A life-sized Labubu doll was sold at an auction in Beijing for a record 1.08 million yuan, which is slightly over 130,000 euros. These dolls, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung over a decade ago, have become extremely popular worldwide, especially after being promoted by celebrities such as members of the Korean pop group Blackpink and singers Rihanna and Dua Lipa. Last year, the Chinese company Pop Mart, which sells these dolls, earned revenue of 1.3 billion yuan, more than double the previous year. The popularity of Labubu dolls has further increased due to viral trends on social media platforms like TikTok. This auction in Beijing was entirely dedicated to Labubu dolls, with a total of about 3.37 million yuan raised.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the cultural and artistic value of the Labubu dolls, highlighting the creativity of the Hong Kong artist and the global viral phenomenon driven by social media and celebrity endorsements. They may also discuss the impact of consumer culture and the role of collectible toys in modern society.
Center: Centrist sources report the facts of the auction and the popularity of the Labubu dolls, focusing on the record-breaking sale price and the growing market for collectible toys. They provide balanced coverage of the phenomenon, noting the role of social media trends and the commercial success of the Pop Mart company.
Right: Right-leaning media might focus on the economic aspects, such as the high prices paid for what are essentially toys, possibly critiquing consumerism and the hype around collectibles. They may also highlight the international nature of the trend and the involvement of Western celebrities in promoting foreign products.
