By Zehra G., Labubu Enthusiast | August 18, 2025
Have you ever wondered where those adorable yet cheeky Labubu figures come from? As a US collector who’s spent countless hours unboxing Pop Mart surprises, I’ve always been fascinated by Labubu’s backstory. It’s not just a toy—it’s a character born from a blend of Nordic folklore and a Hong Kong artist’s imagination. In this deep dive, we’ll explore Labubu’s story and lore, from its creation by Kasing Lung to its role in The Monsters series. If you’re new to Labubu or a seasoned fan, this guide will uncover the magic behind the monster. Let’s jump in!
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Who Is Kasing Lung? The Artist Behind Labubu
Kasing Lung, the creative genius behind Labubu, was born in Hong Kong in 1972. At age 7, he moved to the Netherlands with his family, where he discovered a love for European folklore and fairy tales. The dark, whimsical stories of trolls and elves from Nordic mythology captivated him, influencing his art style that mixes cute with creepy.
- Early Career: Lung started as an illustrator, publishing children’s books in the early 2000s. His work often featured monsters that were naughty but kind-hearted, reflecting his own childhood mischief.
- Breakthrough: In 2010, Lung created “The Monsters” series, a collection of storybooks where Labubu first appeared as a playful character. The books were a hit in Asia, blending humor with fantasy.
Lung’s move to Europe shaped Labubu’s lore—imagine a little monster exploring new worlds, just like the artist himself. In interviews, Lung has shared that Labubu represents the child in all of us, curious and a bit rebellious. For US fans, Lung’s story resonates with the immigrant experience, making Labubu more than just a toy—it’s a symbol of adventure.
Curious about Labubu’s global rise? Check our Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Labubu for the full picture.
The Origin of Labubu: From Sketch to Star
Labubu debuted in Kasing Lung’s book series “The Monsters” as a furry, toothy creature with a big heart. The name “Labubu” doesn’t have a direct translation—it’s a playful invention, perhaps inspired by baby talk or monster sounds. Lung designed Labubu to be mischievous but endearing, with large eyes and pointy teeth that make it “creepy cute.”
- First Appearance: In the books, Labubu is a young monster living in a magical forest, getting into trouble with friends like Zimomo and Tycoco. The stories teach lessons about friendship and bravery through fun adventures.
- Inspiration Sources: Lung drew from Nordic legends (e.g., trolls) and his Hong Kong roots, creating a character that’s universal. In a 2020 interview, Lung said, “Labubu is like a child—curious, naughty, but always learning.”
By 2014, Pop Mart, a Chinese toy company, spotted Labubu’s potential and licensed it for figures. This turned the storybook character into a collectible phenomenon, with blind boxes bringing the lore to life. For US collectors, Labubu’s origin adds depth—it’s not just a toy; it’s part of a larger narrative.
Want to see Labubu’s different forms? Explore our Labubu Doll Types Explained guide.
The Monsters Series Lore: Labubu’s World
“The Monsters” is the heart of Labubu’s lore—a series of books and toys where Labubu stars alongside other creatures in a whimsical, forested realm. The lore is simple yet charming: Monsters live in harmony, but Labubu’s pranks often lead to adventures.
- Key Characters:
- Labubu: The protagonist, a furry monster with a tail, known for being naughty but loyal.
- Zimomo: Labubu’s best friend, a shy, green monster who loves nature.
- Tycoco: The wise one, often fixing Labubu’s messes.
- Themes: Friendship, exploration, and self-discovery. In one story, Labubu loses his tail and embarks on a quest, learning about teamwork.
Pop Mart’s toys expand the lore with series like “Labubu Exciting Face Coo,” where figures have costumes based on book events. In 2025, new releases like “The Monsters Tasty Peach” add fruity twists to the story. For US fans, the lore feels like a mix of Sesame Street and Nordic tales, making it relatable yet exotic.
Interested in why Labubu costs so much? Read our Why Is Labubu So Expensive? guide.
How Labubu Became a Global Phenomenon
From books to billions: Labubu’s journey is incredible. Pop Mart signed an exclusive license with Kasing Lung in 2019, turning Labubu into a flagship line. The company’s blind box model—surprise figures in sealed packs—exploded demand.
- Global Expansion: Starting in China, Pop Mart opened stores in the US by 2021. Today, Labubu is sold at Hot Topic, BoxLunch, and online on Amazon.
- 2025 Trends: Collabs with Disney and Sanrio have boosted Labubu’s lore, with new stories featuring crossover characters.
- US Impact: In America, Labubu went viral on TikTok, with unboxing videos hitting millions of views. Conventions like Comic-Con feature Labubu panels, where fans discuss the lore.
Labubu’s success shows how a simple story can become a cultural icon. As a collector, I love how the lore evolves with each release, keeping it fresh.
Shop Labubu collectibles on Amazon Link.
Labubu in Pop Culture and Fan Lore
Beyond the books, fans have created their own lore. In the US, Labubu appears in fan art, cosplay, and even short films on YouTube.
- Fan Theories: Some believe Labubu’s tail holds magical powers, based on book hints.
- Cultural Ties: Nordic influences make Labubu popular at US Viking festivals or Halloween events.
- Merch Beyond Toys: Apparel, stickers, and games extend the lore.
Pop Mart encourages fan stories through contests, adding to the official lore. In 2024, a fan-submitted design became an official figure!
Key Milestones in Labubu’s Story
Here’s a timeline of Labubu’s evolution:
| Year | Milestone | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Creation | Kasing Lung introduces Labubu in “The Monsters” books. |
| 2014 | Pop Mart License | Blind boxes launch, turning Labubu into a toy. |
| 2019 | Exclusive Deal | Pop Mart signs Lung, boosting global production. |
| 2021 | US Expansion | Stores open in LA and NYC, US sales surge. |
| 2025 | Major Collabs | Disney and Sanrio crossovers expand the lore. |
This table shows Labubu’s growth from story to sensation.
Conclusion: The Enduring Magic of Labubu’s Lore
Labubu’s story and lore are what make it special—a mix of mischief, friendship, and fantasy from Kasing Lung’s imagination. From its Nordic-inspired roots to Pop Mart’s global empire, Labubu continues to enchant collectors worldwide. As a US fan, I love how the lore inspires creativity, whether through unboxings or fan art. Dive into the world of Labubu and discover your own adventures!
Ready for more? Explore our Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Labubu or Labubu Doll Types Explained.
Shop Labubu on Amazon Link.
Last updated: August 18, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the origin of Labubu?
Labubu was created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung in his 2010 book series “The Monsters,” inspired by Nordic folklore.
Who is Kasing Lung?
Kasing Lung is a Hong Kong-born artist who moved to the Netherlands at age 7. He’s known for blending cute and creepy in his illustrations, and Labubu is his most famous creation.
What is The Monsters series about?
The Monsters is a storybook series featuring Labubu and friends like Zimomo and Tycoco in a magical forest, focusing on adventures, friendship, and lessons.
How did Labubu become popular globally?
Pop Mart licensed Labubu in 2014, turning it into blind box toys. By 2019, exclusive deals boosted its fame, reaching the US through social media and stores.
Is there fan lore for Labubu?
Yes, fans create stories, art, and theories, like Labubu’s tail having magic. Pop Mart encourages this through contests.
