Labubu became popular primarily due to a combination of factors: its unique and quirky design, celebrity endorsements, social media influence, and a marketing strategy that leverages scarcity and surprise. The character Labubu, designed by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung and sold by Pop Mart, gained widespread recognition after K-pop star Lisa from Blackpink was seen with a Labubu keychain in 2024, sparking a rapid trend especially in East and Southeast Asia. Celebrity fans including Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and others helped elevate Labubu from a toy to a fashion accessory, further amplified by viral TikTok unboxing videos. The popularity is also driven by the blind box packaging method that creates an element of surprise and scarcity, encouraging collectors to seek the figures actively. This mix of cultural influence, social media buzz, and clever marketing has turned Labubu into a global phenomenon with high demand, leading even to issues like retail fights and counterfeit markets.