Kasing Lung (龙家升), a Hong Kong-born artist and illustrator, is the visionary creator behind the globally iconic Labubu character. Born in 1972 and later relocating to the Netherlands during his youth, Lung developed a hybrid artistic style blending Nordic mythology, Celtic folklore, and urban street aesthetics. His breakthrough came in 2015 with The Monsters story series, where Labubu debuted as a spiky-eared, nine-toothed forest sprite with mischievous charm. While initially a minor character, Labubu’s unique blend of “ugly-cute” appeal and subversive humor resonated worldwide after Lung partnered with pop culture giant Pop Mart in 2019. Today, his creation dominates the collectible toy market as both a cultural phenomenon and emotional totem for Gen Z consumers.
Personalized Custom Pet T-ShirtWhat inspired Labubu’s distinctive design?
Labubu’s aesthetics fuse Nordic mythology and street art rebellion. Kasing Lung drew inspiration from Scandinavian folk tales about trickster spirits during his European residency. The jagged teeth symbolize protective ferocity, while upright rabbit ears nod to Celtic forest guardians. This hybrid design bridges ancient folklore with modern punk sensibilities—imagine a Viking amulet redesigned by urban graffiti artists. Pro Tip: Look closely at Labubu’s left ear; subtle brushstroke imperfections reveal Lung’s commitment to handmade authenticity.
How did Kasing Lung transition into toy design?
Lung’s journey from children’s book illustrator to toy mogul began with a 2015 collaboration with Hong Kong manufacturer HOW2WORK. His European picture book background (including a prestigious Bratislava Illustration Award) proved crucial—story-driven characters like Toby the Ghost naturally translated into 3D figures. Yet early Labubu prototypes underperformed until Pop Mart’s 2019 blind-box strategy transformed them into collectible art. The key pivot? Recognizing that Gen Z consumers wanted narrative-driven toys, not just static figurines. For instance, limited editions like “Labubu the Gardener” included seed packets, creating interactive storytelling opportunities.
Phase | Strategy | Result |
---|---|---|
2015–2018 | Artisanal craftsmanship | Niche collector appeal |
2019–present | Mass-market blind boxes | Global viral adoption |
Why does Labubu resonate with modern audiences?
Labubu embodies Gen Z emotional pragmatism—its fierce grin paradoxically represents both defense against life’s pressures and joyful resilience. Market analyses credit its success to “ugly beauty” trends where imperfections signify authenticity. When BLACKPINK’s Lisa carried a Labubu keychain in 2024, searches for “protective charm toys” spiked 320% across Asia. Practically speaking, fans don’t just collect these figures; they curate them as personal talismans. One Beijing office worker interviewed by Bloomberg noted: “Labubu’s teeth remind me to stay sharp but keep smiling during tough presentations.”
What legal framework governs Labubu’s IP rights?
Lung retains full copyright ownership under international law, while Pop Mart holds exclusive commercialization rights through a 2019 licensing deal. This separation ensures artistic integrity while enabling scalable production. Warning: Counterfeiters often exploit this duality—always verify holographic Pop Mart seals on product packaging. For example, authentic 2025 Tenth Anniversary Edition Labubus feature UV-reactive serial numbers matching certificates signed by Kasing Lung himself.
Right Type | Holder | Scope |
---|---|---|
Copyright | Kasing Lung | Character design/stories |
Trademark | Pop Mart | Manufacturing/distribution |
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FAQs
Yes, he oversees all major character updates while collaborating with Pop Mart’s engineering team on technical specifications. Limited drops often feature his hand-painted prototypes.
Can I commission custom Labubu artwork?Only through authorized partners—unauthorized modifications violate Lung’s moral rights under copyright law. Pop Mart occasionally hosts design contests with certified artist collaborations.