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Muscat Daily
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Lure of Labubu gains momentum in Oman
If you've not heard of Labubu, you must be either a boring professional or someone from another planet…as this sensational toy or trinket has now got people of all ages and cultures in its sway. And it's not a cheap fad! When 17-year-old Sharifa (name changed) went to purchase a 'Labubu' from a shop in Oman along with her friends, their hearts beat fast in unison as the box containing her much-sought-after treasure was handed out to her… The teenagers closed their eyes, held each other's hands, and chanted a childish mantra together as Sharifa opened the box to unveil her luck…seconds later a dramatic chorus of shrill cries made heads turn as they discovered that the box contained a Lychee Berry Labubu in a vibrant pink hue – a hot favourite among young girls, The digital world, they say, is full of different choices and instant surprises (even shocks), and it now brings on a new trend called Labubu – a fanciful 'Monster' elves doll – that seems to be getting widespread attention from people worldwide. Labubu is not just a doll, it has become a phenomenon among members of varied cultures the world over, as well as in Oman, where people have started buying it for various reasons, especially getting hooked on to the mystery of every purchase that is delivered with an element of suspense. Every buyer keeps his/her fingers crossed for being landed with a rare (priceless!) Labubu. This doll – fashioned from fabric and viral among social media users – has been created by a Hong Kong-Belgian designer Kasing Lung. Sold by Pop Mart in China, this doll comes in a playful shape. Yet, from what it seems, it's features – a furry body, wide eyes, pointed ears, sharp teeth – makes it look both playful as well as evil. Aside from Labubu herself, there are other characters of the 'Monster' elves series – Mokoko, Pato, Spooky, and many more – but Labubu is the most popular. Labubu began as a character designed by Kasing Lung, who grew up in the Netherlands and later settled in Belgium. It was part of Lung's 'Monster' series, which is influenced by Nordic folklore and mythology which he had enjoyed as a child. Encashing on the doll's instant popularity, Pop Mart came up with the idea of blind boxes, which are sealed packages that conceal the toy's design within. These mystery boxes feature an addictive behaviour, similar to treasure hunting. Doll collectors — people who are considered obsessed with collecting the limited editions from different doll industries — buy those editions as soon as they are released, or even book them before release. The doll prices range from RO10 to RO35 and some editions become even more expensive because of their rarity. The obsession with Labubu's escalated when social media influencers started making videos about getting the blind boxes, unboxing them, and sharing their reactions to what they got, and so on. The doll comes in different sizes; people may attach it to their bags, cars, or use it in different accessories. And, it is not just a toy for children, people of all ages seem to be lured by the doll, regardless of culture. In Muscat, too many youth – girls and boys are, indeed, enamoured by this toy which they tag onto school bags, handbags, bicycles, car dashboards as well as take them along wherever they go. Surprisingly, adults, too, have been taken up by this doll. Noah al Wahaibi, a youth in Muscat, said, 'My mom wanted the doll and she used to keep talking about it. I wanted to make her happy, so I bought her one. And, she is now over the moon.' Fifteen-year-old Thuraya al Rawahi, also said she bought the doll for its shape and to use it as a trinket. There are many other youngsters who have bought it just out of curiosity to follow a trend and be considered 'in' with the times. Radhia al Ajami, another young fan of the doll, said, 'I bought it because I like it and because it's trendy. I tag it on my bag, often in my car, too.' Ali Hassan, from YOYOSO, in Mall of Oman, asserted, 'People of different backgrounds come to buy it. Mostly, kids and girls are passionate about it because it's trendy, and we display it on our shop window to catch the attention of customers. He further said, 'When people buy it, they often sing its song with joy. We didn't have the doll at first, but we procured more stocks when inquiries for it began to soar. Currently, we have more than 200 dolls in the shop, and more in our warehouse.' Zen, an employee at Mievic – a shop in Muscat that specialises in selling everything related to women (which has showcased this doll prominently) – said, 'Everyone is buying the doll. We sell around 30–50 dolls daily. People buy it because of the trend to possess one. They are also delighted to experience the suspense on purchase (to check out the type and colour of the one they get) as all sealed boxes have an element of mystery and no one knows what's in.' This worldwide trend – from buyers looking for hidden 'treasures' (as rare editions can be traded for high sums) in their purchase, to retailers looking to make hay while the Sun shines – has made Labubu not just a cultural phenomenon but also a commercial success and a household name. (Contributed by: Asma al Balushi; photos: V K Shafeer)
Rudaw Net
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Erbil bans ‘ugly-cute' Labubu dolls over fraud, cultural concerns
