Latest news with #POPMART
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
What is Pazuzu? Why are Labubu dolls being linked to a demon?
Just when you thought your social media feed was shrugging off the clutches of the viral Labubu dolls, there's a new revelation: the cute bag charms may have a demonic connection. Labubus are being linked to Pazuzu, the Mesopotamian king of wind demons, who, according to Britannica, is the son of Hanpa and brother to Humbaba (Huwawa). Videos circulating on social media have netizens freaking out over strange activity observed after bringing home the viral toy, from flickering lights to eerie noises heard late in the night. A post shared by Emmanuel (@emmanuel) The lore goes that Pazuzu helped humans ward off other demons, and, thus, representations of his face served as popular apotropaic amulets in the 1st millennium BCE in the Middle East. Pazuzu's body is similar to those of other Mesopotamian demons, but his head is distinct from all others. It is a rectangular shape, with capric horns, massive eyebrows over deep-set round eyes, a canine jaw that displays teeth and tongue, a long two-pronged beard marked out by horizontal lines, and protruding ears. That's where the chilling similarity with Labubus arise. The Internet is busy drawing parallels between the Mesopotamian demon and Labubus, the quirky, wide-eyed collectible figurines created by Hong Kong-based toy brand POP MART, in collaboration with artist Kasing Lung. Labubu dolls are not conventionally 'cute'. Their wide eyes, mischievous grin, and slightly eerie vibe speak directly to Gen Z's love for the offbeat and peculiar — emotions that encapsulate their energy. And the Pazuzu's head is the earliest known example of Mesopotamian iconography blending multiple animal and human features, with the earlier iconography adding only one animal body part, such as a lion's head, on a human body. bUt 𝕨𝕙𝕪 𝕕𝕠 𝕞𝕪 𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 𝕗𝕝𝕚𝕔𝕜𝕖𝕣 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝕚 𝕤𝕖𝕥 𝕙𝕚𝕞 𝕕𝕠𝕨𝕟? L̴A̴b̴U̴b̴U̴ ̴x̴ ̴P̴a̴Z̴u̴Z̴u̴ ̴c̴O̴L̴L̴A̴B̴ ̴L̴E̴A̴K̴E̴D̴.̴.̴.̴ 👁👹 tHeY sAy iF u pUt 3 lAbUbUs iN a tRiAnGlE 🔺 a cHiLd lAuGhS iN yOuR wAlLs 😬 yOuR tOoThBrUsH gOeS mIsSiNg aNd a bUnNy eAr… — LabubuMisfits (@LabubuMisfits) July 2, 2025 Jokes about supernatural activity surrounding Labubus have gained attention, with netizens expressing distress and concern over children collecting and playing with these dolls. However, all links are just speculation and conjecture, with no concrete evidence pointing towards any real connection. Britannica further states that the earliest archaeological evidence of Pazuzu—found in the grave of a royal woman entombed in Nimrud (near present-day Mosul, Iraq)—dates to 8th century BCE. Images of Pazuzu have been found throughout the ancient Middle East, dating to the 1st millennium BCE, including the Neo-Assyrian, Neo-Babylonian, and late Babylonian periods. Pazuzu's iconography has puzzled researchers because of its sudden and fully realised appearance in the archaeological record, displaying no apparent evolutionary stages. The lack of any earlier identifiable representations renders it impossible to pinpoint the exact geographic origins of the imagery, though it most likely developed in either Egypt or Mesopotamia. While Pazuzu's head is sometimes depicted alone, it is often paired with the faces of other Mesopotamian demons or gods. Some Pazuzu amulets have images inscribed on their backs of deities who were considered permanent allies of humans, such as Ugallu and Lulal. Archaeologists conjecture that these pairings were meant to ensure Pazuzu's power remained directed away from human targets and to protect the wearer from danger.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Cat Goes Out—Owner Unsure if 'Proud or Concerned' Over What They Bring Home
