If you’ve seen a little creature with big ears, wide eyes, and a cheeky grin showing sharp teeth, it’s probably Labubu, the adorable and slightly mischievous toy that has taken the world by storm in 2025. However, while millions are now obsessed with this strange and lovable figure, few know the man who created it. That man is Kasing Lung, a talented artist whose imagination brought Labubu and its magical world to life.
Who is Kasing Lung?
Kasing Lung was born in Hong Kong and is now based in the Netherlands. Before Labubu became a hit, Kasing was already a well-respected children’s book illustrator. He always had a unique drawing style – mixing dark, fantasy elements with soft, emotional storytelling. Instead of drawing cute, perfect characters, he focused on creating creatures that looked a little odd, but full of personality and heart. That’s exactly how Labubu was born.
The Birth of Labubu
Labubu came from one of Kasing’s Nordic-style picture books, where the character was part of a group called “The Monsters.” This little creature had wild hair, big expressive eyes, and nine visible teeth. It looked a bit scary at first, but the more you looked, the more lovable it became.
Kasing’s drawings caught the attention of Pop Mart, a popular Chinese designer toy brand renowned for transforming art into collectable figures. In 2019, they collaborated and launched Labubu as a collectable toy. Since then, there’s been no turning back. Labubu is now a global trend- seen on bags, shelves, keychains, and even fashion runways.
Why People Love Labubu
Labubu isn’t just cute, it’s emotional. Each version of Labubu has a different facial expression and outfit. Some look shy, others look excited or thoughtful. Fans say they feel connected to Labubu because it reminds them of how they feel inside – sometimes happy, sometimes unsure, but always real.
Also, every Labubu comes in a blind box, which means you don’t know which one you’re getting. That mystery and surprise make it even more fun (and addictive!) to collect.
Kasing Lung is still very involved in every new Labubu release. He sketches, paints, and works closely with Pop Mart to bring each new version to life. His goal has always been to create art that speaks without using words.
In an interview, he said,
“Labubu is not perfect—and that’s the point. We’re all a little strange in our own way.”
What began as a simple drawing has now become a worldwide phenomenon. Labubu has fans of all ages, from toy collectors to fashion lovers. And through it all, Kasing Lung stays true to his passion: telling stories through his art and bringing people a little joy, one monster at a time.
