Who is the Founder of Labubu Toy? Meet the Artist Behind the Toy and Pop Mart’s Billionaire CEO Wang Ning

Pop Mart’s Billionaire CEO Wang Ning

The Beginning of Labubu: Not Just a Toy, But an Art Form

If you've seen that sharp-toothed, big-eyed, rabbit-eared toy figure that everyone seems to be talking about—yes, that’s Labubu. It’s not just cute or creepy—it’s become a pop culture symbol. But here’s the question: who actually created Labubu?

Labubu was designed by Kasing Lung, a Belgian-born Hong Kong artist known for his quirky and dark fairytale-like illustrations. With a deep background in European art and storytelling, Kasing introduced Labubu as part of his “The Monsters” series—a collection of imaginative characters inspired by folklore and childhood emotions.

Unlike mass-produced action figures, Labubu came from an artist's mind—crafted to represent mischief, loneliness, and a mysterious fantasy world.

How Pop Mart Made Labubu a Worldwide Sensation

Though Labubu was born from the sketchpad of Kasing Lung, it was Wang Ning, the founder and CEO of Pop Mart, who turned it into a billion-dollar brand.

Wang Ning, a sharp-minded entrepreneur from China, founded Pop Mart in 2010 as a small collectible store. But his breakthrough came in 2016 when the company began working with artists to launch designer toys in a blind-box format—toys sold in sealed packaging where buyers don’t know what they’ll get.

Labubu was introduced under Pop Mart’s spotlight in 2019. Since then, it has exploded in popularity across Asia, Europe, and now the U.S. It has even been spotted with celebrities like BLACKPINK’s Lisa, Dua Lipa, and global fashion influencers. The social media frenzy only fueled its appeal.

Pop Mart became a publicly traded company in 2020, and Labubu is now one of its top-grossing toy IPs, generating hundreds of millions in yearly sales.

Who is Wang Ning? The Billionaire Behind the Hype

• Name: Wang Ning

• Born: 1987, Henan Province, China

• Education: Advertising (Sias University), MBA from Peking University

• Company: Founder & CEO of Pop Mart International Group

Wang Ning isn’t just a business founder—he’s one of China’s youngest billionaires in 2025. According to multiple financial reports and media outlets:

✅ Wang Ning’s latest net worth in 2025 is approximately $22.6 billion, placing him among China’s top 10 richest people.

What makes his story more remarkable is how fast his net worth climbed. In just two years, thanks to Labubu's viral success and the booming demand for collectible toys, Wang's wealth tripled.

Pop Mart’s revenue grew by over 40% globally in 2024, with Labubu alone generating over $400 million, contributing heavily to this surge.

Why Are Labubu Toys So Expensive and Popular?

• Blind Box Rarity: Some Labubu versions are “chase figures” with only 1 in 144 odds, creating rarity and resale value.

• Emotional Design: Labubu's expressions evoke a mix of cuteness and chaos—perfect for Gen Z and millennial collectors.

• Social Media Hype: Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Xiaohongshu are filled with unboxing videos and fan-made collections.

• Celebrity Endorsement: Global celebs using or gifting Labubu have boosted its appeal outside China.

• Resale Market: Rare Labubu toys have sold for up to $150,000 on collector platforms and auction houses.

Where Can You Buy Original Labubu Toys?

Want to own an authentic Labubu? Here are the top places to buy them:

• Pop Mart Official Stores – Physical outlets in major cities like Shanghai, London, New York, and Tokyo

• Online:

  • Pop Mart Official Website

  • Amazon (Check for authenticity!)

  • NTWRK, StockX, and collectible platforms

  • Asian e-commerce platforms like Taobao or AliExpress (but beware of fakes)

Pro Tip: Always buy from verified sellers or official Pop Mart platforms. The fake market is huge.

Final Words

Labubu is more than just a toy. It represents the fusion of art and commerce, the magic of storytelling, and the genius of strategic branding.

While Kasing Lung deserves credit for creating the character, it’s Wang Ning’s vision and business acumen that turned Labubu into a billion-dollar global icon.

In a world driven by creativity and viral culture, Labubu’s story is a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is one unforgettable character—and the right CEO behind it.