If you have not seen a Labubu hanging off any saddle bag, are you even online? These chaotic-cute fuzzy toys with bunny ears, jagged teeth, and undeniable goblin energy have taken over the internet, and real life. What started as a charming character in Kasing Lung’s 2015 children’s book The Monster Trilogy, inspired by Nordic folklore, is now a billion-dollar empire thanks to a Pop Mart partnership. And yes, they are canonically female.
Wang Ning becomes China’s youngest top billionaire as Labubu dolls go from blind box toys to global collectibles in celebrity circles | Credit: X/labubuababy
The rise of the Labubu obsession
With celebrities like Rihanna, BLACKPINK’s Lisa, and Dua Lipa flaunting them, Labubus have gone from niche vinyl figures to full-blown cultural icons. Pop Mart even raked in $1.81 billion in total revenue last year, and $410 million of that came from these bucktoothed cuties alone.
Where can you get the viral creepy Labubu doll in India? } Credit: Instagram/lalalalisa_m
But of course, what is virality without a side of chaos?
Are Labubus possessed? The conspiracy theories begin
Things took a sinister turn when Reddit threads and TikTok videos began to suggest the toys were… demonic. Some users called them “creepy,” others outright claimed they radiate evil energy. One TikToker swore their life unravelled after buying one second-hand, from health scares to a near-death car crash — all of which allegedly stopped the moment the toy was binned.
The internet now thinks Labubu dolls are possessed | Credit: X/liliacuntry
Where can you get the viral creepy Labubu doll in India? | Credit: Instagram/lalalalisa_m
Naturally, chaos ensued. And just when it could not get weirder, Pop Mart leaned into the madness.
Pop Mart’s “possession” statement goes viral
On April Fools’ Day, Pop Mart posted a mock “recall notice” for Labubu toys due to “suspicious supernatural activity.” They obviously meant it as a joke, but it only poured more fuel on the already infernal fire.
Internet detectives took screenshots, others debated whether it was marketing genius or a haunted soft launch. Some are still side-eyeing their Bubus just in case.
LABUBU’s: Cursed or collectible?
Whether you believe the demonic hype or just think Labubus are ugly-cute collector’s gold, one thing is clear: the Bubu army is unstoppable. Maybe they are cursed, maybe they are not, but if the devil wears Prada, perhaps he also carries a Labubu.