Why LABUBU Blind Boxes Are Taking Over the Global Toy Market

The cult phenomenon of LABUBU—a quirky, fanged creature designed by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung—has exploded from Beijing to Los Angeles. Fans camp overnight for new drops; celebrities like BLACKPINK’s Lisa flaunt it; and limited editions resell for $1,920 on StockX 17. What fuels this craze?

• The “Ugly-Cute” Appeal: With asymmetrical eyes and jagged teeth, LABUBU defies traditional “kawaii” aesthetics, tapping into Gen Z’s love for unconventional self-expression 68.
• Scarcity & Hype: Blind boxes feature 1:144 hidden rare variants, triggering dopamine-driven repeat purchases 29.
• Cultural Crossovers: Collaborations like Thai silk LABUBU and Parisian artist editions localize its charm, proving “glocalization” works 510.