Don’t miss the full story, whose reporting from The Associated Press is the basis of this AI-assisted article.
Labubu is a collectible plush toy character that has become a global phenomenon and social media sensation. What started as a niche toy has exploded into a cultural movement, with celebrity endorsements, millions of social media posts, and devoted fans willing to wait in long lines or pay premium prices to get their hands on these quirky monsters.
Here are eight facts about the Labubu that you might not know:
• Labubu was originally created by artist and illustrator Kasing Lung, first appearing in three picture books inspired by Nordic mythology in 2015, featuring the character’s signature pointed ears and sharp teeth.
• Pop Mart began selling Labubu figurines in 2019 after striking a deal with the creator, but the toy didn’t achieve massive popularity until the company introduced plush keychain versions in 2023.
• The toy has gained celebrity endorsement from high-profile figures including Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, NBA star Dillon Brooks, and K-pop singer Lisa from Blackpink, who has shared images with her 100+ million social media followers.
• Labubu has generated enormous social media buzz with 1.4 million #Labubu posts on TikTok, featuring unboxing videos, style inspiration, and cosplay content.
• The character uses the “blind box” sales model, where buyers don’t know exactly which version of the plush toy they’ll receive, adding an element of surprise and collectibility.
• Pop Mart offers Labubu toys across a wide price range from $20 to $300, with special collaborations and limited editions priced higher, making them accessible to various income levels.
• The toy appeals primarily to adult collectors, with buyers ages 18 and over driving significant growth in the U.S. toy market, spending $1.8 billion in the first quarter of 2025 alone.
• Labubu’s success has been financially transformative for Pop Mart, with the company’s revenue more than doubling to $1.81 billion in 2024, and plush toy revenue specifically soaring more than 1,200%.
Read more: Part toy, part fashion, the arrival of the viral Labubu was a long time in the making
This article is written with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence based solely on Washington Times original reporting and wire services. For more information, please read our AI policy or contact Ann Wog, Managing Editor for Digital, at awog@washingtontimes.com
The Washington Times AI Ethics Newsroom Committee can be reached at aispotlight@washingtontimes.com.
