Labu is a small toy whose craze is all over the world. Its producers are Wang Ning, CEO of China’s well-known Chinese company Pop Mart. Due to Labu, he not only brought his company to new heights, but also became one of the richest people in China.
What is Labubu?
Labu was first introduced in 2015 by Hong Kong artist Kassing Lung in his drawing book ‘The Monsters’. It is a naughty but cute character with pointed ears and large eyes. Its inspiration came from European fairy tales, which Lung had read in the Netherlands as a child. Labu was first launched by Pop Mart in his famous blind box format in 2023. Since then, its popularity has been increasing.
Lisa to Rihanna: Celebrity Craze
Labu got a global recognition in 2024 when K-Pop star Lisa (Blackpink) described it as his favorite in an interview. Lisa said, “If I go to New York or Miami, I find a pop mart. Even in Paris. As if I am looking for a treasure.” Subsequently, global personalities like Kim Kardashian, Dua Lipa and Rihanna were also seen with Labu Doll.
This person earned billions
By the first half of 2025, Pop Mart earned about 400 million dollars (about ₹ 3,300 crore) from Labu Doll. This unprecedented success increased the wealth of Wang Ning. In 2024, his assets were $ 7.59 billion, which increased to $ 22.7 billion in 2025. Due to this, he has become one of the youngest billionaires of China.
Controversy occurred, but popularity remained
Some online rumors tried to connect Labu Doll to ancient demon Pazuzu, but there is no truth in them. Although Kassing Lung has not directly responded to these allegations, he has already said that Labu is an innocent character of his childhood imagination, who is definitely mischievous, but not bad.
Magic of secondary market and limited versions
Limited version dolls of Labu are being sold for thousands of dollars in the secondary market today. Pop Mart’s blind box strategy, special cooperation and limited release made it a cultural event. This generation is particularly popular between Z and Millennials.
