History of Labubu in Timeline

Labubu is a line of collectible plush toy monster elves created by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung. The characters have stylized features with exaggerated facial expressions and animal-like features. Labubu is the central figure, known for sharp teeth, large ears, and scruffy appearance, and is often seen alongside other characters in a similar style.

1972: Kasing Lung's birth

In 1972, Kasing Lung, the creator of Labubu, was born in Hong Kong.

2015: Labubu Introduction

In 2015, Labubu was first introduced as "Monsters" figurines produced by How2Work.

2019: Collaboration with Pop Mart

In 2019, Labubu gained wider recognition following a collaboration with Pop Mart, boosting its popularity among collectors.

October 2023: Release of "Exciting Macaron" key-ring line

In October 2023, the first Labubu key-ring line, titled "Exciting Macaron" (Chinese: 心動馬卡龍), was released.

April 2024: Lisa from Blackpink Spotted with Labubu

In April 2024, K-pop group Blackpink member Lisa was spotted with a keychain Labubu on her bag, sparking a trend and contributing to its growing recognition in Thailand and other parts of Southeast and East Asia.

September 2024: PAP Sengkang Team Introduces Labubu Volunteer

In September 2024, the People's Action Party (PAP) Sengkang team in Singapore introduced a Labubu plush keychain dressed in a white shirt bearing the PAP logo as their "latest and cutest volunter" during a grocery distribution event.

October 2024: Labubu Figurines at Ling Lian Bao Dian Temple

In October 2024, Singapore's Ling Lian Bao Dian Temple introduced collectible toy elements for the first time, with four Labubu figurines dressed as devotees participating in the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, sparking debate on social media.

2024: Wang Ning's fortune in 2024

In 2024, Pop Mart CEO Wang Ning's fortune was $1.8 billion.

2024: Labubu as Buddhist Amulets in Thailand

In 2024, due to the viral popularity of Labubu in Thailand, it was made into Buddhist amulets and sacred tattoos, reflecting a belief that its image could bring wealth and good fortune.

2024: Coca-Cola-themed Collaboration

In late 2024, Pop Mart collaborated with various brands, including a Coca-Cola-themed winter blind box series of eleven Labubus.

2024: Pop Mart's Interim Report

Pop Mart's 2024 interim report, released on August 20, stated that the Labubu line generated sales of 6.3 billion Chinese yuan (approximately US$870 million) in the first half of the year.

May 2025: Pop Mart Pauses Sales in the UK

In May 2025, Pop Mart announced it had paused selling Labubus in all 16 of its stores in the United Kingdom until June to "prevent any potential safety issues" following multiple reports of customers fighting over them.

July 2025: Wang Ning's Fortune

As of July 2025, Pop Mart CEO Wang Ning's 48.73% stake in the company has made him a US$21.1 billion fortune.

July 2025: Ban in Kurdistan Region of Iraq

In July 2025, authorities in Iraq's Kurdistan Region announced they had banned the sale of the doll due to claims they resulted in behavioral problems in children, seizing at least 4,000 dolls in the Erbil area.

2025: Labubu figurines release and auction

By 2025, over 300 different Labubu figurines had been released. In June 2025, a 1.2-metre-tall mint-green Labubu was sold for $170,000 at the first official Labubu auction in Beijing. An anime adaptation is planned to be broadcast in mid-2025.

2025: New York Magazine Article

In 2025, Liza Corsillo from New York Magazine wrote about the toy's appeal, noting its cuteness, surprise, and scarcity, and that Labubus blur "the line between toys and fashion", similar to Jellycat.

2025: Proposal to Ban Labubu in Russia

In 2025, members of the Federation Council in Russia proposed banning Labubu dolls, citing their "terrifying appearance" and potential negative influence on children's mental health.