Labubu, the toothy, fuzzy-eared darling of Pop Mart’s The Monsters series, has charmed the world with her mischievous grin and “ugly-cute” vibe. Spotted on the bags of stars like BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Rihanna, these Nordic-inspired plushies have sparked a global frenzy, with collectors queuing overnight and blind boxes selling out in seconds. But beneath the cuddly exterior lurks a darker side to the Labubu craze. From counterfeit chaos to scalping scandals and even whispers of paranormal panic, the Labubu phenomenon has a shadowy underbelly that’s as wild as the elf herself. Let’s dive into the murky world of Labubu’s dark side—buckle up, it’s a bumpy, fun ride!
Knockoff Nightmares: The Rise of Lafufu and Lawuwu
Labubu’s skyrocketing popularity has birthed a monster of its own: counterfeits. Playfully dubbed “Lafufu” and “Lawuwu” by fans, these knockoff Labubus flood marketplaces like AliExpress, Temu, and Canal Street stalls. While some collectors embrace these quirky fakes for their wonky charm—think lopsided faces, backward hands, or neon-pink noses—others fall victim to scams. Authentic Labubus retail for $20–$100, but fakes can go for as little as $5, luring unsuspecting buyers. The catch? Scammers on platforms like eBay or LootBuddies often pass off Lafufus as the real deal, leaving collectors with flimsy figures and shattered dreams. One fan vented, “Paid $60 for a Labubu, got a fake, and they played the ‘we didn’t know’ card!”
Spotting a fake isn’t always easy, but here are some red flags:
- Teeth Trouble: Real Labubus have exactly nine sharp teeth. More or fewer? It’s a Lafufu.
- Packaging Pitfalls: Authentic Pop Mart boxes are matte with QR codes. Fakes come in glossy, misspelled “Pob Mart” or “Por Mart” packaging.
- Quality Quirks: Genuine Labubus boast clean paint and soft fur. Knockoffs often have wobbly limbs, coarse fur, or missing eyeballs.
The counterfeit boom isn’t just a buyer’s headache—it’s a blow to Pop Mart and artist Kasing Lung. In 2024, The Monsters line generated $426 million for Pop Mart, but fakes dilute the brand’s value and hurt its bottom line. Yet, the irony? Some fans collect Lafufus for their bizarre appeal, turning knockoffs into a subculture of their own. Search “Lafufu unboxings” on social media, and you’ll find thousands of videos celebrating these misfit monsters!
Scalping Scandals: Bots and Resellers Ruin the Fun
Labubu’s scarcity—fueled by Pop Mart’s blind box model and limited drops—has created a perfect storm for scalpers. These resellers, often using bots to snatch up stock in seconds, flip $28 Labubus for $100–$450 on platforms like StockX and Whatnot. In the UK, Pop Mart paused in-store sales in May 2025 after fights broke out over restocks, with fans reporting “negative vibes” and “scary” crowd chaos. One collector witnessed resellers selling queue tickets for £150! Fans lament scalpers “ruining the fun” for genuine collectors.
The blind box system, where you don’t know which figure you’ll get, adds fuel to the fire. Rare “secret” editions, like the Microwave Oven Labubu (1 in 144 boxes), can fetch thousands on resale markets. This gamified scarcity triggers FOMO, pushing fans to overspend or risk missing out. As one fan put it, “Resellers are turning Labubu into a cult of greed!” Pop Mart’s vague restock schedules—Thursdays at 9 PM EST online or Fridays at 10 AM in-store—make it a “digital wild hunt” for collectors, with bots often beating humans to the punch.
Frenzy and Fights: When Labubu Mania Turns Ugly
The Labubu craze has sparked more than just long lines—it’s led to outright chaos. In Los Angeles, fans camped out from 10 PM for a 4:45 AM store opening, some bringing chairs and snacks. In London, a Stratford Pop Mart saw shouting matches and a worker-customer scuffle, prompting the company to halt UK in-store sales until June 2025 for safety. Collectors describe feeling “scared” amid the “ridiculous” crowds, with one saying, “It’s not just a toy—it’s a warzone.”
Social media amplifies the madness. The #labubu hashtag (1.6 million posts) is flooded with unboxing videos, but also complaints about “scalper bots” and sold-out drops. Fans call the frenzy “a status symbol gone wrong” thanks to celebrity hype from stars like Lisa. The psychological pull—FOMO, gamification, and community hype—turns casual collectors into obsessives, willing to spend thousands. One couple dropped $2,500 in two months chasing rare editions like the elusive chestnut-cocoa Labubu.
Paranormal Panic: Are Labubus Cursed?
Here’s where things get really weird. Some fans claim Labubus aren’t just toys—they’re “plush vessels for demons” like Pazuzu, sparking a mini “satanic panic.” One warning read, “Everyone who brings a Labubu home signs a contract, especially if they give it to a child.” Another fan reported “paranormal activities” around their Labubu, prompting them to toss it out. While these claims are likely exaggerated, they’ve fueled a niche conspiracy corner online, with some calling Labubu “a cult” rather than a collectible. It’s probably just overactive imaginations, but the rumors add a spooky twist to Labubu’s lore, making her even more intriguing.
The Bigger Picture: Is Labubu Worth the Hype?
The dark side of Labubu—counterfeits, scalping, chaos, and creepy conspiracies—raises questions about the craze’s sustainability. Pop Mart’s $1.09 billion revenue in 2024, driven largely by Labubu’s $426 million haul, shows the toy’s economic power. But the frenzy risks alienating fans who can’t afford inflated resale prices or navigate bot-filled drops. Counterfeits hurt Pop Mart’s brand and Kasing Lung’s artistic legacy, while scalpers and fights tarnish the community’s joy. As one collector said, “Lafufus are fun, but I’d rather have the real thing.”
Yet, the Labubu mania thrives on its chaos. Fans love the thrill of the hunt, the community, and even the quirky charm of a wonky Lafufu. So, how do you navigate the dark side? Stick to official Pop Mart channels (website, Amazon, or stores), check for authenticity stamps under UV light, and join fan groups for restock tips. Whether you’re Team Labubu or just curious about the hype, this plush elf’s wild ride is a cultural moment you can’t ignore.
Join the Labubu Craze—Safely!
Have you been “Lafufu’d” or fought the crowds for a Labubu drop? Share your stories on our fan site, and let’s keep the Monsters mania alive—minus the dark-side drama! Check back for restock alerts, authenticity guides, and more fun dives into the Labubu universe.
Happy collecting, and stay savvy out there!
