Labubu is a collectible art toy created in 2017 by illustrator Kasing Lung.
Labubu has taken over social media—but where did Labubu come from, and why has it become a global obsession overnight?
The Internet’s Newest Obsession: Labubu’s Unexpected Rise
Labubu, the quirky, fanged character with scruffy fur and haunting eyes, has exploded across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube in recent months. Originally created by Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong-based illustrator, Labubu was first introduced through The Monsters series, launched in collaboration with Pop Mart. However, only in 2024 and now into July 2025 has Labubu evolved from niche designer toy to viral cultural symbol, driven by real-time trends and short-form content.
The real spark? Viral videos of Labubu unboxings, emotional toy hunts, and hilarious skits involving the doll in bizarre daily-life scenarios. These videos—especially popular in Southeast Asia and rapidly growing in the U.S.—have launched hashtags like #Labubu and #WhereIsLabubuFrom into trending status. Fans are curious: Where did Labubu come from? Here’s the most up-to-date dive into Labubu’s origins, growth, and cultural impact.
The Creators Behind the Craze: Where Did Labubu Come From?
The question, “Where did Labubu come from?”, has a fascinating answer rooted in the modern art toy movement.
Key Origins:
- Creator: Kasing Lung, a Dutch-born, Hong Kong-raised illustrator.
- Debut: Labubu was first introduced in 2017 as part of The Monsters art toy collection.
- Distributor: Pop Mart, a Beijing-based company known for blind box collectibles.
Kasing Lung created Labubu to represent a mix of mischief and innocence. With huge eyes, sharp teeth, and a childlike curiosity, Labubu stands out among cute designer toys. Initially popular within Asian art toy communities, Labubu’s limited-edition releases created a cult following—fueling demand, long queues, and high resale prices.
🧷 Key Points Summary
- Labubu is a collectible art toy created in 2017 by illustrator Kasing Lung.
- It became viral on TikTok and Instagram in 2024–2025 through short-form content.
- Pop Mart distributes Labubu through blind box formats and limited editions.
- Hashtags like #Labubu and #WhereIsLabubuFrom are trending worldwide.
Labubu in 2025: Viral Trends and Limited Drops
As of July 2025, Labubu has surpassed being just a collectible—it’s now a pop culture phenomenon. Here’s what’s happening right now:
🔥 Current Developments:
- Pop Mart just announced a new “Labubu Sea Adventure” blind box series on July 6, 2025, sparking online buying frenzies.
- Collaborations with anime and K-pop idols have further boosted Labubu’s appeal. A Labubu x BTS fan-edited short went viral on TikTok just this week, racking up over 4.8 million views in 48 hours.
- Labubu Pop-Up Stores in Bangkok, Seoul, and Los Angeles are drawing massive foot traffic, with shoppers queuing overnight for exclusive variants.
📈 Global Interest by Region (Google Trends July 2025):
| Region | Interest Level |
|---|---|
| Thailand | 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 |
| Philippines | 🔥🔥🔥🔥 |
| China | 🔥🔥🔥🔥 |
| United States | 🔥🔥🔥 |
| Japan | 🔥🔥🔥 |
Why Everyone’s Asking: “Where Did Labubu Come From?”
It’s more than just curiosity. Understanding where Labubu came from helps explain its emotional pull. The toy isn’t mass-market in feel—it’s designed like a misunderstood creature from a picture book. Kasing Lung’s storytelling gives Labubu a mysterious backstory, often portrayed as wandering through forests or crying in the rain—images that resonate deeply with Gen Z’s love for melancholic aesthetics.
Social media has amplified that mystique. Influencers share videos with sad piano music, labeling Labubu as their “emotional support monster.” Others pair it with relatable captions like, “Me pretending everything’s fine when I’m just a tired Labubu.”
What’s Next for Labubu?
With Pop Mart teasing a global animated mini-series, likely set for early 2026, Labubu’s story may soon extend into mainstream streaming. There’s also speculation about an NFT collection and virtual Labubu avatars for metaverse platforms.
But despite its digital expansion, the physical toy still drives the most fan devotion. Limited releases, ranging from $12 retail to $300+ resale, sell out in seconds—fueling a collector’s frenzy reminiscent of early Funko Pop or Be@rbrick days.
Final Thoughts
From a niche art figure to a viral superstar, Labubu’s rise is a case study in emotional branding, limited drops, and digital storytelling. The question “Where did Labubu come from?” not only reveals its artistic roots but also highlights how today’s trends can elevate obscure characters to global fame.
Stay tuned for the latest “where did Labubu come from” developments and real-time updates. What are your thoughts on the current situation? Tell us in the comments!