Also in Kurdistan Kurdish top leaders receive Iraq's security advisor in Erbil KRG says over 2 million people receiving 24-hour electricity President Barzani sends condolences to Turkey over soldiers' deaths Tribal loyalists clash with Kurdish security forces over land dispute in Erbil A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The wildly popular 'ugly-cute' Labubu collectible doll has been officially banned in Erbil, with authorities citing consumer exploitation and cultural concerns as the primary reasons behind the move. Hogir Ali, director of Erbil's commercial monitoring body, told Rudaw on Tuesday that the ban was prompted by widespread scams of Kurdish citizens, as merchants were reportedly exploiting customers through "blind box" sales - where buyers must purchase multiple boxes at random in hopes of getting a desired color or style - placing what Ali described as an 'unjust burden' on families. 'These sales tactics misled consumers,' Ali said, 'especially when lower prices were advertised for dolls that were unavailable, pushing buyers toward more expensive options.' Beyond commercial concerns, officials have also raised cultural objections. 'The appearance of the doll is far from our customs and traditions,' Ali noted, adding that the Erbil provincial authorities and civil police are fully backing the ban. So far, approximately 2,000 Labubu dolls have been confiscated, and legal action has been taken against six businesses as enforcement efforts intensify. Created by Hong Kong-Belgian designer Kasing Lung and marketed by Chinese toy giant Pop Mart, Labubu is a mischievous-looking monster elf collectible that has captivated a global audience. Typically sold in blind boxes, the doll's scarcity has fueled a frenzy among collectors, driving up demand - and controversy. Labubu's rise to fame has not been without backlash. Online, some social media users have linked the dolls to the ancient Mesopotamian demon Pazuzu, fueling fear and concern - particularly among parents. These claims have contributed to public unease. In real-world markets, Labubu has triggered crowd control issues and safety concerns. Retailers in the United Kingdom and South Korea have temporarily halted in-store sales due to chaotic scenes during restocks. Chinese customs have cracked down on the illegal smuggling of the dolls, and banks in China have been banned from using them as promotional gifts. In Russia, lawmakers have proposed banning Labubu outright, citing its frightening appearance and the potential psychological impact on children. In the Kurdistan Region, the initial call for a ban came from the trade ministry, which urged parents to stop purchasing the dolls. Erbil officials have also contacted border checkpoints to block further imports, noting that a large number of the dolls are believed to be in Baghdad.
NDTV
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Meet Zimomo, The 'Labubu' Doll Worth Rs 50,000 That Did Not Break The Internet
If in the last few months, you've heard people talking nonstop about Labubu and Lafufu (fake Labubu) both IRL and on social media, you're not alone. These adorable or monstrous-looking (call them whatever you want) creatures are being sold online for a whopping Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000 a pop, with limited edition ones shooting even higher. And hold your breath, a life-sized Labubu doll was recently sold for over USD 150,000 in Beijing. Yes, dollars. That turned the humble blind box toy into an actual luxury collectible. The doll's wild success even made its founder, Wang Ning, China's 10th richest billionaire. Who would've thought a sharp-toothed, goblin-faced doll could be this profitable? Now, in case you've been living under a rock (or just offline), here's a quick 101. What On Earth Does Labubu Really Mean? Labubu is the core character in a fantasy universe called The Monsters, created by Hong Kong-Belgian artist Kasing Lung and marketed by Chinese company Pop Mart. Labubu is a mischievous, elf-like monster with a distinctive toothy grin, big wide eyes, and a fuzzy body, blending cuteness with a devilish charm. Its personality is mischievous, cheeky, adventurous, and carefree. The character has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring a vast range of collectibles, from plush toys to vinyl figures, often sold in the popular blind box format that keeps collectors coming back for more. But have you met the leader of the Labubu elves? Its personality is known to be different, and so is the price tag. The obsession over Labubu grew when Blackpink's Lisa talked about them both. Labubu and Zimomo. Meet Zimomo: The Leader Of The Labubu Elves Zimomo is basically the main-character energy in this toyverse. Unlike Labubu's sneaky smile and mischievous personality, Zimomo's character is known to be soft, innocent, and calm. Think of it as the sweet angelic cousin who's probably judging Labubu for all its mischievous habits. He is the leader of the Labubu elves and unlike Labubu, Zimomo has a rounder face and a spiked tail. In theory he is twice the size of Labubu, but in real life these plushies are almost the same size. Designed by Ayan Deng, Zimomo embodies calmness and serenity, often depicted in pastel colours and floral patterns. In terms of price, Zimomo is much more expensive, and is sold for around Rs 50,000 on Pop Mart. The Other Members Of The Labubu Toyverse Tycoco: Labubu's boyfriend, a small skeleton-like figure with a shy and gentle personality. Despite his spooky appearance, he is soft-hearted and vegetarian, often featured in romantic storylines with Labubu. Mokoko: A close friend of Labubu, known for her pink colour, fragrance, and cute eyelashes. She shares many adventures with Labubu and is part of the same elf tribe. Mokoko means 'special' in elvish. Pato: A dreamer with droopy ears, known for his ingenious plans and complex relationships within the family. Pippo: A humorous river elf with big ears who loves life and parties, adding a lively spirit to the group. Spooky: In the Labubu universe, Spooky is a cute, quiet, and curious snowman-like creature known for the dumpling-like folds on its head. Spooky enjoys nighttime adventures under the moonlight and visiting lively places like Labubu's village. Despite its name, Spooky is not inherently frightening and is considered a friendly character. Vos: Labubu's cousin and senior brother, often guiding and helping the younger members. Yaya: The innocent and playful member who brings joy and laughter to the family. How To Find The Difference Between Labubu And Zimomo Here's a quick table that can help you differentiate the two: So yes, while adults once collected stamps or coins, today we're out here buying mysterious little goblins for the price of a weekend trip. The Labubu mania doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
