The Three Secret Dates: When Did Labubu *Really* Come Out And Start The Global Craze?

The seemingly simple question "When did Labubu come out?" actually has three distinct answers, each marking a pivotal moment in the character's journey from a niche art project to a global phenomenon. While the mischievous, toothy elf has exploded in popularity in the last year, its origin story stretches back a full decade, rooted in the creative mind of a Hong Kong artist inspired by European folklore.

To truly understand the Labubu craze sweeping the world in late 2024 and throughout 2025, you need to look beyond the viral plush keychains and blind boxes. The character's debut, its mass-market launch, and its current astronomical fame all occurred on different timelines, making its history a fascinating case study in modern collectible culture. This comprehensive guide, updated for December 18, 2025, breaks down the complete timeline.

The Creator's Profile: Kasing Lung and The Monsters Universe

The entire universe of Labubu, known as "The Monsters," is the brainchild of Hong Kong-born illustrator and artist, Kasing Lung. His unique background is essential to understanding the character's mysterious charm and Nordic-inspired aesthetic.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

• Full Name: Kasing Lung (龍家昇)
• Born: 1972, Hong Kong
• Early Life: Moved to the Netherlands at the age of six with his family.
• Inspiration: His time in Europe led to a fascination with Nordic folklore and fairy tales, which heavily influences his artwork and the creation of The Monsters.
• Early Career: Worked in illustration and graphic design before turning to the designer toy scene.
• First Labubu Appearance: 2015, in his story series, "The Monsters."
• Current Producer: POP MART (since 2019).
• Key Characters (The Monsters): Labubu, Zimomo, Tycoco, Spooky, Pato, and Mokoko.

Phase 1: The Artistic Debut (2015)

The definitive answer to "when did Labubu come out" in its original form is 2015.

Labubu was first introduced as a character in Kasing Lung’s story series, titled "The Monsters." This was not initially a mass-produced toy line but rather a creative project and picture book series inspired by Nordic mythology. The character was designed as a mischievous little elf with a distinctive toothy grin, long ears, and a kind heart, despite its monstrous appearance.

During this early phase (2015-2018), Labubu figures were primarily released through the Hong Kong-based company How2Work. These early releases were often limited-edition designer toys, highly sought after by niche art collectors and not available through mainstream retail channels. This period established Labubu's unique artistic DNA but kept its visibility relatively low.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

Phase 2: The Mass Market Launch with POP MART (2019)

The second, and arguably most crucial, answer to the question is 2019. This is the year Labubu transitioned from a limited-run designer toy to a mass-market collectible, setting the stage for its eventual global domination.

In 2019, Kasing Lung signed an exclusive licensing deal with POP MART, the China-based retail giant famous for its "blind box" collectible toy format.

The Blind Box Revolution

The partnership with POP MART was a game-changer for several reasons:

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

• Accessibility: The blind box format made Labubu figures affordable and widely accessible to a new generation of collectors across Asia and eventually the world.
• The Monsters Series: POP MART began releasing Labubu and his friends (Zimomo, Tycoco, etc.) in various themed blind box series, dramatically increasing the character's exposure and collectibility.
• The Format: The element of surprise—the blind box—created a powerful psychological hook, driving repeat purchases and secondary market trading, a key feature of the designer toy boom.

While the exact name of the *very first* POP MART blind box series in 2019 is a sought-after collector's detail, the collaboration immediately established a consistent production schedule, turning The Monsters into one of POP MART’s flagship intellectual properties (IPs).

Phase 3: The Global Viral Explosion (2024-2025)

If 2015 was the birth of the character and 2019 was its mass-market debut, then 2024 and 2025 mark the period of its global, viral explosion. This is when the Labubu name became a household term, particularly in Western markets.

The recent surge in popularity can be attributed to several factors:

The Rise of the Plush Labubu

While the initial POP MART releases were primarily vinyl figures, the medium-sized plush Labubus—often as keychains or bag charms—became a massive viral trend. These huggable characters were perfectly positioned for social media, appearing on the bags of celebrities, influencers, and fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

Hottest Labubu Series in 2024/2025

The most recent and highly sought-after series illustrate the character’s continuous evolution and massive demand, often selling out in seconds:

• The Monsters - Exciting Macaron Vinyl Face Blind Box: Known for its vibrant colors and sweet, dessert-themed designs, this series became a viral sensation, particularly the plush variants.
• The Monsters - Have a Seat Series: Released around July 2024, this iconic series features Labubu in charming, seated poses, cementing its status as a must-have collectible doll.
• The Monsters - Big Into Energy Series: This series, often released as a vinyl plush pendant, is a top-ranked item, showcasing the character’s blend of cute and mischievous street style.

The demand for these collectible dolls often outstrips supply, leading to significant markups on the secondary market and fueling the excitement around every new drop. The success of Labubu has also boosted the popularity of other The Monsters characters, such as the fluffy, dog-like Zimomo and the mischievous Tycoco.

Summary: The Labubu Timeline

Labubu’s journey is a perfect example of how an artist collaboration can transform a niche creation into a global cultural icon. The question "when did Labubu come out" is best answered by recognizing all three critical dates:

Whether you are a veteran collector of designer toys or a newcomer captivated by the vinyl plush keychains, Labubu’s long, fascinating history ensures its place as one of the most significant and enduring collectible phenomena of the decade.