Kasing Lung: The Visionary Artist Behind the Global Phenomenon Labubu. Kasing Lung (龙家升) is a Hong Kong-born illustrator and designer, currently recognized as the creative force behind Labubu. At age 6, he moved to the Netherlands, where exposure to competitive European picture books and ancient Nordic fairy tales profoundly shaped his artistic vision.
He champions imperfection and anti-conformity, stating, *”I wanted to create something unique that doesn’t need to be perfect—just like young people who refuse to be defined”*. His work blends “weirdly cute” aesthetics with emotional depth, challenging traditional notions of beauty.
Creation of Labubu and Collaboration with Pop Mart
Labubu’s Birth: The character originated from Lung’s “The Monsters Trilogy”, where Labubu was depicted as a mischievous forest sprite with distinctive traits: pointed ears, nine jagged teeth, and asymmetrical eyes.
Partnership with Pop Mart: In 2015, Lung signed an exclusive contract with the Chinese toy giant Pop Mart. Notably, the company preserved his original artistic style without commercial dilution, a key factor in Labubu’s authenticity. The character debuted in 2018 via blind-box sales (priced at ¥59) and exploded globally in 2024.
Global Impact and Cultural Significance.
Economic Impact: Labubu generated $419 million for Pop Mart in 2024, a 7-fold year-on-year increase, and propelled the company’s stock surge of 191.57% in 2025.
Cultural Craze: From Thai offices (as anxiety-relieving decor) to Parisian fashion scenes (as bag charms), Labubu became a cross-cultural symbol. TikTok hashtags surpassed 10 billion views, and(limited editions) like the mint-colored Labubu sold for ¥1.08 million at auction.
Celebrity Endorsements: International stars like Rihanna, Lisa (BLACKPINK), and David Beckham amplified Labubu’s visibility by sharing photos with the figurines.
Future Projects and Legacy
Artistic Expansion. : In a 2025 interview, Lung revealed plans to revisit “The Monsters Trilogy” for new picture books and expressed ambitions to develop a Labubu-themed film.
Redefining Play: Labubu transcends toy status, embodying Gen Z’s desire for emotional companionship and social currency. As Lung noted, “Labubu isn’t a pet—it’s a monster, an elf… call it what you want”.
“Art thrives where rules break.” — Kasing Lung’s design ethos, merging Nordic mystique with contemporary rebellion.
