China cracks down on fake ‘Lafufu' Labubus
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
iQIYI's Summer Success: Coroner's Diary，"How Dare You!?" and "Rose Finch" Hits Strengthen Winning Content Strategy
BEIJING, July 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 25, iQIYI, China's leading online entertainment platform, announced the impressive success of its summer content lineup, led by standout titles – the long-form drama "Coroner's Diary", the micro drama[1] "How Dare You!?" and the short drama[2] "Rose Finch". These hits underscore iQIYI's commitment to high-quality, engaging storytelling that enhances its integrated "long + short" strategy. By delivering a diverse mix of formats, iQIYI continues to meet the evolving preferences of today's fast-paced digital audience. "Long + Short" Form Content Soars: Summer Hits Validates Growth "Coroner's Diary," a dual-narrative crime mystery exploring eight interconnected cases, is iQIYI's latest hit long-form drama. Its content popularity index surpassed 10,000—signifying a national hit—and it topped more than 10 third-party charts in viewership or popularity. Moreover, its influence has expanded overseas, ranking first on iQIYI International in 13 markets, including Thailand,Malaysia, and the U.S. "How Dare You!?" is one of iQIYI's most popular micro dramas, which rapidly exceeded 800 million views and secured a spot on the company's top 10 overseas micro drama charts. It follows an office worker who is transported into a fantasy world through a mysterious book, where she and a fellow modern-day transmigrator—the emperor—embark on a comedic survival adventure. Its bite-sized episodes, gripping plot twists, and innovative storytelling strongly resonated with mobile-first viewers across the globe, while also sparking renewed interest in season one of the original animations. Meanwhile, "Rose Finch", a short drama that opens with a mysterious case and seamlessly blends folklore legends with scientific investigative elements, became a standout success in China this summer-- topping the country's short drama market for six consecutive days with a peak viewership share of 44%, according to Enlightent. The robust performance of these titles clearly demonstrates the increasing appeal and stickiness of short-form content. It is proving effective not only in attracting new viewers but also in sustaining engagements, positioning it as a crucial growth engine alongside iQIYI's established long-form content. The "Long + Short" Strategy: Delivering Quality Entertainment iQIYI's achievements are rooted in a strategic balance that seamlessly blends the rich narratives of premium long-form content with the dynamic and innovative qualities of short-form content. This dual approach effectively caters to today's diverse viewing habits, all while upholding stringent standards of production and artistic excellence. While long-form content continues to be the company's bedrock, providing immersive stories that cultivate loyal audiences, short and micro dramas have rapidly emerged as a significant growth driver. They particularly resonate with younger, mobile-centric viewers who seek quickly digestible yet compelling storytelling. Central to this strategy is iQIYI's steadfast commitment to quality, ensuring both formats consistently deliver strong artistic merit and technical excellence. This dual focus is bolstered by initiatives like the "Thousand Mini-Dramas Initiative" and "Hundred Short-Dramas Initiative", which collectively broadens genre diversity and elevates storytelling across various short-form formats. iQIYI Lite, an app that focuses on free short-form content, has seen micro dramas rank second in daily viewing time and first in unique visitors on the platform, unequivocally demonstrating their strong appeal to mobile audiences. A Robust Slate on the Horizon Building on its well-established market leadership, iQIYI is set to release a dynamic lineup of micro and short dramas through late 2025 and into 2026. As part of a strategic initiative to expand its long- and short-form content offerings, iQIYI unveiled an impressive slate of over 400 new titles across various formats during its World Conference in April. During its inaugural "Glittering Night" micro drama ceremony in March, the company previewed 47 new productions, including micro dramas such as fantasy and comedy, often infused with youthful, internet culture influences. The short drama lineup also features anticipated sequels to popular series like "Original Sin" and "A Ming Dynasty Mystery", highlighting iQIYI's dedication to expanding beloved IPs. By leveraging this extensive catalog alongside advanced data analytics and AI-powered insights, iQIYI continues to deliver original, cinematic-quality storytelling that deftly adapts to evolving audience preferences. This powerful fusion of scale, innovation, and unwavering quality uniquely positions iQIYI to lead the rapidly expanding content market, broadening its influence both within China and across the globe. Contact: iQIYI Press, press@ [1] Micro drama is defined by a vertical video format, with each episode between 1–5 minutes [2] Short drama is defined by a horizontal video format, with each episode between 5–20 minutes View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE iQIYI Inc. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time Business News
4 hours ago
- Time Business News
Pop Mart Introduces NELO — A Singular, Limited-Edition Descent into the Subconscious, Following the Success of LABUBU
