Overview
- Online conspiracy posts comparing Labubu’s design to the Mesopotamian demon Pazuzu led to videos of anxious collectors burning their dolls in symbolic purges.
- Artist Kasing Lung and fact-checking outlets have dismissed any supernatural connection, explaining the characters draw on Nordic fairy tales from Lung’s storybook series.
- Pop Mart has rolled out enhanced anti-counterfeit protocols, introducing stricter verification steps at its retail stores and vending machines worldwide.
- Fan-driven events remain robust in New York, with East Williamsburg raves drawing up to 800 attendees for late-night mystery-box giveaways, DJ sets and K-Pop dance performances.
- Despite the recent panic, Labubu continues to drive Pop Mart’s growth, contributing about $423 million in revenue last year and lifting its market capitalization past $43 billion.