Labubu. Once you hear the name, you never forget it. What started as an obscure vinyl toy has now become a worldwide cult object, and demand is higher than ever. But who is actually the mind behind this mysterious character with his wide grin and pointed ears? And why are search queries like “Who is the creator of Labubu?” or “Is Labubu a demon?” suddenly skyrocketing?
The answer lies with a man who prefers not to be in the spotlight: Kasing Lung. Born in Hong Kong, raised in the Netherlands. A visual artist with a rich fantasy world full of elves, monsters, and fairy tale characters, and that world first truly took shape in 2015 in the form of Labubu.
From Dutch forests to Chinese multi-million auctions
Kasing Lung drew his first sketches of Labubu while working on illustrations for children's books. What began as a simple creature with elements of a rabbit, fox, and troll grew into an icon within the designer toy scene. His style is raw but charming. Creepy, but never distant.
When Pop Mart, the Chinese powerhouse behind collectible blind boxes, decided to collaborate with Lung in 2018, everything changed. Labubu was no longer just a sketch in a notebook; it became a hype. Every new series sold out within minutes. Fans lined up. Resale prices soared. And with that came the moment Google was flooded with questions like: “What is an original Labubu worth?” or “Which Labubu is the rarest?”
Why are so many people searching for ‘Is Labubu real?’
That question doesn’t come out of nowhere. The success of Labubu has a downside: counterfeits and fake versions flood the market. Read in our other blog how to recognize a real or fake Labubu. Many people unknowingly buy a counterfeit, often recognizable by the smell, poor finishing, or a missing original Pop Mart packaging. A real Labubu always comes with a numbered box, a laminated card, and packaging that is slightly different with each release.
Snrkickz manually checks every Labubu for authenticity. Precisely because the difference between an authentic collectible and a cheap copy lies in the details. And those details – that’s what Labubu is all about.
The most expensive Labubu ever is an artwork worth €130,000+
In early June 2025, a 131 cm tall mint green Labubu was auctioned in China for over €130,000. Not just a figurine, but a life-size sculpture, a tribute to Lung’s very first design. This broke all records in the designer toy world.
This immediately explains why more and more people Google “What is the most expensive Labubu?” or “How much does a rare Labubu cost?” – because behind the cute appearance lies a market that appreciates in value faster than many NFTs or sneakers.
Is Labubu a demon? A doll? Or something in between?
Questions like “Is Labubu a devil?” or “Is Labubu scary?” occur more often than you might think. And to be honest: the aesthetic is unique. Labubu balances on the edge between childlike and dark. That’s exactly what makes him so recognizable – and so beloved. According to Lung, the character is not a demon, but a ‘monster with a good heart.’ Someone who is different, but precisely because of that radiates strength. A message that fits perfectly in a time when being different is celebrated.
The core of the hype? Emotion, mystery, and scarcity
Where sneakers often revolve around hype and status, Labubu is about feeling. Every figure from the ‘Tasty Macarons’ to the ‘Have a Seat’ collection – tells a different story. You’re not buying a toy, you’re buying a moment. A memory. Or in some cases: an investment.
And just like with limited drops of Jordan 1’s or New Balance 2002R’s, the production numbers are rarely known. That scarcity ensures that people are always searching for that one Labubu they’re still missing. The hype is no coincidence. It’s a carefully built world, with Kasing Lung as the silent director.