The global designer toy brand unveils an emotionally rich, one-season series featuring a baby astronaut exploring the inner cosmos of the mind. Building on the global success of its iconic character LABUBU, Pop Mart now unveils NELO, a new original IP that takes collectors on an introspective journey through space, memory, and dreams. A one-season-only release, NELO is not just a character—he is a symbol of wonder, solitude, and the emotional gravity of exploration. NELO is a baby astronaut born from the final frontier of consciousness. According to Pop Mart lore, NELO drifts through the dreamscape inside a starlit cradle-pod, collecting emotional fragments from human minds during deep sleep. Part explorer, part guardian, NELO travels where memories dissolve and imagination expands—within the vast, untethered cosmos of the subconscious. The name 'NELO' suggests softness and space—a lullaby echoing in zero gravity. This journey is both literal and metaphorical: NELO isn't just traversing galaxies, but the hidden universes within ourselves. The NELO series includes 12 standard figures and one secret edition, each representing a psychological or emotional aspect discovered during NELO's dream-bound travels. Highlights include: Liora – The Dream Weaver A celestial caretaker who weaves emotional frequencies into constellations that guide NELO's voyage. A celestial caretaker who weaves emotional frequencies into constellations that guide NELO's voyage. Tenebris – The Shadow Collector A quiet presence who absorbs forgotten fears to balance the dreamspace NELO explores. A quiet presence who absorbs forgotten fears to balance the dreamspace NELO explores. Aero – The Thought Drifter An ephemeral companion that orbits NELO, representing fleeting bursts of inspiration. The figures are sculpted with weightless posture, flowing lines, and cosmic elements—stars, moons, space helmets, and translucent surfaces that mimic stardust and oxygen bubbles. NELO introduces a visual and emotional language new to the Pop Mart universe. The design direction pairs space-age motifs with vulnerability: soft pastel suits, glowing helmets, and floating poses that evoke a feeling of serene solitude. 'We wanted NELO to embody the purity and emotional openness of childhood—set against the vastness of space,' says Jian Xu, Creative Director at Pop Mart. 'He's a symbol of how even the smallest among us can navigate infinite worlds.' As a strictly one-season series, NELO will be available in limited quantities through Pop Mart's global retail stores, website, and select vending locations. Once sold out, it will not return—preserving the sense of rarity and finality that defines the story. A Collector's Edition Box Set will also be released, featuring: All 12 NELO figures A cloth-bound illustrated dreamflight log Exclusive foil-stamped packaging and artist concept cards Each box set invites collectors to hold a complete piece of the story—an artifact of a journey that won't be repeated. Following the whimsical success of LABUBU, NELO signals Pop Mart's evolution toward deeper, narrative-first IPs. With NELO, the brand invites collectors to pause, reflect, and emotionally connect—with a baby astronaut who floats between stars and souls. NELO is not just a collectible. He's a moment of stillness in motion. A dream you can hold—once. For more information, release updates, and behind-the-scenes content, visit or follow @PopMartGlobal on Instagram, TikTok, and Weibo. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Forbes
a day ago
- Forbes
Why The Labubu Craze Became A Nostalgic Social Currency
PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 12: Close-up detail view of seven Labubu monsters / charms / dolls / plus from ... More "Big Into Energy" collection : Loyalty, Happiness, Luck, Hope, Serenity, Love an Secret, during a street style fashion photo session, on June 12, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by) The distinctive grin of Labubu, a small, elf-eared creature with serrated teeth, has become widespread across social media feeds, celebrity red carpets, and fashion shows worldwide. What began as a collectible toy from Hong Kong-based Pop Mart has evolved into something far more complex: a cultural phenomenon that generated $423 million in revenue for the company in 2024 alone, transforming a playful figurine into a coveted symbol of exclusivity and insider knowledge. People wait in line to visit the new Pop Mart store selling Labubu toys at a shopping mall in Berlin ... More on July 25, 2025. Labubu is a brand of collectible designer plush toy monster elves created by Hong Kong-Dutch designer Kasing Lung and marketed by and sold exclusively at China-based retailer Pop Mart. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP) (Photo by TOBIAS SCHWARZ/AFP via Getty Images) This isn't just another toy craze. The Labubu mania reveals something deeper about consumer psychology, nostalgia, and how objects become vessels for social status in the digital age. Through three distinct lenses—as a nostalgic product, a form of social currency, and a fleeting fashion statement—the Labubu phenomenon offers insights into modern consumer behavior and the mechanics of viral culture. The Power of Labubu's Nostalgic Design At the heart of Labubu's appeal lies a sophisticated understanding of nostalgia and emotional resonance. Created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung in 2016, the character draws from Nordic folklore and European fairy tales, creating what author and fashion historian Robert Ossant describes as a 'fascinating combination of cute and ugly that taps into the 90s and Y2K aesthetic of Furbies, Garbage Pail kids, Troll dolls and cartoons like Rugrats and Ren & Stimpy.' Lung, born in 1972, spent part of his childhood in the Netherlands, and his design philosophy blends childhood memories with universal mythological elements. The result is a character that feels simultaneously new and ancient or something that resonates across cultural boundaries while tapping into collective childhood memories. "The large eyes and tiny nose resemble childlike characteristics, upping the cute factor and appealing to the anime and manga trends we're seeing in the current zeitgeist," explains Nina Vargas, a global beauty strategist, in her analysis of the toy's psychological appeal. These 'anthropomorphic qualities' don't just make the character endearing, but they create an emotional bridge that allows consumers to project feelings and memories onto the object. The timing of Labubu's global breakthrough in 2024-2025 wasn't accidental. After nearly a decade of relative obscurity, the character found its moment during a period when consumers were