Labubu maker will finally open a US headquarters — here’s where

The world-famous Labubu Pop Mart is opening its headquarters in California.

The highly sought-after “ugly-cute” plush, monster-like creatures — with sharp teeth, long ears, and fur — were created by artist Kasing Lung in 2015 and are produced by Pop Mart.

The company is opening its headquarters in Culver City. The 22,000-square-foot office will serve as Pop Mart’s new U.S. headquarters, according to KTLA.

These viral collectible figures often act as fashionable bag charms and are known for their sometimes difficult-to-find, exclusive nature.

Pop Mart is best known for its “blind boxes” — collectible toys sold in packaging that keeps the specific character a secret until opened — a marketing approach that has fueled a global frenzy for the quirky creatures.

Labubu, along with the other plush monsters in the series, was first created as part of the picture book series “The Monsters” by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and later transformed into the now-viral toys.

Despite their sharp teeth, long ears, and slightly sinister looks, the monsters are intended to be “well-intentioned” and “never malicious,” according to Emily Brough, Pop Mart North America’s head of licensing, the network reported.

The Labubu craze exploded internationally after Lisa of Blackpink was spotted with a Labubu keychain in April 2024, quickly followed by celebrities including Dua Lipa and Kim Kardashian, who helped turn the dolls into must-have fashion accessories.

Their popularity has grown so much that counterfeit versions — nicknamed “Lafufus” — have flooded the market, prompting warnings from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission about potential dangers from fake products.

Now China’s viral toy sensation will have it’s US home in Southern California.

The phenomenon has even caught Hollywood’s attention: Sony Pictures acquired the film rights to Labubu earlier this year, signaling the plush toys’ crossover from viral collectibles to mainstream entertainment.

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