Labubus have recently become a popular trend. Labubus are a line of collectable plush toys that are small, furry monsters with a mischievous grin filled with nine sharp teeth, wide eyes and pointed ears. Created by Hong Kong illustrator, Kaising Lung. Society is split down the middle with an audience that appreciates the trend, and an audience that deems Labubu’s are demonic. These allegations are based off of conspiracy theories and rumors spreading false claims.
The Labubu doll conspiracy theory linking the doll to demons, concerns its menacing appearance affecting children and a broader critique of the consumer culture surrounding its limited edition blind box releases. These fears led some to destroy the dolls, though the creator maintains they are mischievous but good-hearted. The hype also led to issues like fights breaking out over limited releases, bans in some regions over concerns about its appearance and concerns about potential negative impacts on children’s mental health.
Labubus are so popular due to celebrity endorsement, especially K-Pop star Lisa Manobal from ‘BLACKPINK,’ who created a viral trend on social media by using Labubu’s as designer bag charms. Other celebrities like Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and Dua Lipa’s Labubu’s made a public appearance, amplifying the hype on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The dolls’ unique “ugly cute” aesthetic also appeals to a wide demographic from children to adults, but unaffordable for both, costing $20 to $40 on retail blind boxes, and up to thousands of dollars for resale prices. The popularity is mostly amplified by social media, where creators and fans share videos of themselves unboxing the mystery packages that the Labubus are sold in.
Labubu’s not only are unique by their sudden rise in popularity and their silly look, but by the creation process itself. Lung, inspired by Nordic fairy tales, meant for Labubu’s to be a kind-hearted and albeit a mischievous creature. He claims that the toys meant to have no demonic intent. Lung not only commented on the demon claims, but stated that the character was inspired by folklore and his own imagination.
Meanwhile, the experts say they have debunked the claims of a demonic connection, stating that the physical features of a doll do not equate to evil. The conspiracy theories are a result of viral misinformation and the “Pazuzu” (a doll from ancient Mesopotamian known for controlling the destructive winds of the west and southwest) hype rather than any actual demonic link. Experts say the main concern is the potential safety risks associated with counterfeit versions, not the original dolls themselves.
Overall, Labubus could be dangerous and scary, especially around children. Lung didn’t mean for them to be frightening, but yet they are and are scaring consumers away with the “ugly cute” appearance.
