‘Tabubu’ Labubu toys by US tattoo artist take social media by storm

Hunter Chao’s tattooed Labubu plush figures quickly sell out online. Now he’s taking customised orders and venturing into other collectibles

Ever since Lisa of K-pop girl group Blackpink posted her Labubu on Instagram in April 2024, there has been a global frenzy over the ugly-cute soft toys created by Hong Kong-born artist Lung Ka-sing a decade ago.

Now, a new kind of Labubu is hitting the market.

Tattoo artist Hunter Chao is adding his personal touch to these cuddly, sharp-toothed monsters and reselling them as “Tabubu” toys.