Labubu POP MART: The Viral Art Toy Taking Over Korea’s Fandom Culture
🌟 Who Is Labubu?
From Enchanted Forest to Global Fame: The Story of Labubu and Its Fandom-Fueled Rise
In the world of art toys, one mischievous little creature has quietly stolen the hearts of fans around the globe — meet Labubu, a signature character created by renowned Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung and popularized by POP MART. What began as a quirky character in a children’s book has now evolved into a global cultural phenomenon, especially beloved by collectors in Korea, Japan, China, Southeast Asia, and even Europe and the Americas.
🎨 The Origins of Labubu
Labubu was originally born in the pages of Kasing Lung’s fairy-tale style sketchbooks. With jagged teeth, wild fur, and a crooked smile, Labubu looked like a creature straight from a dream — or a nightmare. But that’s what fans loved. Labubu was strange, imperfect, emotional — full of personality. It resonated with those who appreciate fantasy, childhood nostalgia, and the idea of embracing your weird, magical self.
Soon after its debut in the toy world, Labubu joined the POP MART blind box universe. These boxes contain one random figurine from a themed collection, making collecting both thrilling and addictive. Will you get a common one, or the elusive “secret edition”? The uncertainty adds to the excitement, echoing the same hype found in pulling a rare K-POP photocard.
📈 Labubu’s Marketing Strategy: Scarcity, Emotion, Identity
POP MART didn’t just sell toys — they created emotional connections. Every Labubu series tells a story:
- Labubu the Monster, where it explores darker moods
- Labubu the Artist, where it becomes whimsical and creative
- Labubu in Space, where it journeys beyond Earth
Each drop is limited, and often seasonal (Halloween Labubu, Christmas Labubu, Lunar New Year Labubu), building anticipation among fans. Some secret figures become so rare that they sell for hundreds of dollars on collector markets.
Labubu isn’t just bought — it’s chased, shared, and displayed as part of identity. Just like fans show their love for a K-POP group, Labubu collectors express emotion, nostalgia, and self-image through their toys.
💫 Celebrities and Social Media Love Labubu
Labubu has become a visual icon on Instagram, TikTok, and Xiaohongshu, appearing on “My Shelf” and “Desk Setup” posts. This fits perfectly with the aesthetic-driven, fandom-fueled digital era.
Several celebrities have been spotted with Labubu:
- Red Velvet’s Yeri showcased Labubu toys in her vlog
- LE SSERAFIM’s Yunjin revealed her love for art toys in interviews
- BLACKPINK’s Lisa owns POP MART collectibles displayed in her room
Labubu isn't just a collectible — it's part of the lifestyle of creative, expressive fans around the world.
🧡 Why Global Fans Connect with Labubu
Labubu represents more than just a toy. It’s a vibe, a feeling, a moment.
It taps into:
✨ Nostalgia — reminding fans of childhood fantasy
🎁 Collectability — the joy of hunting rare figures
🧠 Identity — expressing one’s taste, aesthetic, and emotions
This aligns perfectly with how fans interact with K-POP and Korean culture: emotionally, visually, and communally.
🛍️ Discover Labubu at shplaza
At shplaza, we believe fandom is not just about owning things — it’s about curating your world around the things you love.
That’s why we handpick and ship authentic Labubu figures directly from Korea to fans worldwide.
We package each Labubu with care, adding small freebies, and ensuring that every unboxing feels like receiving a treasure. Whether you're a seasoned collector or discovering Labubu for the first time, shplaza brings that magic right to your doorstep.
Because fandom isn’t just a hobby. It’s a lifestyle.