The Labubu craze: What are the little monsters, why are they causing fights and should I have one hanging from my handbag?
She informed me she had got an ultra-rare one which she bought for €15.90, but can be sold for around €150 online. Apparently bag charms are big business!
If naked baby charms aren't your, ahem, bag, there's many more options. Jellycat stuffed animals – meant for kids but beloved by adults – have also hopped on the bag charm bandwagon, offering a wide range priced from €23-€30. Maybe you need a grumpy cloud to adorn your Birkin? Or you could keep it classic with a fluffy bunny. Or perhaps a monkey that sucks his thumb? In that case, look no further than a Monchhichi, the cute primate doll that first launched in 1974 whose latest incarnation is in keychains that start at around €20. Monchhichi hails from Japan, which is also the home to Sanrio, the company that created characters like Hello Kitty (also born in 1974) and Cinnamoroll, which are both popular for bag charms.
However, today's most in-demand charms come from China. Labubus were created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung in 2015 but only recently sprung into mainstream popularity after Rihanna and K-Pop star Lisa, from band Blackpink, paired them with their designer bags.
Little monsters inspired by Nordic fairy tales, these guys look like they're up to no good! You can buy a Labubu surprise box on popmart.com for €19.20 – if you're lucky enough to find them in stock. The retailer recently halted selling the toys in its UK stores due to reports of fights between customers when new stock dropped.
If you can't find the real deal, there's always 'Lafufu' – the name by which fake Labubus have become known. Yes, these little guys are in such high demand they're being counterfeited. Curious, I bought one from a store on Dublin's Moore Street. Just like a counterfeit handbag, it had all the tags included: a Pop Mart logo, a Kasing logo stamped on the foot and branding sewn onto the keychain strap. One major difference was that mine came in a clear box, so it wasn't a surprise. Probably for the best: I recently saw a TikTok of two girls unboxing their 'Lafufu' in the city centre. It looked nothing like the pictures listed on the box, one eye was bigger than the other and its feet were twisted in opposite directions… ouch.
I'm undecided about this trend. On one hand, these charms are a symptom of late-stage capitalism. We're collecting items that are essentially worthless once they've been opened, and we're encouraged to buy them in mass – the more hanging off your purse the better.
On the other hand, I think people are just trying to have fun. In a world that feels increasingly dark, why not have a silly little monster attached to your bag? Plus, there's always a cheaper Lafufu. I can't guarantee his eyes, or even his limbs, will even be facing in the right direction… but doesn't that add to the charm?
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Examiner
2 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
The academy creating the next K-Pop global idols
In a gleaming, mirror-lined studio above Singapore's Orchard Road, Gabriella Tjokrohadi moves through a carefully practiced routine as an instructor calls out cues in Korean. When the music cuts, she rushes to the camera to study the footage, scrutinising every angle, posture and facial expression. The 25-year-old Indonesian has long dreamed of breaking into South Korea's entertainment industry. But instead of Seoul, her journey has led her to Singapore — home to Southeast Asia's first K-pop training academy, opened in June by SM Entertainment Co., the company behind acts like Girls' Generation and EXO. Tjokrohadi received a S$500 [€335] scholarship from SM to attend a week-long bootcamp — a crash course in the Korean idol system, combining intense dance and vocal sessions with lessons on videography, modeling and media presence. The grant didn't cover travel or housing, so she stayed with a friend to keep costs down. 'Twenty five is considered old in the industry,' she said. 'As long as I have the chance, I'm always willing to take it.' Singapore, already a tour stop for global stars like Taylor Swift and K-pop artists Blackpink and TWICE, is emerging as a hub for developing talent, offering connectivity and access to a wide pool of aspiring stars across Southeast Asia. 