Labubu — History & Universe
Behind every mischievous smile lies a little piece of The Monsters.
Origins & Creation
Once upon a time, in the imagination of a Hong Kong artist with Nordic roots, there was a small, mustachioed elf with a toothless smile: Labubu . Halfway between cute and strange, he bears the trace of a mysterious past and has transformed into a global toy-collecting phenomenon.
First appearance of the character Labubu
Via The Monsters label in 2015, initially distributed by How2Work.
Marketing by Pop Mart
In 2019, Labubu became an icon of the Chinese brand, appearing in blind boxes and figurines available in dozens of themes.
He's not just a character, but the hero of a rich universe called The Monsters . He interacts with other creatures like Pato, Tycoco , and Zimomo . Each collection features different versions of Labubu: seasonal editions, themed editions, or those resulting from artistic collaborations.
Features & Style
- Physical appearance : Pointed ears, shaggy fur, large expressive eyes, smile with 9 visible teeth.
- Design : somewhere between "ugly cute" and macabre fairy tale, often inspired by Nordic forests.
- Symbolism : Labubu embodies resilience, difference, and attachment to invisible worlds.
Success and Community
The character quickly won over art toy collectors thanks to its rich narrative and unique aesthetic. It is now highly sought after on the secondary market, with some rare editions fetching exorbitant prices. On social media, unboxing videos and Labubu displays abound, strengthening the community bond around the character.
The universe also gained visibility with the general public when international celebrities, such as Lisa from the group BLACKPINK , were seen sharing their interest in these figurines, helping to increase their notoriety and cultural aura.
Birth in the Northern Forests
Labubu is said to have originated in the ancient Scandinavian forests. Inspired by legends, he belongs to the world of forest spirits: creatures neither good nor evil, who observe humans and protect nature. His strange smile and large ears are a reminder of this mythical origin.
The exiled creator and the inner world
Behind Labubu is Kasing Lung, an artist born in Hong Kong and raised in Europe. As an exiled child, he learned to understand the world through illustrated books and European folktales. Labubu then became a reflection of his imagination: a gentle, imperfect, different monster—like the child he once was.
The Monster Tribe
Labubu isn't alone. He's part of The Monsters , a tribe of creatures with diverse personalities: Zimomo the protector, Tycoco the sensitive one, Mokoko the rare and dreamy one… Together, they represent difference, friendship, and self-acceptance. Each figure is a fragment of this narrative world.
From illustration to the real world
Starting in 2015, Labubu left the books to become an art figurine. Its transition to three-dimensional form retained its essence: sharp teeth, expressive gaze, and childlike posture. Each version tells a story, an emotion, a moment in the life of the Monsters world.
The spirit that accompanies everyday life
Today, Labubu accompanies its collectors everywhere: on a shelf, in a bag, on a desk. For some, it's a lucky charm. For others, a symbol of creativity and freedom. Always, it remains true to its essence: a mischievous spirit.
My Labubu
Mon Labubu is a space dedicated to art toys and collectible figurines, featuring a selection of POP MART creations and iconic universes. Official pieces chosen for their design, quality, and visual identity.
Frequently asked questions about the Labubu universe
How to recognize an authentic Labubu figurine?
An authentic Pop Mart figurine is distinguished by several elements:
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high-quality finish (clean paintwork, sharp details)
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a design faithful to the world of Kasing Lung
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official Pop Mart packaging
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the presence of logos, holograms or codes depending on the series
Copies often feature inaccurate colours, lower quality materials, or incorrect expressions.
Are the Labubu “haunted” or bringers of bad luck?
No.
Stories of haunted or “cursed” Labubu are part of the imagination and urban legends , often shared on social networks.
These stories play on the expressive and sometimes strange aspect of the characters, but The Monsters figurines are simply collector's items , without occult significance.
Why do some figurines have a strange or disturbing look?
Kasing Lung 's style is based on expressiveness and emotion.
The characters may seem both cute and slightly unsettling, which is part of their charm. This duality is intentional and artistic, never linked to negative symbolism.
Labubu The Monsters, an experience to be enjoyed on My Labubu
The Monsters is much more than a collection of figurines. It's a rich and narrative universe imagined by Kasing Lung , where each character, each pose, and each variation tells a story. From creatures born in the forest to special editions, from classic figurines to XXL formats, The Monsters invites you to explore a world of mischief, emotion, and creativity.
At Mon Labubu , we carefully select these pieces to offer an experience true to the original universe. Iconic collections, special editions, XXL sizes or plush keychains, each item is chosen for its quality, expressiveness and its place in The Monsters story.
Discovering The Monsters on MonLabubu means accessing a carefully curated universe, designed for collectors as well as those who wish to offer a piece full of meaning and character.
The creatures of the shadows tell the most beautiful stories.