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A cat has gained viral attention after she was caught on camera with an unexpected, and highly coveted, item in her mouth. Coco the ragdoll cat was filmed with a Labubu plush toy, a sharp-toothed figurine that has become a must-have worldwide. The TikTok video showing Coco proudly trotting home with the toy in tow has amassed almost 500,000 views, unleashing a flood of hilarity and admiration. "Coco stole someone's Labubu and bought it home. Idk [I don't know] if I should be proud or concerned," poster @ said in a comment. The caption joked: "Coco begins her career as a cat burglar." The Labubu Obsession Grows Labubu, created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung and produced by POPMART, has exploded from underground art darling to global pop culture icon in the last year. Distributed primarily in "blind boxes," adding an air of mystery, Labubu figures have become cult favorites, appearing in the hands of celebrities like Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and David Beckham. The high-fashion market has even embraced the plush toys, with figures appearing on high-end Hermès Birkin bags and in the pages of Vogue magazine. A picture from the video of Coco the cat with her unexpected discovery. A picture from the video of Coco the cat with her unexpected discovery. @ In 2024, producer POPMART reported revenue of over 13 billion yuan ($1.79 billion), more than double the amount made in the year before. Thanks to their popularity, some limited-edition figures resell for up to $7,000, while a towering 4-foot version fetched over $170,000 at a Beijing auction this past June. Counterfeits—nicknamed "Lafufus"—have flooded the market as demand outpaces supply. "Random cat even got a Labubu before me," viewer Jess posted in the comments on the TikTok video. PotatoWithLipstickkau wrote: "She better find herself a Birkin to put it on now." "Hmmmm … are we allowed to put orders in?" asked a third TikTok viewer. Emily-sue said, "Consumerism has spread to cats," and Nadia wrote: "Not gonna lie, she looks so proud and happy. If I caught her stealing mine, I'd let her have it." This isn't the first time a feline has gained attention for a crafty theft. Earlier this year, a woman apologized to her neighbors when she realized her cat kept bringing home sponges from people's houses. And, last year, a cat was caught red-handed after coming home with the neighbor's chicken dinner in tow. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Korea Herald
5 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Prioritizing Korean Guests, 2025 'Shanghai Summer' Launches with 300+ Cultural Events & Enhanced Services
SHANGHAI, July 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Since the beginning of 2025, Shanghai has seen a strong rebound in inbound tourism and spending. From January to June, the city welcomed 4.25 million inbound visitors, a year-on-year increase of 38.5%, while tax-refunded sales for departing travelers rose by 85%. To further boost inbound consumption, the launch ceremony of the 2025 "Shanghai Summer" International Consumption Season was held on July 4 at the West Bund Grand Theater. The event announced ten benchmark activities, nearly 300 customized and key city events, 14 Shanghai Summer themed products, and two themed services to enhance the summer experience for global visitors and help visitors leverage the city's 240-hour visa-free transit policy: Ten Benchmark Activities Ignite Shanghai's Summer: Shanghai will host nearly 300 immersive events across historic neighborhoods and landmark riverfronts, blending international art, local pop culture, family activities, and sports. Highlights include POP MART "POP SUMMER"IP-themed events," Van Cleef & Arpels "Poetry of Time" exhibition, LI-NING Streetball League, Yuyuan's "Fantasy Summer Night," MAP's "Shanghai Star" cruise, and the West Bund Grand Theater's "Wind & Waves" performance season. Additionally, tax refund services with 14 language guides and electronic channels and the "Easy Go" one-stop inbound service platform via Alipay International will ensure a smooth and enriching stay. Through "2025 Shanghai Summer," the city aims to strengthen its image as a vibrant, visitor-friendly destination while driving inbound tourism and consumption.
