Labubu's Creator Predicts Chinese Culture Will Become Mainstream Globally: "We Will Forge a New Path"

People's Daily Interviews Pop Mart Founder Wang Ning
"Sometimes Feel Uneasy About Negative Assessments"

The founder of the Chinese company Pop Mart, which created the globally popular character Labubu, expressed his confidence that "Chinese culture of the new era is soon to become global culture."

In an interview with the Chinese state-run media outlet People's Daily on July 21, founder Wang Ning addressed negative assessments regarding Pop Mart's immense popularity. He admitted, "I do feel uneasy," but added, "Since we are still in the process of breaking down the boundaries of public perception and the traditional ideas of the cultural industry, I believe it is natural for people to feel curiosity, admiration, or even skepticism toward the company."

Last year, Labubu's sales exceeded 3 billion yuan (approximately 580.98 billion won), and this year, it has established itself as a global IP (intellectual property). Wang Ning, noting that Pop Mart is now in its 15th year, explained that the company's rapid growth was due to "being an IP platform that can embrace artists and designers."

In particular, Wang Ning emphasized that Chinese culture in the new era is global culture. He said, "Pop Mart develops products that people love, and through these products, we spread the culture behind them to the world." He continued, "As a new-generation Chinese brand, we hope to create products with higher added value and become a global consumer brand." He also stated, "I believe innovation lies in collaborating with outstanding artists and creating new value based on China's mature manufacturing industry."

Labubu performing at Popland, the Pop Mart theme park. Photo by AP Yonhap News.

Some limited-edition Labubu figures have sold for tens of millions of won. In addition, illegal counterfeit dolls called Lapupu have appeared. Wang Ning emphasized, "The exploration of Labubu's story and value has only just begun. There will be even more surprises in the future," and noted that the company is trying various methods to prevent the controversial practice of malicious price manipulation. While he acknowledged that blind boxes are a core marketing method for Pop Mart, he also stressed the importance of product design and quality.

Last year, Pop Mart's overseas sales reached 5.07 billion yuan (about 980 billion won), marking a 375.2% increase compared to the previous year. Wang Ning predicted that this year, overseas sales would surpass domestic sales in China. He said, "When we first opened Pop Mart overseas, many people said, 'Only Chinese people will go and buy.' However, even in our domestic stores, many foreigners come and buy our products," adding, "People call them 'Chinese specialties.'" Wang Ning expressed confidence that China's excellent manufacturing and strong market would lead artists from all over the world to develop IP. He also predicted that IP developed in China would expand globally.

Visitors at the Pop Mart flagship store in Shanghai, China. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News.

Wang Ning also emphasized that Pop Mart pioneered the trendy toy industry, stating, "I hope Pop Mart will become a company like a tree, putting down deep roots in the future." He continued, "A culture that embraces everything in China, powerful manufacturing capabilities, and a vast market have provided the soil for everything at Pop Mart to take root," stressing, "It is the Chinese manufacturing environment and culture that made Pop Mart what it is." He added, "Pop Mart has infinite possibilities, but compared to companies that have been around for centuries, there is still much room for improvement." Nevertheless, he said, "Rather than following someone else's path, we will forge a new one."