OPINION: LabuBOO or LabuOOH

FSJournalism staff’s differing opinions on Labubus

Odelia Colvin and Aleia Kemp

September 11, 2025

A Labubu split between evil and purity. Design by Harper Finck.

LabuOOH

Growing up I had a squishmallow keychain on every bag. My school backpack, dance bag and even pool bag were all adorned with a cute stuffed toy. Needless to say, I fell in love with Labubus at first sight. I love the idea of having a cute toy to attach to a bag or purse. It’s adorable to have a friend to carry with you.

Labubus were first created in 2015 by Kasing Lung in the art for his picture book series, “The Monsters”. According to NPR, the design of Labubus were based on elves and spirits from Nordic folklore. Labubu was Lung’s passion project despite how extremely unsuccessful they initially were. However, because of Lung’s relentless work, Labubus became popular through a Chinese toy distributor called Popmart in 2019. Lung said, “I never dreamed Labubu would blow up.”

Labubus recently exploded in popularity after being spotted with Lisa from BLACKPINK. In addition, being sold almost exclusively in blind boxes aided Labubus’ popularity. Although blind boxes can lead to more extreme consumerism, they can also help you appreciate each item you receive more. The uncertainty of opening a blind box makes the moment more exciting and makes the Labubu not just a keychain, but a memory and an emotional connection.

Buying one Labubu isn’t overconsumption. The average Labubu at sale price is only around $30-50 and buying a Labubu or collecting other toys could help introduce you to new forms of art. If buying a Labubu makes you happy you should go for it.

LabuBOO

After seeing Lisa from BLACKPINK with a rabbit-monster looking key chain called a Labubu, everyone decided they needed one so suddenly which is a prime example of consumerism.

The 6.7-inch figurine costs an estimated $7.19 to produce but the cost can range anywhere from $27.99 on Popmart to $10,500 through resale. The so-ugly-it’s-cute dolls that are nonfunctional and made of plastic are being sold for the same amount of money as a car. Not to mention, a human sized Labubu statue, so terrifying it could’ve been a gargoyle, was sold for 1.08 million yuan (approximately 150,000 U.S. dollars) during an auction.

Humans buy material goods as a source of happiness. However, this short-term satisfaction does not outweigh the environmental costs of overconsumption as the synthetic, fossil fuel-driven materials are being wasted.

The reason they have become so expensive is because Labubu sellers psychologically create an artificial sense of scarcity. By not producing enough Labubus to meet demand, buyers are convinced that the dolls are rare and hard to find. If a product is often labeled “out of stock,” a customer will perceive that product as popular, view their restock as temporary and buy quickly out of fear of them selling out.

In addition, popularity was also built through social media as numerous influencers post videos of unboxing Labubu blind boxes or by making themselves appear as a Labubu using costumes or makeup. When people see influencers with Labubus, they are persuaded to buy them because they want to mimic people like them. With this extra advertising, the Labubu audience extends to kids and the toy ends up being just another item a kid refuses to leave the store without.

However, once the Labubu obsession fizzles out, Labubus will just be another toy that ends up in the landfill or thrown into the attic forever.

About the Contributors

Odelia Colvin, Online Managing Editor

Odelia is a senior and a managing editor for the Free State Free Press Online. Outside of school, she enjoys dancing and reading.

Aleia Kemp, Reporter

Aleia is a senior and a reporter for Free State Journalism. Outside of journalism, she is involved in cross country, track and field, National Honor Society, Choir and Student Council. In her free time, Aleia enjoys crocheting clothes and jewelry making.

Harper Finck, News Designer

Harper is a junior and is a designer for the Free State Free Press. Her goals for the school year are to participate in competitions to liven the journalism spirit at Free State. Outside of journalism, she is involved in theatre, LINK Crew and National Honor Society. Outside of school, Harper likes to read and craft.