The story began before the craze
Labubu did not arrive with the 2025 trend. The character grew out of Kasing Lung’s THE MONSTERS world, moved into a wider retail network, and later found a new place on bags and in everyday photos.
Read the full illustrated guide
Original concept illustration · not an official product image
Dates describe different stages of the story, not four equally large waves of popularity.
- 2015
A world on paper
THE MONSTERS takes shape in Kasing Lung’s illustrated world, with Labubu among its characters.
- 2019
A wider shelf
The Pop Mart partnership takes the character into a broader collectible retail system.
- 2023
Off the shelf
Plush bag charms make the character easier to carry, wear and photograph.
- 2025
A global conversation
Online sharing and expanding product lines bring the story to audiences far beyond collectors.
Explore the full story
The complete illustrated guide is now available in English. The detailed research report is available in Traditional Chinese.
Read the complete guide