5 Shocking Secrets Behind Labubu: The Viral Pop Mart Elf That Means 'Lub-Dub'

The global obsession with Labubu, the sharp-toothed, mischievous elf from the 'The Monsters' series, has reached a fever pitch, transforming from an Asian collectible into what many are calling the "Hello Kitty of 2025." This surge in popularity, driven by the blind box phenomenon and massive collaborations, has left millions curious about the character's mysterious name and origin. As of today, December 18, 2025, the true, unique meaning behind the name "Labubu" is finally being shared by its creator, revealing a surprisingly heartfelt concept at its core.

Far from a simple piece of urban vinyl, Labubu represents a cultural shift, celebrating the quirky, the imperfect, and the wonderfully strange. The character's rise, largely through its partnership with the Pop Mart brand, is a masterclass in modern collectible marketing. Below, we dive into the definitive meaning of Labubu's name, the full biography of its visionary creator, and the latest, most exclusive news that explains why this zoomorphic elf is dominating global fashion and art scenes.

The Visionary Behind the Elf: Kasing Lung Biography

The entire universe of 'The Monsters,' including the iconic Labubu, is the brainchild of Hong Kong-born illustrator and toy designer Kasing Lung. His unique artistic style blends whimsical, fantastical elements with a touch of playful darkness, creating characters that resonate deeply with a modern audience. Lung's journey from a young illustrator to a global toy phenomenon is a testament to his persistent vision.

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• Full Name: Kasing Lung (龍家昇)
• Born: December 31, 1972
• Birthplace: Hong Kong
• Primary Residence/Studio: Commutes between Hong Kong and Antwerp, Belgium, where his wife and daughter reside.
• Early Life: Moved to the Netherlands with his family at a young age, where he developed his love for illustration and storytelling.
• Career Start: Began his career as an illustrator, working on picture books.
• Key Creation: 'The Monsters' series, which features Labubu, ZIMOMO, Tycoco, and Spook.
• Major Partnership: Pop Mart (since 2019), which propelled Labubu into the global blind box collectible market.
• Signature Style: Known for creating zoomorphic elves and monsters with exaggerated, expressive, and often mischievous facial features, celebrating the beauty in imperfection.

What Does Labubu Mean? The Creator's Surprising 'Lub-Dub' Explanation

The single most searched question about the viral toy is "what does Labubu meaning," and for years, the answer has been shrouded in mystery and rumor. Initial speculation suggested the name was a play on Chinese words, like "labai" (very) and "bu" (step), but the creator, Kasing Lung, has provided a far more intimate and unique explanation.

The Real, Intimate Meaning

Kasing Lung confirms that "Labubu" is a fictional, whimsical name specifically created for the character's tribe within 'The Monsters' universe and does not have a direct, traditional meaning in Chinese. However, he has revealed the inspiration behind the sound of the name.

• The 'Lub-Dub' Origin: According to Lung, the name "Labubu" is derived from the sound of a heartbeat—the simple, rhythmic "lub-dub." This subtle yet profound meaning suggests that Labubu is a character full of life, energy, and a deep, pulsing connection to the world around it. It frames the mischievous elf not just as a toy, but as a lively, beating entity.
• A Rejection of Perfection: Beyond the sound, Labubu's meaning is tied to its design. With its exaggerated features, sharp teeth, and quirky charm, the character has become a symbol for Gen Z. It represents a rejection of idealized perfection, instead celebrating individuality and embracing one's own quirks and flaws.

The Monsters Universe: Labubu's Family

Labubu is not alone; it is the star of a larger universe called 'The Monsters.' To fully understand the character, you must know its companions, which further build the topical authority of the brand:

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• ZIMOMO: Another fan-favorite from the series, often appearing in collaborations.
• TYCOCO: A character known for its distinct, often sleepy or moody look.
• Spook: The monster who is the source of all the mischief in the world of 'The Monsters.'

Why Labubu is the 'Hello Kitty of 2025' and the Future of Collectibles

The cultural impact of Labubu has exploded, especially throughout 2024 and heading into 2025, cementing its status as a global icon in the collectible and fashion worlds. Its success is rooted in the addictive 'gacha' or blind box style of purchasing, where the buyer receives a mystery box and doesn't know which specific doll they've acquired, driving a massive secondary market and intense collecting fever.

Massive, High-Profile Collaborations

Labubu's status as a top-tier collectible is evident in the caliber of its recent, exclusive collaborations. These partnerships have pushed the character far beyond the realm of art toys and into high fashion and luxury culture, making it a highly exclusive fashion accessory.

• Gabby Elan Grillz: A surprising and high-profile collaboration that brought the mischievous elf into the world of custom jewelry.
• Miu Miu: Partnerships with luxury fashion houses like Miu Miu signal Labubu's elevated status in the style world.
• Jacob & Co and G-Dragon: Association with luxury watchmaker Jacob & Co and K-Pop icon G-Dragon highlights its influence in global pop culture.
• The 'Supreme Meets Sanrio' Vibe: The brand is often described as having a collaboration strategy that blends the exclusivity of Supreme with the universal appeal of Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty.

Global Visibility and Market Dominance

The character’s global expansion is undeniable. After going worldwide in 2024, the brand's visibility skyrocketed. Its presence in major global hubs, such as a massive display in New York's Times Square in November 2025, underscores its transition from a niche Asian collectible to a mainstream global phenomenon.

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The success is driven by the partnership with Pop Mart, a powerhouse in the collectible plush toys and art toys market. By utilizing the blind box format, they have tapped into the thrill of the hunt, creating a market where fans eagerly splurge on multiple boxes hoping for a rare, limited-edition chase figure. This collectible culture, often referred to as urban vinyl, has found its new king in Labubu.

In conclusion, the answer to "what does Labubu meaning" is not a simple translation, but a rich narrative. Labubu is Kasing Lung's heartbeat ('lub-dub') brought to life—a mischievous, zoomorphic elf that has become a powerful symbol of celebrating imperfection. Its current dominance in the collectible world, fueled by massive Pop Mart distribution and exclusive collaborations, ensures that this quirky character will remain at the forefront of pop culture for years to come.