'The goal is to use this as a scouting ground to broaden the overall talent pool that they have,' said Jonathan Ang, the academy's director, referring to SM's global ambitions. For years, South Korea's idol training system was run almost entirely out of Seoul. With global demand for K-pop soaring, industry giants like SM and BTS label Hybe Co. have started looking overseas. Hybe debuted a US-based girl group Katseye last year, while other agencies are scouting talent from Japan, China and increasingly, Southeast Asia. Thailand has produced some of the most successful idols, with Blackpink's Lisa leading the way. K-pop's cultural footprint continues to grow. K-Pop Demon Hunters, a Netflix film about a fictional girl group became the platform's most-watched original animated title of all time. BTS's return from mandatory military service sparked fan celebrations from Los Angeles to Sydney. Between 2019 and 2023, revenue for Korea's four biggest K-pop music agencies nearly tripled to $3 billion, according to Morgan Stanley. SM's Singapore academy offers one-week programs priced between S$1,000 and S$1,200 [€670 and €804], with plans to launch three- to six-month programs by the end of the year. Top trainees may get auditions with SM or other labels. Talent searches are set to expand to Malaysia and the Philippines. K-Pop Demon Hunters: When they aren't selling out stadiums, K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira and Zoey use their secret identities as badass demon hunters to protect their fans from an ever-present supernatural threat. Together, they must face their biggest enemy yet – an irresistible rival boy band of demons in disguise. Netflix To give the program more clout, SM has flown in at least 10 staff from Korea, including veteran producers and choreographers who have helped shape some of the label's biggest stars. 'There is a demand because you can't get this outside of Korea today,' Ang said. K-Pop Demon Hunters — a film about K-pop superstars tackling a boy band of demons in disguise. Netflix Uncertain path But the path isn't easy. The arts still carry a cultural stigma in Singapore. A 2024 graduate employment survey found that those working in music, design and media reported the lowest gross monthly median salaries across all fields. South Korea faces similar tensions. Even with a well-established entertainment industry, many parents still discourage their kids from pursuing careers as actors or idols. But as K-pop's global expansion continues, it's creating new roles, such as song production and talent management. Hundreds of graduates apply for entry-level positions in South Korea's largest entertainment companies every year, said Park Sun-Min, visiting fellow at the National University of Singapore's communications and new media department. In Singapore, some see the arrival of the K-pop production system as a way to strengthen the country's still-developing creative industry — one driven more by independent artists and institutions than commercial studios. 'It's not that the talent isn't here,' said Justin Deimen, managing partner at entertainment financier Goldfinch International. 'It's that the scaffolding and follow-through around the talent has been missing.' Singapore's Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth said it's not involved in the setting up of the K-Pop Academy. The ministry's focus is on 'nurturing homegrown talent and original creations,' it said in an emailed response to a journalist's questions. What's being taught at the academy isn't just song and dance. Students learn to perform for the camera, craft their image and think like professionals. More importantly, for students like Tjokrohadi, it's a foot in the door. 'The teachers here have all worked behind the scenes with big artists,' she said. 'What opportunity would I have other than this?' — Bloomberg
The Irish Sun
12 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Experts issue warning to Brit parents over the Labubu toys & the simple trick to check you haven't bought a ‘dodgy doll'
IT'S one of the most sought-after buys of this year. But now Brit parents have been issued an urgent warning over the viral Labubu toys. 3 Labubus have captured the heart of the internet and have sparked a frenzy Credit: AP 3 British authorities have seized hundreds of thousands of counterfeits - which can also pose a serious health risk Credit: 3 Authorities in the UK have started issuing warnings about the dupes Credit: Intellectual Property Labubus are undoubtedly the toy of 2025 - with big names, such as Rihanna, David Beckham, Kim Kardashian, Gemma Collins and Olivia Attwood showing off the little monsters. With their devilish toothy grins and wide eyes, Labubus have captured the heart of the internet and have sparked a frenzy, with mile-long queues lining up to get their hands on the toys. A single doll can set you back anywhere from £13.50 to £211 depending on the rarity of the design. But dodgy dealers looking to make a quick buck are using underhand tactics to profit off shoppers - and experts have warned the dodgy dolls pose a serious risk. read more on parenting CLASS ACT Parents racing to buy back to school essentials & they bag a haul for under £10 The ''dangerous counterfeits'' could pose a choking hazard for children, Hull City Council's Trading Standards team told Mail Online. Rogue traders are cashing in on their popularity by selling poor-quality versions with small parts that can easily detach. Hundred have been seized, but it is feared there could be many more still on sale across the nation. However, there are also easy ways to check if you have purchased a fake Labubu. The dodgy dolls tend to have matt packaging rather than glossy and more or