

Photo by Ara Chow | Labubus have become cultural phenomenons.