Created in 2015 by a Hong Kong artist, it has become latest social media obsession
Munish Sood
MANDI:
A strange-looking toy with bulging eyes, pointed teeth and a devilish grin has suddenly become the latest social media obsession. Meet Labubu Doll, a quirky collectible that is both terrifying and adorable at the same time, and now the most talked-about pop culture sensation across Instagram, TikTok and beyond.
The Labubu character was created in 2015 by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, who drew inspiration from Nordic fairy tales. What makes Labubu unique is its blend of mischievous, almost demonic features paired with an oddly endearing personality. This strange balance of “creepy yet cute” has struck a chord with audiences worldwide.
But the real breakthrough came in 2019, when Chinese company Pop Mart introduced Labubu through its “blind box” system. Buyers had no idea which version of the doll they were purchasing, creating a sense of lottery-like excitement. Collectors began chasing rare editions, sparking a global craze that soon extended far beyond toy enthusiasts.
Why everyone wants one
The doll’s cult status skyrocketed once celebrities jumped on the trend. K-Pop star Lisa of Blackpink was among the first to share her Labubu on social media, instantly pushing it into the spotlight. Soon after, global icons like Rihanna, Dua Lipa and Bollywood’s Ananya Panday were seen with the doll, cementing its reputation as a fashion accessory as much as a toy.
On platforms like Instagram and TikTok, unboxing videos, memes and photo shoots featuring Labubu have gone viral. Its unsettling yet playful aesthetic has made it a favourite prop for influencers, while collectors treat it as a luxury investment.
And investment it truly is: in Beijing, a 131 cm Labubu figure recently sold at auction for 1.08 million yuan (₹1.2 crore). Even the smaller editions are reselling for several lakhs, proving that Labubu has transformed from a toy into a high-value cultural asset.
The dark side of virality
As with most viral sensations, Labubu has also faced its share of controversy. Some online users began linking its sharp-toothed smile to Pazuzu, an ancient demon portrayed in The Exorcist. TikTok videos claiming the doll carried “evil energy” spread fear, especially among parents.
However, major fact-checking organisations, including Snopes and Britannica, have dismissed these theories as baseless. Experts confirm that Labubu is purely an imaginative creation, not linked to any mythology or supernatural force.
Labubu’s rise shows how quickly social media can turn niche art into a mainstream cultural phenomenon. What began as a designer collectible has now become a fashion statement, a viral trend, and even a speculative investment.
In today’s digital age, a product doesn’t need to fit traditional beauty standards to succeed — it needs to stand out. And Labubu does exactly that: it’s weird, it’s scary, it’s funny, and above all, it’s unforgettable.
For now, the creepy-cute doll continues to dominate timelines, shopping carts, and auction houses alike—proving once again that the internet has the power to make almost anything a global sensation.
