Move over, Pokémon—there’s a new fuzzy icon in town! 🐒 Labubu, the mischievous "Nordic forest elf" collectible from Chinese toy giant Pop Mart, is dominating global pop culture. Spotted on Rihanna’s keychain, Blackpink’s Lisa’s Instagram, and Dua Lipa’s merch stash, this East-West hybrid is rewriting the rules of fandom.
In the latest China Popcast episode, reporter Vica Li spills the tea ☕ on why Labubu mania is more than just a trend. "It’s about storytelling through customization," says Li, describing how fans obsess over dressing their Labubus in tiny outfits and trading rare editions like crypto NFTs (but cuter).
Peking University’s Professor Zhang Ying reveals the brains behind the craze: Pop Mart founder Wang Ning. "Even as students, Wang and his team had a sixth sense for blending emotional design with FOMO marketing," she explains, hinting at the company’s viral limited-edition drops that break the internet weekly.
With Labubu bridging Nordic folklore and Chinese toy innovation, it’s clear—global Gen Z isn’t just buying a toy. They’re adopting a cross-cultural mood. 🧶💥
