You've seen the teeth. Those jagged, serrated rows of white monster fangs tucked inside a mischievous, wide-eyed grin. If you’ve spent any time on social media lately or walked through a trendy mall in Southeast Asia or New York, you’ve likely encountered the I Found You Labubu. It’s everywhere. It’s hanging off the luxury handbags of Thai superstars like Lisa from BLACKPINK. It’s causing literal riots in Pop Mart stores. Honestly, it’s a bit chaotic.
The Labubu character isn't just a toy. It’s a cultural phenomenon that has bridged the gap between "niche designer toy" and "mainstream lifestyle essential." But for many, the sudden explosion of the I Found You series—part of the larger The Monsters collection by artist Kasing Lung—feels like it came out of nowhere.
Why this specific one? What makes the I Found You iteration so special compared to the hundreds of other vinyl figures released every year?
The Weird Origins of the I Found You Labubu
To understand the hype, we have to look at Kasing Lung. He’s the brilliant mind behind the whole The Monsters universe. He grew up in the Netherlands, and you can see that European folklore influence in his work. Labubu isn't a rabbit, even though it has the ears. It’s an elf. A mischievous, slightly clumsy, but ultimately kind-hearted forest elf.
Kasing Lung originally created these characters for a series of children's books. He didn't set out to create a global hype-beast staple. When he partnered with Pop Mart in 2019, the character exploded in a way that very few "art toys" ever do. The I Found You Labubu specifically taps into a very human desire: the thrill of the hunt.
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The name itself suggests a game of hide-and-seek. It’s tactile. It’s playful. In a world that feels increasingly digital and cold, there is something deeply grounding about a fuzzy, physical object that looks like it just got caught doing something it wasn't supposed to.
Why the Secondary Market is Going Absolutely Nuclear
Prices for these things are wild. I’m talking about markups that would make a sneakerhead blush. You might walk into a store hoping to grab one for $15 or $20, only to find the "I Found You" vinyl figures or plush charms reselling for five or ten times that amount.
It’s basic supply and demand, but with a twist of celebrity endorsement. When Lisa from BLACKPINK posted a photo holding a Labubu, the market didn't just grow—it shattered. Suddenly, it wasn't just toy collectors in Hong Kong and Beijing buying them. It was millions of K-pop fans worldwide.
The "Blind Box" Psychological Trap
Pop Mart is the king of the blind box. You don't know what you're getting. That hit of dopamine when you tear open the foil and see those pointed ears? That’s addictive. The I Found You Labubu series leans heavily into this. People aren't just buying a toy; they’re buying the possibility of finding the "Secret" figure.
Statistics in the toy industry show that blind box sales have grown by over 20% year-over-year in the "kidult" demographic. These are adults with disposable income who want to recapture a sense of childhood wonder. Labubu fits that perfectly because it doesn't look like a "baby" toy. It looks like a piece of contemporary art.
Distinguishing the Real Deal from the Fakes
Because the I Found You Labubu is so high-demand, the market is flooded with "super clones." It’s getting harder to tell what’s real.
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If you’re looking at a Labubu and the price seems too good to be true, it’s probably a fake. Real Pop Mart products have a very specific weight to them. The "I Found You" plush charms, for instance, have a high-quality "fur" that doesn't feel like cheap carnival prize material.
- Check the feet: Genuine figures often have branding or specific serial numbers on the bottom.
- The Box Graphics: Fakes often have slightly "off" colors—either too saturated or too dull.
- The Smell: This sounds weird, but high-quality vinyl has a distinct, faint scent. Cheap fakes often smell like harsh industrial chemicals.
The Cultural Impact: More Than Just Plastic
It’s easy to dismiss this as another "fad." People said the same thing about Beanie Babies. They said it about Funko Pops. But Labubu represents a shift in how we view collectibles. It’s "art toy" culture going mainstream.
In cities like Bangkok, the I Found You Labubu has become a status symbol. It’s not uncommon to see a $5,000 Hermès Birkin bag with a $30 Labubu charm hanging off the side. It’s "high-low" fashion at its peak. It shows that you’re "in the know," but you don't take yourself too seriously.
The lore of The Monsters adds another layer. You have Zimomo (the one with the tail), Tycoco (the skeleton), and Spooky. It’s a whole ecosystem. When you buy into Labubu, you’re entering a story. You aren't just buying a piece of plastic; you're adopting a character with a personality.
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How to Actually Get Your Hands on One Without Being Scammed
If you’re hunting for the I Found You Labubu, you have a few options, but you need to be smart.
- Official Channels First: Always check the official Pop Mart website or their Global AliExpress store. They restock sporadically. Sign up for notifications. It’s annoying, but it’s the only way to get retail pricing.
- Verified Resellers: If you have to go to the secondary market, use platforms like StockX or specialized toy forums where sellers have reputations.
- Local Toy Conventions: This is where the real community is. Designers often show up, and you can find rare versions of the I Found You series that never made it to big-box retailers.
The hype will likely stabilize, but Labubu isn't going away. Kasing Lung is constantly evolving the designs. We’re seeing more collaborations with high-end fashion brands and even potential animation projects.
What to Do Now
If you've managed to find your Labubu, don't just let it sit in the box. The whole point of the "I Found You" sentiment is interaction.
- Display it creatively: Use acrylic risers or "doll houses" to create a scene.
- Join the community: There are massive groups on Facebook and Reddit dedicated to The Monsters. Sharing your "pulls" is half the fun.
- Watch the market: If you’re into the investment side, keep an eye on the "Secret" pull rates. Some of these figures have appreciated by 400% in less than a year.
Basically, Labubu is a reminder that it's okay for adults to like "cute" things, especially when those things have a bit of an edge. Whether you're a serious collector or just someone who saw one on Instagram and thought, "Hey, that monster looks like how I feel on a Monday morning," the I Found You Labubu is a fascinating slice of modern pop culture.
Keep your eyes peeled for the holographic stickers on the packaging. Verify the QR codes using the official Pop Mart app. Don't overpay just because of FOMO. The best part of the hobby is the community, so connect with other collectors and enjoy the hunt.