© Vanity Fair

If you’ve noticed fuzzy little monster dolls with mischievous smiles taking over your TikTok feed or being flaunted by celebrities, you’re not alone. The quirky charm of Labubu, a character from a toy brand Pop Mart, has sparked a global collecting craze – selling out in minutes, causing resale prices to skyrocket, and even leading to physical scuffles in stores. But what triggered this sudden worldwide obsession with what many describe as a “cute yet creepy” character? Two words: BLACKPINK Lisa.

What Is Labubu?

© Pop Mart

Labubu may seem like the new kid on the collectible block, but it’s actually been around for a while. Created over a decade ago by Hong Kong-based artist Kasing Lung, Labubu is a member of a series called The Monsters. With its spiky teeth, long rabbit-like ears, and fuzzy body, Labubu doesn’t fit into the traditional “cute” mold. Yet, that’s exactly what makes it stand out.

© Pop Mart

Sold primarily through Pop Mart’s blind box system, where buyers don’t know which figure they’re getting until they open the package, Labubu has gradually built a cult following. But in recent years, that cult following has exploded into mainstream mania.

The Craze: Long Lines and TikTok Frenzy

Despite being a character known to collectors for years, Labubu’s popularity soared almost overnight. In cities across the globe, especially in Asia and the U.S., people are lining up from 1 a.m. to get their hands on the latest release. When they can’t, they turn to resale platforms, where Labubu figures have fetched prices as high as US$90, far above their original retail price of under US$30.

© Tiktok

It’s not just resale platforms seeing the impact. On TikTok, the hashtag #Labubu has racked up over 1.4 million videos featuring everything from unboxing clips to brawls breaking out at Pop Mart locations. The frenzy has even led to a wave of counterfeits with similar names like “Lagogo” and “Lababa” hitting Chinese markets.

The Lisa Effect

So what turned Labubu from niche collectible to global sensation?

© Instagram @lalalalisa_m

BLACKPINK’s Lisa posted a photo of her new Labubu on her Instagram Story—and the world noticed. She’s also mentioned Labubu as one of her favorite collectible figurines and has been frequently spotted with Labubu keychains on her bags, further fueling the buzz. Her influence alone was enough to send Southeast Asian sales soaring by over 600%, with fans rushing to follow her lead. According to Malay Mail, Lisa’s endorsement was a key turning point in Labubu's leap to mainstream fame, with her global fanbase turning casual curiosity into full-blown obsession.

© Instagram @lalalalisa_m

Not long after, fellow BLACKPINK member Rosé also joined in, sharing her own Labubu on Instagram and giving the character even more Hallyu-fueled momentum.

© Instagram @lalalalisa_m

Why Do Celebs Love It?

At first glance, it’s easy to wonder: why would global fashion icons like Lisa, Rosé, or even Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Emma Roberts carry around a weird little monster with sharp teeth?

The answer might lie in what fans are calling “ugly-cute” appeal.

© Instagram @lalalalisa_m

Labubu’s charm doesn’t come from traditional beauty – it’s in its quirkiness. With its oversized ears, fuzzy body, and slightly creepy grin, Labubu manages to be bizarrely endearing. In a world oversaturated with perfect, polished products, this asymmetrical, imperfect figure feels refreshingly real. That may be exactly why stars love it – it’s a rebellion against the expected.

© Pop Mart

Pop Mart’s lineup includes many other monster characters in The Monsters series, but none have reached Labubu’s level of fame. Whether it's the design, timing, or Lisa's endorsement, Labubu is clearly the breakout star.

From Niche to Cultural Phenomenon

Today, Labubu is more than a toy – it’s a collectible, a fashion accessory, and even a statement item. Pop Mart’s explosive success – now boasting over 13 billion yuan in annual sales – is largely fueled by Labubu’s appeal. The company is expanding globally, with stores popping up in the U.S. and Europe, and Labubu dolls frequently selling out before they even hit shelves.

© Pinterest

So, if you’re thinking of picking up a Labubu yourself, you definitely should try. And if anyone asks why you’re so obsessed with a spiky-toothed plush monster, just tell them: Lisa made me do it.