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Why Everyone’s Obsessed with Labubu — China’s Adorable Monster Phenomenon
Small, fuzzy, and sporting sharp teeth, Labubu monster dolls by Chinese toymaker Pop Mart are captivating fans worldwide — drawing long queues at global retail outlets and swinging from the handbags of celebrities like Rihanna and Cher.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Beijing-based Pop Mart is part of a new wave of Chinese cultural products gaining international popularity, serving as endearing symbols of a “cooler” side of China, even in regions like Europe and North America where public opinion of Beijing tends to be more critical.
Typically priced around $40, Labubu dolls are sold in limited quantities through “blind boxes,” meaning buyers don’t know which version they’re getting until they open the package.
“The dolls are quirky, a little odd-looking, and very inclusive — people can connect with that,” said interior designer Lucy Shitova at a Pop Mart store in London, where in-person Labubu sales have been suspended due to concerns that frenzied fans could turn aggressive.
“Everything goes viral now because of social media — and this is definitely cool and different,” she added.
Unlike neighboring East Asian countries like South Korea and Japan — renowned for their global influence in fashion, film, and music — China’s heavily regulated entertainment sector has had limited success on the global stage. Its most recognized fashion export remains the budget-friendly online retailer Shein.
“China hasn’t traditionally been seen as a country that creates aspirational brands,” explained Fan Yang of the University of Maryland. “There’s still a lingering stereotype around cheap, low-quality goods.”
But Pop Mart is challenging that perception. Labubu’s runaway success has led to counterfeit versions — dubbed “lafufus” online — and even sparked tutorial videos on how to spot genuine dolls.
Other Chinese labels such as womenswear brand Shushu/Tong, Shanghai-based fashion house Marchen, and luxury bag maker Songmont are also gaining traction overseas.
Yang believes this trend is just the beginning: “It’s likely only a matter of time before more Chinese brands become household names worldwide.”
The TikTok Factor
Labubu’s international popularity also reflects a broader shift in China’s soft power, says Allison Malmsten of Daxue Consulting. “China’s image is evolving — its products are becoming ‘cool’ among Western youth,” she noted, comparing the current momentum to Japan’s rise through global phenomena like Pokémon and Nintendo from the 1980s to 2010s.
TikTok, the video-sharing app from Chinese tech giant ByteDance, played a crucial role in Labubu’s rise. As the first Chinese-made platform to become essential for Gen Z worldwide, it opened the door for other Chinese cultural exports.
“TikTok definitely helped reshape perceptions of Chinese products,” said Joshua Kurlantzick of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Despite being blocked in China, TikTok has more than one billion users globally and claims to reach nearly half of the U.S. population. Amid growing security concerns and a proposed U.S. ban, many American users migrated to another Chinese app, Rednote, where they’ve been humorously labeled “digital refugees.”
TikTok now hosts over 1.7 million videos about Labubu, with the hashtag #Labubu becoming a hub for unboxings, collections, and fan tributes.
Labubumania and China’s Global Image
Kurlantzick emphasized that cultural exports like Labubu can reshape global perceptions of China: “They help the world see China not just as a manufacturing hub, but as a source of desirable, creative, and globally relevant products.”
Latest News
‘Kwankwaso Is More Experienced Than Peter Obi’ – Buhari’s Ex-Aide Declares.
Ahmad made the assertion in a post on his X handle, maintaining that Kwankwaso’s decision to accept the position of running mate should be seen as an act of political modesty rather than an indication that he is less qualified than Obi.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to the former presidential aide, the relationship between the two politicians should be viewed as one of equals rather than that of a superior and a subordinate.
“To be entirely candid, the political dynamic between Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi ought to be characterised as one of collegiality between peers, rather than a hierarchy of principal and subordinate,” he wrote.
He added, “The choice to assume a deputy role beneath Obi ought to be interpreted as a testament to political modesty.”
Making a case for Kwankwaso’s political experience, Ahmad recalled that the former Kano State governor served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives before Obi became a prominent figure in national politics.
He also noted that Kwankwaso governed Kano State, which he described as Nigeria’s most populous and politically influential state, for two terms and served as a federal minister.
“If we are assessing political experience, Sen. Kwankwaso probably has a longer and more impressive political background than Peter Obi,” Ahmad stated.
In contrast, the former presidential aide argued that Obi’s major public office experience was limited to his tenure as governor of Anambra State.
“Unlike other candidates, Peter Obi was just a former governor of Anambra State,” he wrote.
Latest News
‘I Have Stopped Impregnating Women’ – 2Baba Makes Shocking Revelation.
Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has declared that he no longer impregnates women.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The singer made the statement on Saturday during a live performance at Rehab Lounge in Calgary, Canada.
While performing his hit song True Love, 2Baba paused to interact with the audience and playfully asked the women present to identify where his true love was.
He jokingly wondered whether she was standing at the back of the venue or somewhere in front of him before making a remark about his experiences with women.
The award-winning musician told the audience that he had stopped getting women pregnant, adding that he had been making the same confession wherever he performed recently.
He said, “For the purpose of this show, I will pretend like I’ve never seen anything before. Where’s my true love? Is she back there? Is she right here? Is she somewhere here? Where’s my true love? You people shouldn’t put out me for trouble.
“As I said, some ladies they fear to shout. See, everywhere I go these days, I make this confession. As I say, some ladies they fear to shout. I say, I don’t fear to shout. Because I don’t stop to dey give woman belle. Ask anyone, they’ll tell you, I don’t do such thing things again.”
The singer’s comment comes amid public interest in his personal life and relationships.
2Baba was previously married to Nollywood actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia. The couple announced their separation in January 2025 after having two children together.
Latest News
NPFL Cracks Down! Abia Warriors, Katsina United, Warri Wolves Hit With Sanctions.
Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.
The Umuahia-based club was also found guilty of an attempt by one of its officials to disrupt the live broadcast of the match by harassing a crew member of the league’s broadcast partner.
As part of the disciplinary measures, Abia Warriors’ multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe, has been suspended from all NPFL match activities for five matches.
Katsina United, meanwhile, were fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security during their home fixture against Plateau United.
The club was also sanctioned for allowing supporters to encroach onto the field of play during the encounter.
Warri Wolves Receive Heaviest Punishment
Warri Wolves have been handed the most severe sanctions following the unruly behaviour of their supporters during Sunday’s Matchday 10 clash against Kano Pillars in Ozoro.
The Seasiders were fined ₦4.2 million and docked three points and three goals from their accumulated tally. The club was also ordered to play its next three home matches behind closed doors.
According to the NPFL, Warri Wolves failed to provide adequate security at the stadium, resulting in an assault on match officials after the final whistle.
The league further disclosed that the second assistant referee sustained a nose injury and was left bleeding during the incident.
The NPFL stated that all three clubs have 48 hours from the date of notification to appeal their respective sanctions in accordance with the league’s disciplinary procedures.
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