Cision Canada
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
2025 'Shanghai Summer' Kicks Off, Inviting Global Travelers to a Premier Urban Experience
SHANGHAI, July 9, 2025 /CNW/ -- Shanghai has launched the 2025 "Shanghai Summer" International Consumption Season, featuring more than 300 events aimed at attracting international visitors and boosting inbound tourism. The campaign comes as the city reported 4.25 million inbound arrivals in the first half of 2025, a 38.5% increase year-on-year. The season features ten benchmark activities, including the Rolex Shanghai Masters (ATP1000) on September 29, the 2025 World Rowing Championships on September 21, and the FISE WORLD SERIES • SHANGHAI, the world's largest extreme sports festival, bringing over 800 athletes from nearly 50 countries for an all-day carnival in October. Key tourism highlights include the Shanghai Tourism Festival Vacation Summer, LEGO® World Play Day, and Shanghai Disney Resort Summer-themed Celebrations, which will feature China's first "Pixar Wonder" immersive interactive exhibition. Cultural events include the Shanghai MISA Music Festival with nearly 300 musicians across 29 performances, the Shanghai International Light Festival, and the Shanghai Summer International Anime Month. The SS2026 Shanghai Fashion Week will also attract over 80,000 industry professionals globally. Additionally, nearly 300 city customized & key events will be held, ranging from art exhibitions to sports and family-friendly activities. Highlights include POP MART "POP SUMMER" IP-themed events, Van Cleef & Arpels "Poetry of Time", the LI-NING Streetball League, and the West Bund Grand Theater "Wind & Waves" season. Shanghai also launched 14 Shanghai Summer themed products and two Shanghai Summer themed services aligned with the 240-hour visa-free policy. China Eastern Airlines offers one million discounted tickets and free transit tours, while Jiushi Group's upgraded Shanghai Pass provides multi-day transport and attraction access without real-name registration. Marriott International is offering exclusive summer promotions across its 60+ Shanghai hotels. China UnionPay has launched special themed cards and expanded payment access across Shanghai's key commercial areas, metro, and vast merchant network. Visa has established Visa Payment-Friendly Demonstration Zones, for popular tourism routes and introduced convenient options like "Tap to Pay", "Tap to Ride", and scanning solutions for merchants. Shanghai Pudong Development Bank (SPD Bank) provides foreign currency services at airports, while the Easy Go One-stop Service Platform and Tax Refund Services further streamline the visitor experience. Through "Shanghai Summer," the city extends a warm invitation for global travelers to experience the vitality and charm of a Shanghai summer.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'What's up with her eye?': Tom Brady joins Labubu trend with daughter but fans are curious about something else
Tom Brady's Cute Labubu Photo Gets Derailed by Fans Wondering About His Daughter's Eye (File Photo/Tom Brady/Instagram) It's not every day you see Tom Brady hopping on TikTok-esque trends, but here we are. The 7-time Super Bowl champ was spotted spending some sweet one-on-one time with his daughter, and the two were twinning with matching Labubu plush toys, a trend that's been all over Instagram, TikTok, and plush collector feeds lately. In the photo, Brady casually dressed in a button-down and cap, while his daughter holds up the viral monkey-like figure that's recently become Gen Z's favorite emotional support character. Cute, wholesome, internet gold, right? Well… not quite. Because the internet is being the internet. Fans are obsessed with the Labubu but more curious about her left eye While some fans gushed over how 'normal dad' Tom looked, a different section of Twitter (or X) was more focused on something completely unrelated to Brady: his daughter's eye. Comments like 'What's up with her left eye?' and 'Something wrong with his daughter's eye?' started piling up under the post. The concern seemed to stem from how the lighting or maybe a blink made one eye appear darker or partially closed. Tom Brady Goes Full Girl Dad with Labubu. And just like that, a wholesome photo turned into a rabbit hole of conspiracy-level medical analysis. The Labubu plushie trend is blowing up and now Brady's in it For those not in the know, Labubu is part of the POP MART collectible series that's gone viral globally, think Beanie Babies but with Tim Burton vibes. Teens and adults alike are collecting them, posing with them, and treating them like kawaii comfort objects. Now, with Tom Brady unintentionally joining the plushie crew, the fandom might be expanding to NFL stans too. Who knew Brady would be repping soft-girl-core in 2025? Tom Brady gives 'girl dad' energy and the internet can't decide what to focus on While some were just happy to see Brady spending quality time with his daughter. Tom Brady's adorable Labubu photo was meant to melt hearts, and it did, sort of. Between fans being charmed by the father-daughter moment and others spiraling over an eye that probably just blinked, it's classic internet chaos. Either way, one thing's clear: Tom Brady's girl dad era is officially Labubu-approved. Also read - Offset says 'you can't get rid of me' after Cardi B deleted Stefon Diggs from Instagram Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