particularly receptive to nostalgic comfort items. In fact, if you scroll TikTok, you will see millions of videos of consumers listening to 90s music, revisiting fashion trends from that decade, or rewatching their childhood favorite movies and TV shows. The Labubu's ability to evoke childhood security while remaining contemporary enough for adult fashion sensibilities created the perfect storm for viral adoption. Labubu Is An Exclusive Social Currency Perhaps no aspect of the Labubu phenomenon is more revealing than its transformation into a form of social currency or an investment piece. The collectible toy market has long understood the power of scarcity, from Pokémon cards, Barbies and Beanie Babies, but Labubu has elevated this concept to new heights through strategic use of "blind box" purchasing and limited releases. "The Labubus became a social currency because to have a rare Labubu communicates an insider knowledge of trends and value. It began as 'if you know you know' (IYKYK) style statement and a widely understood, talisman of taste," Ossant explains. CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 17: Zufi Alexander wears an all Miu Miu look made of butter yellow long summer ... More dress and straw Miu Miu bag with attached Labubu bag charms during day five of the 78th Cannes Film Festival on May 17, 2025 in Cannes, France. (Photo by) The economics are straightforward yet powerful: initial drops are priced modestly (around $30), but artificial scarcity quickly drives secondary market prices to multiples of their original value. This creates multiple tiers of social signaling. Owning any Labubu demonstrates cultural awareness, but owning a rare variant or paying premium resale prices communicates having insider knowledge, and frankly, the financial means. The unboxing ritual central to Labubu culture amplifies this social currency effect. "The unboxing and reveal of which character emerges from the packaging intrigues the viewers, making them eager to seek their own unwrapping experience in the hopes of having their own (hopefully rare) character," Vargas notes. Social media feeds filled with unboxing videos create a feedback loop of desire and FOMO (fear of missing out) that drives continued purchasing. Retail strategist Jeanel Alvarado, Founder & CEO at RETAILBOSS, identifies a crucial parallel: "Many collectors of Labubu for instance turned out to be luxury buyers. Affluent shoppers who typically seek out rare watches, handbags and limited edition pieces." This crossover reveals how Labubu functions as what Alvarado calls "recession-core": a lower-cost luxury that satisfies the same psychological needs as expensive handbags or watches during times of economic uncertainty. How Labubu Transcends Style And Fashion While Labubus have become ubiquitous fashion accessories, dangling from designer bags and celebrity outfits, their role transcends traditional fashion logic. Rather than following seasonal trends or aesthetic movements, it is a commentary on consumption, and generational divides. PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 08: A guest wears a burgundy bordeaux woven Bottega Veneta Andiamo leather ... More bag, light blue Labubu bag charm, cream Labubu bag charm, outside Elie Saab, during the Paris Fashion week Women's Fall/Winter 2025-2026 on March 8, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by) "Labubus represents more of a social statement than a fashion statement," states Anna Pompilio, Strategy Director at Marks. "It shows not only that you're tapped into the micro-culture of the moment, but that you either have the A) time to spend on Pop Mart hunting down your own Labubu or B) the money to spend on a resold one.' The fashion industry has taken notice. Luxury brands like Burberry and Celine have responded with their own character-based accessories, signaling recognition of the trend's commercial potential. However, this mainstream adoption may paradoxically signal the beginning of the end for Labubu's cultural cache. Ossant sees the trend as serving "as a critique of fashion's most ridiculous extremes, influencer culture and the relentless churn of trends, but also a commentary on different generations." According to him, it's become a tool for millennials to mock Gen Z's seemingly mindless consumerism, while Gen Z uses it to highlight just how much millennials are missing the irony. SHANGHAI, CHINA - JUNE 09: Labubu figures and dolls are seen on display at a Pop Mart store on June ... More 9, 2025 in Shanghai, China. From Southeast Asia and Europe to the United States and the Middle East, Labubu - the beloved character from Chinese toy company Pop Mart - is taking the world by storm. (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images) As with most viral phenomena, Labubu's future remains uncertain. The very mechanisms that drove its success such as social media amplification, artificial scarcity, and FOMO-driven purchasing are notoriously fickle and feed into overconsumption. Many, like Ossant, argue that Labubus are an entry level luxury where the value is tied up in rarity and exclusivity rather than actual cost. "Customers are fatigued with fast-fashion, and collector items and limited edition items have continued to catch waves with limited drops," Alvarado adds. Yet she also acknowledges the fundamental tension: once a trend reaches mainstream saturation, its value as social currency diminishes. Whether Labubu endures or fades, its impact on understanding consumer behavior, social media marketing, and the psychology of collectibility will likely persist. As Alvarado succinctly summarizes: "It shows the value is in the eyes of the beholder, for those who understand the collector and resale market potential for limited items it's a lucrative play, in addition to the clout they can get online. For others it's just an 'ugly toy.'" A man walks with two Labubu plush toys of Pop Mart hanging from his backpack straps along a ... More pedestrian street on The Bund in Shanghai on July 4, 2025. (Photo by Hector RETAMAL / AFP) (Photo by HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images)
