The story of Labubu begins with Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong-born artist who grew up in Utrecht, Netherlands, and later settled in Antwerp, Belgium. In 2015, drawing from his childhood love of Nordic folklore and mythology, Lung created a story series called "The Monsters”. His exposure to European fairy tales and Nordic folklore heavily inspired the character's development. Lung drew from mythical beings like elves, forest sprites, and kobolds creatures that combine whimsy with mystery.
Labubu emerged as part of this monster tribe, which included characters like Zimomo (the leader), Tycoco, Spooky, and Pato. According to the original books, Labubu is actually a girl, an elvish forest monster with pointed ears, nine sharp teeth, and a mischievous but kind-hearted personality who’s always willing to help but accidentally causes chaos.
The New York Times described Labubu toys as “adorable furry monsters with sharp teeth” and compared their chaotic-cute appeal to popular film characters like Stitch and Toothless. This “ugly-cute” aesthetic resonated with people who found beauty in the unconventional.
Over the years, Labubu has been spotted on the bags of pop singers like Dua Lipa, Rihanna, and Lisa from BLACKPINK. This celebrity endorsement gave the toys aspirational status.
Labubu has become more than just a toy - It’s a cultural phenomenon that reflects modern consumer culture, the power of social media, and our enduring fascination with mythical creatures. The character has influenced fashion collaborations, inspired countless memes, and even entered political discourse.
What started as one artist’s interpretation of Nordic folklore has become a global symbol of cute rebellion - a mischievous little monster that captured the world’s heart with its nine sharp teeth and boundless charm.
