You’ve probably seen that mischievous, jagged-toothed monster dangling from a celebrity’s Birkin bag or clutched in the hands of a frantic shopper at a mall in Bangkok. It’s everywhere. It’s chaotic. Honestly, the Pop Mart Labubu craze is one of those rare cultural flashes that manages to bridge the gap between niche designer toy collecting and full-blown mainstream hysteria. If you aren't initiated yet, Labubu isn't just a toy; it’s a character from "The Monsters" series created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung.
People are losing their minds.
The appeal is weirdly specific. Labubu has these distinctively large, serrated teeth and a smile that looks like it’s about to cause some serious trouble. It’s part rabbit, part monster, and entirely captivating. While Kasing Lung signed an exclusive license with Pop Mart back in 2019, the explosion we are seeing in 2025 and 2026 is on a completely different level. It’s a mix of scarcity, high-fashion endorsements, and the dopamine hit of the "blind box" culture that Pop Mart has mastered.
The Kasing Lung Connection and The Monsters Lore
To understand why a fuzzy monster is worth hundreds of dollars on the resale market, you have to look at where it came from. Kasing Lung didn't just doodle a rabbit; he built a world. Influenced by Nordic folklore and fairy tales, he created "The Monsters" while living in Belgium. Labubu is the female lead of this group. She’s kind-hearted but constantly getting into mischief. There’s also Tycoco (the skeleton boyfriend), Zimomo, and Spooky.
It’s the personality that sells.
In a world of "kawaii" culture that often focuses on being perfectly cute and sanitary, Labubu is a breath of fresh air because she’s a bit ugly-cute. She’s raw. Kasing’s original illustrations have a sketchy, hand-drawn quality that Pop Mart has managed to translate into vinyl and plush remarkably well. The partnership turned a boutique art toy into a mass-produced phenomenon without—miraculously—losing the "cool" factor.
The Lisa Effect: When K-Pop Met Vinyl
If you want to pinpoint the exact moment Pop Mart Labubu went from "collector's item" to "global shortage," look at Lisa from BLACKPINK.
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She posted a photo. That was it.
When Lisa started posting her Labubu Macaron plush charms on Instagram, the market basically imploded. Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, saw a surge in demand that actually led to the Thai government’s Consumer Protection Board having to issue warnings about scams. When one of the biggest pop stars on the planet decides a specific toy is her favorite accessory, the "collector" demographic shifts from toy nerds to fashionistas overnight. It’s the "it-bag" phenomenon applied to a $30 plushie that now resells for $150.
Blind Boxes and the Psychology of the Hunt
The core of the Pop Mart business model is the blind box. You don't know which one you’re getting. It’s gambling for people who like cute things. Each series, like the "Exciting Macaron" or "Have a Seat" collections, usually features six different colors and one ultra-rare "secret" figure.
The odds are low. The thrill is high.
This creates a secondary market that is absolutely feral. If you want the "Fall in Wild" Labubu—the one with the little overalls and the hat—you aren't just walking into a store and buying it. You’re either buying ten boxes hoping for a miracle, or you’re paying a massive premium on platforms like StockX or Xianyu. It’s a brilliant, if slightly frustrating, way to keep the hype cycle spinning indefinitely.
How to Spot a Fake Labubu (The Struggle is Real)
Because the demand for Pop Mart Labubu is so high, the market is currently flooded with "high-quality" counterfeits. It’s getting harder to tell the difference, but collectors have figured out a few tells.
First, check the feet. Authentic Labubu plushies have "POP MART" or the artist's name clearly embossed on the sole of the foot or a very specific tread pattern. The stitching on fakes is often messy, and the "fur" feels more like cheap carnival prize material than the soft, dense flocking used by the official factory.
Scan the QR code. Pop Mart includes a scratch-off sticker on the box with a QR code that leads to their official verification site. If the code has already been scanned a hundred times, or it leads to a dead link, you’ve been scammed. Also, pay attention to the smell. Authentic vinyl has a very specific, clean scent; knockoffs often smell like heavy industrial chemicals or "burnt plastic."
The "Have a Seat" Series and the Shift to Plush
Originally, Labubu was mostly a vinyl figure. Static. Great for a shelf.
But then came the plush revolution.
The "Macaron" and "Have a Seat" series changed the game because they are soft and come with a carabiner. You can clip them to your backpack, your belt loop, or your purse. This turned the toy into a wearable accessory. Suddenly, Labubu wasn't just sitting in a display case at home; it was out in the world, being photographed at cafes and airports. This "lifestyle" integration is why the brand has stayed relevant while other blind box trends have fizzled out.
The Investment Angle: Is It Actually Growing in Value?
Look, treating toys like a 401k is risky. However, certain Labubu releases have seen astronomical returns. The mega-sized 1000% Space Molly x Labubu collaborations or the limited-run artist editions can fetch thousands.
For the average collector, the value lies in the "secret" pulls. If you pull a secret from a $20 box, you can often flip it immediately for $200-$500 depending on the current trend. But the market is volatile. What Lisa carries today might be replaced by a different character tomorrow. Most seasoned collectors suggest buying what you actually like, because if the bubble bursts, you’re left with a box of plastic rabbits.
Why Labubu Resonates Across Generations
It’s not just kids. Honestly, the biggest demographic for Pop Mart Labubu is adults between 20 and 40. There’s a term for this: "kidulting."
In a world that feels increasingly heavy and complex, spending $20 on a mystery box that contains a smiling monster provides a momentary escape. It’s a tactile, analog joy in a digital age. Sharing your "unboxing" on TikTok or Instagram creates a sense of community. You find "your people" through a shared obsession with a specific colorway or a rare accessory.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for The Monsters?
Pop Mart isn't slowing down. We are seeing more collaborations with high-end designers and even rumors of Labubu-themed cafes and pop-up experiences in major cities like London and New York. The goal is to turn Labubu into a permanent icon, much like Hello Kitty or Mickey Mouse, rather than a passing fad.
With Kasing Lung still heavily involved in the creative direction, the soul of the character remains intact. As long as the designs stay weird and the supply stays just slightly below the demand, the Labubu fever isn't going anywhere.
How to Navigate the Labubu Craze Right Now
If you're looking to start your collection or just want to grab one for the aesthetic, here is the move:
- Download the Pop Mart Global App: This is the only way to get them at retail price. They do restock drops, but you have to be fast. Like, "sneaker-drop" fast.
- Verify via the Official QR Code: Never, ever buy a Labubu from a third-party seller without seeing the holographic sticker and the scratch-off code. If the price seems too good to be true (like a $15 "Fall in Wild" plush), it is 100% a fake.
- Join Local Collector Groups: Facebook groups and Discord servers are actually better than eBay for finding specific characters. You’ll often find people willing to trade their duplicates for the "retail plus shipping" price rather than the inflated scalper rates.
- Check the "Pop Up" Schedule: Pop Mart frequently does temporary installations in major cities. These often have exclusive stock that isn't available online, and they are usually the best place to see the figures in person before committing to a purchase.
- Focus on the V1 vs V2 Differences: If you're buying the "Macaron" series, know that V1 and V2 have subtle differences in fur texture and face shape. Most collectors prefer V1 for its "OG" status, but V2 is often more readily available and has slightly more vibrant colors.
The most important thing? Don't get caught up in the FOMO. Collect because you love the character, not because you saw it on a celebrity's Instagram. The teeth are sharp, the smile is mischievous, and the community is huge—welcome to the world of The Monsters.