By Laila Mishazira – published 26 Mar 2025
Characterised by its signature puffy cheeks and teary eyes, Crybaby has taken both social media and real life by storm. Whether you’re scrolling on TikTok or sauntering around the city, it seems that everywhere you go, you’re followed by a colourful assortment of these dolls, primarily adorned as funky bag charms.
Fuelling the frenzy is the ongoing craze surrounding POP MART’s blind boxes, further propelling the demand for Crybaby. With collectors and casual fans alike scrambling to get their hands on one, the lovable character is consistently sold out in stores across Singapore.
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The Story Behind Crybaby
Thai artist Molly Yllom, or Nisa “Mod” Srikamdee, created Crybaby in 2017. She shared in an interview with POP MART that she was inspired to do so after the death of her beloved dog, Somchun. “I didn’t mean to make Crybaby just like a baby, or even a human. Crybaby for me is emotional inside.”
She added, “Crying is a normal thing, is a normal feeling. Maybe sometimes we feel like [there] should be someone telling me that it is okay to cry. Everybody cries sometimes.”
Crying for Love series.
Photo: Courtesy of POP MART
Crybaby is intended to be a symbol of reassurance, and a reminder that we all experience the emotional rollercoaster that is one’s daily life. The character’s ethos is that it is okay to express emotions by crying. Although everybody’s experiences may be vastly different, these complex feelings are, ultimately, what unite us.
Crying Again series vinyl plush pendant.
Photo: Courtesy of POP MART
In 2021, Molly became the first Thai artist to enter a partnership with the Chinese toy company and collectibles giant, POP MART. To date, Crybaby has been released in a treasure trove of delightful colours, shapes and sizes. Some collections include the Crying For Love, Crying Again and Crying in the Woods series.
CRYBABY x Powerpuff Girls Series Figures.
Photo: Courtesy of POP MART
In 2024, Crybaby also launched a successful collaboration with the Powerpuff Girls to celebrate its 25th anniversary, resulting in a series of highly coveted figurines.
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Crybaby’s Celebrity Fans
1. Lisa of BLACKPINK
The influential Lisa of BLACKPINK is widely regarded as the trendsetter who played a key role in popularising Labubu—and she’s also credited with sparking the Crybaby movement. The popstar was seen sporting the Love You Cherry Much vinyl plush—two Crybabies on a green ribbon cherry stem—dangling off her Louis Vuitton bag when she was shopping with fellow Thai and internet sensation, Aon Somrutai Rattanawaraha.
2. Minnie of (G)I-DLE
Play(G)I-DLE’s Minnie appeared as a guest on an episode of the YouTube series Jae Friends, hosted by Kim Jae Joong, and revealed that Lisa had gifted her six Crybaby keychains. This was after she had expressed that she was impatiently waiting for the dolls to be restocked in-store instead of buying them from resellers.
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3. Marian Rivera
Filipino actress, host, and entrepreneur Marian Rivera is best known for her roles in romantic dramas like Marimar (2007) and Dyesebel (2008). An avid toy collector, Rivera has added Crybaby to the extensive array of figurines she has acquired.
4. Bretman Rock
Bretman Rock has been captivating audiences for over a decade with his bold image, unfiltered humour, and iconic style. Followers will know that Bretman Rock is no stranger to blind boxes, having posted multiple unboxing videos of Smiski and Sonny Angel figurines, as well as Crybaby, which he declared to be “cuter than the Labubu.”