In the world of designer toys, one character is getting a lot of attention—Labubu. Originally just a storybook figure created by artist Kasing Lung, Labubu is now one of the most sought-after collectible toys globally. At a recent auction in Beijing, giant Labubu figures were sold for surprisingly high prices. One green version was sold for over $170,000, and another brown version went for over $113,000. These are huge numbers for something that started as a small toy in mystery boxes. People around the world are now taking these characters seriously—not just as toys, but as pieces of modern art. The auction showed that Labubu is more than a trend; it’s become a symbol for collectors who want something rare and creative.
How Labubu Grew From a Comic to a Global Hit
Labubu wasn’t always this famous. The character was first part of a storybook series called The Monsters by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. It had a spooky but sweet look that caught people’s attention. When toy brand Pop Mart started making Labubu toys in 2019, they sold them in surprise boxes. This meant that buyers didn’t know which version they would get, making it fun and exciting. As more people started collecting them, Labubu’s popularity grew fast—especially when celebrities started posting about it. Pop stars, actors, and influencers were seen with Labubu dolls, helping it become well known across Asia and beyond. Today, many people don’t just see Labubu as a toy. It’s now seen as something special to own, collect, and display.
Why People Are Paying Big Money for These Toys
Some might wonder why anyone would spend thousands of dollars on a doll. But for fans of Labubu, these toys represent more than just a hobby. The most valuable Labubu pieces are rare, well-made, and often only released in small amounts. This makes them hard to find, which increases their value. Some collectors see them like art. Others collect them for personal enjoyment or as part of a growing community of fans. When these dolls go up for auction, especially the larger or specially designed ones, people are willing to pay high prices. These auctions also add excitement and help raise the profile of the brand. It’s not just about money—it’s also about passion, creativity, and being part of something unique.
Seventeen Collaborates with Labubu for Unique Charity Auction
Labubu Craze Leads to Unexpected Issues
The craze for Labubu has become so big that even banks in China started using the dolls as gifts to attract new customers. These kinds of promotions made headlines when people lined up just to get the toy, not for the banking services themselves. This led government officials in China to ban banks from using such tactics. The decision shows how powerful Labubu has become. What started as a small collectible has now reached a point where it’s affecting how companies do business. While this might seem unusual, it proves how strong a cultural impact one character can make. It also shows that businesses need to be careful when using popular trends in their marketing.
Looking Ahead: What's Next for Labubu Fans
Labubu isn’t going away anytime soon. Pop Mart is continuing to release new versions and collaborations to keep fans interested. One of the latest team-ups was with a K-pop band called Seventeen, where custom Labubu dolls were made to look like each group member. These were sold at auction, with proceeds going to charity. Fans loved the idea, and the collection gained a lot of attention online. Pop Mart is expected to keep exploring creative ideas like this, and new drops will likely sell out quickly. Whether you’re a long-time collector or just starting out, it’s clear that Labubu has a strong future. People love it not only for its look, but for the joy and creativity it brings.
Image Source: BBC
