It started with a quiet rumor. A Hong Kong teenager received a birthday gift from her cousin who returned from Japan as a birthday gift. It felt innocent-disgusted, wide-eyed and a little wild. She clip her on her backpack and took it everywhere.
But then things got weird.
She swore the doll moved positions while she slept. At first, it was funny. A cute little prank, maybe. But her room started feeling colder at night. Her dog wouldn’t go near the closet. And one evening, she found the doll sitting on the windowsill—someplace she definitely didn’t leave it.
Her cousin laughed it off—until he stayed over again and heard scratching sounds coming from that same closet.
This isn’t the only story out there. Scroll through deep TikTok threads or niche forums, and you’ll find hundreds of people claiming something odd about their Labubu doll. Movements. Strange dreams. Energy shifts.
So what is it about this doll that’s got people hooked—and a little spooked?
What Exactly Is a Labubu Doll?
At first glance, Lebubu just looks like another stored figure. But there is more going on here.
It is the composition of the ASS Sing Lung, known for the Hong Kong artist for his strange, slightly creepy monster characters. Their work began to attract attention in the early 2010s, a mixture of cutness with something darker.
Then came the POP Mart. The Chinese toy converts the giant lung characters into a wide collected category. Labu was forward and at the center. Each figure comes in “Blind B Box Q”, so you never know which you will get until you open it. It is part of a surprise thrill.
But lubbu is not your average beautiful toy. It’s something about a tooth laughter, it warns eyes, sneaky hands – as it is on something. It’s playful, sure, but below is a trick spirit. Imagine the goblin dressed in a vague pajam.
That’s what makes Labubu stand out. It sits perfectly between adorable and unsettling.
Why Does It Feel… Alive?
It’s not just superstition. The feeling comes from design.
Kasing Lung gave Labubu a wide, knowing smile and expressive, tilted eyes. It looks like it’s watching. Or waiting. Pose, posture – it looks active, as if it is to do something.
This does not occur in the mental effect called paradolia – in which things are the habit of our brain to see the face or emotions.. That’s why so many people say their Labubu doll “moved.” They don’t mean literally. They just feel a presence.
And maybe that’s the magic. Great toys don’t just sit there. They spark stories, feelings, and imagination. Labubu does that better than most.
From Viral Trend to Cult Favorite
Labubu became a sensation in Asia first, then exploded across Europe and the U.S. K-pop fans might remember seeing BLACKPINK’s Lisa with one clipped to her bag. That moment alone turned Labubu into a must-have.
But it wasn’t just hype. There’s a deeper reason people connect with it.
We are drawing to things that mix the sweets with the odd one. That is why anti -heroes are so popular. Why creepy-cute works. Labubu fits that mold perfectly—it charms and unsettles all at once.
Add in rare editions, surprise box drops, and limited releases, and you’ve got a collector’s dream. Some versions sold out instantly. An overwhelming figure with gold details and a dark color scheme, 000 went to over $100,000. No joke.
Labubu didn’t just go viral. It became a full-blown obsession.
The Stories People Share
Spend a little time in fan circles, and you’ll hear wild stories. Some are funny. Others? Not so much.
A woman in California said her bedroom light flickered only when her Labubu was on the dresser. Not when it was boxed. Not when it was in another room. Only there.
One collector in Singapore said her toddler had full conversations with the doll. When she asked what they were talking about, he replied, “He said not to tell you.”
Creepy? Yes. True? Hard to say. But what matters is how people feel.
Labubu creates emotions. Joy, comfort, curiosity—and sometimes fear. That’s what makes it more than a toy. It’s art that reaches people in unexpected ways.
Is It Haunted? Or Just Different?
The internet loves a good curse theory. Some call Labubu evil. Others say it carries dark energy. A few even claim Pop Mart worked with mystics to enchant the dolls.
There’s zero proof of that. But reactions don’t lie.
People report strong feelings around Labubu. Some can’t sleep if it’s in the room. Others find it oddly calming. It’s not dangerous—it just has a presence.
And that’s the point. The best art makes you feel something. Labubu just happens to do it with big ears and sharp teeth.
Fake Labubu Dolls Are Everywhere—Here’s How to Spot Them
Like anything popular, Labubu’s success attracted knockoffs. You’ll find them in street markets from Bangkok to New York. Some look convincing—but real collectors can tell the difference.
Here’s what to look for:
- Eyes: Originals have crisp, clean paint with depth. Fakes often look flat or off-center.
- Fur Texture: Authentic dolls feel soft and smooth. Imitations are often rough or uneven.
- Tags & Cards: Genuine Labubu toys come with QR-coded authentication or branded stamps.
- Smell: A weird tip, but real ones don’t smell like chemicals. Fakes usually have a plasticky scent.
If you’re spending good money, stick with verified sellers or official Pop Mart channels. The real ones just feel different.
The Collector’s Spiral: Why One Is Never Enough
Ask any Labubu fan—they didn’t stop at one.
Each design has its own vibe. Some look like they came out of a forest, others glow in the dark, wear costumes, or carry props. There’s a personality behind every version.
Then there’s the blind box system. You buy one, hoping it’s the rare one. If it’s not, you try again. Before long, you’ve got a shelf full.
It’s not just collecting—it’s dopamine. And Pop Mart knows exactly how to feed that craving.
So… What Does Labubu Actually Mean?
Some say it symbolizes inner mischief. Others think it reflects childhood fears—packaged in a safe, silly way. A few fans say it reminds them not to take life too seriously.
But maybe it doesn’t have to “mean” anything at all.
What matters is the connection. For some, it’s a comforting presence. For others, just a weird little creature that makes them smile. Or think. Or feel.
That’s what great toys do.
Is It Dangerous? Not Really. But… Maybe a Little.
Labubu doesn’t talk. It won’t haunt your house. It doesn’t crawl across the floor at night.
But it can mess with your mind—if you’re the type to get deep into vibes, energy, or eye contact with a plastic doll. Some people feel watched. Others feel inspired.
It’s not evil. It’s just intense. Like staring into a painting that almost looks back at you.
Should You Own One?
Only if it speaks to you.
Don’t buy it because it’s trending. Look at its face. Sit with it for a second. Does it make you laugh? Intrigue you? Maybe even weird you out in a fun way?
That’s how you know it’s meant for you.
Labubu isn’t for everyone—and that’s kind of the point. It’s not just decoration. It’s meant to stir things up, just a little.
One Last Thing
The world feels copy-pasted these days. Same clothes. Same filters. Same vibes.
Labubu doesn’t follow that script. It’s odd. It’s bold. It’s… off.
But that is why people take note of it. It reminds us that not everything should be polished or perfect. Some things just mean to be fantastic.
And honestly? That is what makes them unforgettable.