less than the nine gnashers the original Labubus have. A different shape or size of the mouth can also be an indicator you've bought a dangerous counterfeit. Dramatic moment crowds join massive queue to grab viral Labubu dolls as latest doll craze sweeps across the world The quality of a fake Labubu will also be of poorer standard, like wobbly limbs and odd colours. To really know if you've got the real deal, buyers of newer editions will find a UV-detectable seal on the right foot. Under UV light, shoppers should see a silhouette of the specific Labubu model. It's understood more than 100,000 counterfeit dolls have already been seized by UK Border Force, arriving in the country in fast parcels or via air cargo. What are Labubu and why are they so popular? LABUBU is a brand of plushies designed by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung and loved by celebrities like Olivia Attwood, Dua Lipa and Rihanna. The brand made its debut in 2015, but skyrocketed in global popularity after hitting Pop Mart shelves in 2019. Pop Mart is a Chinese toy retailer, known for its collectible designer models that are often sold in a blind box format, meaning you don't know what you've got until you've opened it. After mammoth success overseas, the Labubu craze has now made its way to the UK. The first three months of 2025 were wildly successful for the brand, with Brits searching high and low to nab one of the quirky figurines. Since opening stores in London and Manchester over the last 12 months, Labubu dolls have become cult collectibles among grown British women. Labubus come in an array of vibrant colours, unique shapes and various sizes, spanning from plush toys to striking vinyl figures. They come as little toys you can hook on your handbag, as well as mega-sized figures and quirky home decorations. The "monster elves" are sold in blind boxes, meaning consumers can't see their new doll until it is unwrapped. This clever marketing tactic designed to build suspense has been deliberately exploited by counterfeiters who are packing the boxes with cheap dupes. The fake dolls are known as Lafufus and they are flooding the global market - selling for as little as £2.99. Councils have warned that children in Scotland and Wales have fallen ill following exposure to the dolls. Helen Barnham, Deputy Director of Enforcement at the Intellectual Property Office, told The Sun: "We're seeing criminals increasingly exploit viral toy trends, with counterfeit versions of popular products appearing within days of them going viral. "These counterfeit toys are unlikely to have undergone the rigorous safety testing required for genuine products and can pose serious safety risks. "Children's safety must always come first, and we encourage parents to always research products thoroughly and only purchase from trusted sources."
Extra.ie
6 days ago
- Extra.ie
'Can you eat it?' -- Liam Neeson discovers Labubus
Liam Neeson reacting to 'Labubus' and 'Lafufus' was not something many people would have predicted earlier this year, but here we are. The Irish actor has been doing the rounds promoting 'The Naked Gun' reboot he stars alongside Pamela Anderson. While appearing on 'INTERROBAIT' for Metro Entertainment, Liam was 'interrogated' on his co-star, the movie itself, his previous films and naturally – Labubus. Labubus took TikTok by storm this year. Pic: Ying Tang/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock For those out of the loop, Labubus are collectable furry companions that are likely spotted dangling from keychains and bags. Created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, Labubu is just one character in The Monster series, a collection of blind-box toys sold by Chinese toy company PopMart. However, this year TikTok discovered the 'ugly cute' little monsters, and they took off on a global scale. Host Zac Haniff presented the Naked Gun star with an image of a Labubu and asked him if he knew what it was. Liam replied: 'Haven't a clue. Seriously, I don't know.' Zac stated that it was a Labubu, and the actor remained baffled. Liam guessed: 'It's a fluffy doll or can you eat it?' The host explained that the creator of Labubus is now a billionaire due to the worldwide hoarding of the little monsters and that they nearly got banned in the UK due to people fighting over them. Pamela Anderson as Beth and Liam Neeson as Frank in The Naked Gun. Pic: Paramount Pictures When Zac revealed that he owns a pink one, Liam remarked: 'Doesn't surprise me. Never heard of them, no.' The host then revealed another page with a picture of a 'Lafufu'. The 73-year-old actor guessed that it could be 'an early drawing of E.T.' and Zac explained that it is a Labubu without any hair. Liam added: 'And without the genitals.' Social media users have thoroughly enjoyed watching the Taken star attempt to understand what the viral characters are#. One user commented: 'I can't believe you made Liam Neeson look at a lafufu.' Liam Neeson reacts to being shown a Labubu for the first time: 'Okay…it's a fluffy doll or can you eat it?'
