From Shanghai queue lines to Seoul pop-ups, Labubu has rocketed from a Beijing studio concept to a worldwide phenomenon. Fans across London and Los Angeles rush to snag limited-edition blind boxes, fueling viral unboxing videos and online collectathons.
Unlike polished cartoon mascots, Labubu sports a chaotic grin, wild eyes and scruffy fur. That rough-around-the-edges appeal taps into Gen Z’s craving for authenticity. In a sea of picture-perfect branding, Labubu’s imperfection feels real—an emotional mirror for a generation juggling anxiety and hope.
Behind the craze is Pop Mart’s savvy model of scarcity and surprise. Each Labubu figure is hidden in a blind box, turning every purchase into a mini lottery. Limited editions and random variants drive social chatter and repeat buys, echoing the same dopamine loops gamers chase online.
But Labubu isn’t just a toy—it’s emotional companionship. Without any film or streaming tie-in, this 3-inch figure offers a judgment-free sidekick. It survives, smiles and carries on, embodying quiet resilience that resonates globally.
Labubu’s rise also signals a bigger shift: the Chinese mainland is moving from “world’s factory” to cultural trendsetter. Alongside electric vehicles from BYD and DJI drones, homegrown IPs like Nezha, The Three-Body Problem and Black Myth: Wukong are staking their claim on the global stage.
As Labubu hops across continents, it proves storytelling can flourish beyond screens. Sometimes a small, imperfect monster and a shared sense of wonder are all you need to spark a worldwide movement.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
