{"id":32586,"date":"2025-11-17T18:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gqhongkong.com\/?p=32586"},"modified":"2025-11-17T12:15:16","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T04:15:16","slug":"gq-local-heroes-kasing-lung","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gqhongkong.com\/en\/lifestyle-en\/gq-local-heroes-kasing-lung","title":{"rendered":"GQ Local Heroes\uff1aKasing Lung"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Our first meeting with Kasing Lung was at the dinner celebration for <em>The Monsters: Present and Future<\/em> exhibition in Shanghai, a major event marking the 10th anniversary of <em>The Monsters<\/em>. The exhibition featured a wide array of his works, including paintings, sculptures, and sketches, showcasing the charm and talent of this celebrated artist, allowing us to step into the vibrant world of his imaginative creatures. With their growing influence worldwide, these characters have become cultural icons, a testament to Lung\u2019s extraordinary creativity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kasing Lung was born in Hong Kong and spent his childhood living with his grandparents in Yuen Long before emigrating to the Netherlands with his family in 1978. He recalls how, in school, teachers gave him picture books to help him learn basic Dutch. As he drew more, he began to fall in love with art. His parents ran a restaurant, leaving him plenty of time to read and draw alone at home. From a young age, he was aware of the rapid pace of life in Hong Kong. &#8220;I always heard about how fast life was in Hong Kong, especially during the 1980s and 1990s. The entire city felt like an engine that never stopped, constantly driving people\u2019s dreams and hard work,&#8221; he shared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He reminisced about his love for comics, particularly <em>The Smurfs<\/em>, as well as novels, especially the works of wuxia novelist Jin Yong. <em>\u201cThe Smiling, Proud Wanderer<\/em> (\u7b11\u50b2\u6c5f\u6e56) was my favourite because it wasn\u2019t just an exciting story\u2014it was filled with philosophy and life wisdom. I used to imagine myself being part of that world,\u201d he said. However, his mother often discouraged him from working in Hong Kong, warning, \u201cYou\u2019ll never keep up with the pace there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>In a city like Hong Kong, if you can\u2019t keep up, you\u2019ll get left behind. But that\u2019s also what motivates us to move forward.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>For many creatives, such a fast-paced environment can be overwhelming, but Lung chose to adapt with a positive attitude. He views Hong Kong\u2019s speed as both a driving force and a challenge, believing that such an environment pushes individuals to be more innovative and courageous in breaking boundaries. &#8220;In a city like Hong Kong, if you can\u2019t keep up, you\u2019ll get left behind. But that\u2019s also what motivates us to move forward,&#8221; he explained. This mindset has fueled his constant pursuit of new ideas and self-improvement, leading to the creation of his Noridc picture book series <em>The Monsters<\/em>. Among the characters is Labubu, the mischievous little creature with nine teeth and upright pointed ears, who has become a beloved character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Labubu was originally just a side character,&#8221; Lung revealed. &#8220;Over three years, I created ten stories for <em>The Monsters<\/em>, each exploring themes of family, love, and friendship\u2014three ideas I wanted to convey most. I used these whimsical characters to make emotions more tangible and relatable, especially to children.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reflecting on his creative journey, Lung credits his early inspiration to renowned picture book author Edward Gorey. \u201cHis picture books were incredible and had a huge impact on me,\u201d he said. As a child, he was captivated by the colourful illustrations and rich stories, which opened his eyes to the idea that picture books weren\u2019t just for children\u2014they were an artistic medium capable of conveying deep emotions and narratives. A pivotal turning point came during his time working in Belgium, where he met an editor who greatly influenced him. The editor not only guided him in crafting better stories but also taught him the art of storytelling. &#8220;He told me that a story needs structure and clarity so readers can understand each character\u2019s motivation and the direction of the plot.&#8221; This guidance helped Lung appreciate the power and beauty of storytelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2015, Lung debuted <em>The Monsters<\/em>, drawing inspiration from Nordic folklore. The forest-dwelling creatures in his stories are playful tricksters who, despite their mischievous nature, are fundamentally kind. &#8220;Labubu is more than just a product\u2014it\u2019s a vessel for storytelling. I want it to have a life of its own, to endure as a brand full of stories and emotions,&#8221; Lung explained. His passion for blending cultures and his dedication to his craft have made these whimsical creations globally influential, earning admiration from both the public and celebrities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But Lung remains humble about his success. \u201cSuccess is never easy, especially in arts and culture. I often remind myself that sunsets don\u2019t last forever, and neither does success. Don\u2019t get overly proud, and don\u2019t dwell on setbacks,\u201d he said. Originally, Lung dreamed of becoming a filmmaker because of his love for storytelling\u2014a passion that continues to inform his work, from <em>The Monsters<\/em> to picture books and toy designs. \u201cDesign knows no boundaries,\u201d he said, reflecting on the deep connection between his work and popular culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Success is never easy, especially in arts and culture. I often remind myself that sunsets don\u2019t last forever, and neither does success.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking back on the past decade, Lung is quick to credit others for his achievements. \u201cI\u2019m not a hero. I\u2019ve only come this far because of the countless people who have supported me along the way. Their unconditional help has allowed me to go further. I believe in gratitude\u2014only by being grateful can you receive more support,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lung recalled 2018 as a turning point when he began participating in exhibitions and art shows, inviting friends and collaborators to view his work. These exhibitions not only showcased his art but also opened doors to the commercial market. He later started attending toy conventions, participating in three to four shows annually, gradually building Labubu into an internationally recognised brand. His collaborations with figures like Takashi Murakami further expanded his creative horizons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gratitude is a mindset that permeates Lung\u2019s approach to his craft. He works with sincerity and a commitment to spreading goodwill to everyone he collaborates with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In today\u2019s fragmented and fast-paced society, true success comes from perseverance. Lung\u2019s journey is a testament to the power of patience and persistence in overcoming challenges. \u201cIn Hong Kong, you have to respect others and push through adversity to succeed. Success here doesn\u2019t happen by chance\u2014it\u2019s the result of long-term effort and determination,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking ahead, Lung hopes to focus more on storytelling, whether through films or animation, as part of his mission to share values and popular culture with the world. For him, no matter how times change, only through continuous effort can one find their place in an ever-evolving world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Photography: Robert Nilsson<br>Interview: Desiree Au<br>Text: Simon Au<\/p>\n\n\n    <div id=\"featured-post-block_ef9b05f837892e549674a7fa1f2b0a2b\" class=\"featured-post-block\">\r\n        <article class=\"featured-post\">\r\n            <div class=\"relatedWrapBox\">\r\n                <span class=\"relatedTitle\">\r\n                    Related Articles\r\n                <\/span>\r\n                <div class=\"post-category-related\">\r\n                    Lifestyle                <\/div>\r\n                <h3 class=\"post-title\">\r\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/gqhongkong.com\/en\/lifestyle-en\/who-are-gq-hong-kongs-local-heroes\">\r\n                        Who Are GQ Hong Kong\u2019s \u201cLocal Heroes\u201d?\u00a0                    <\/a>\r\n                <\/h3>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n                        <div class=\"featured-post-image\">\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/gqhongkong.com\/en\/lifestyle-en\/who-are-gq-hong-kongs-local-heroes\">\r\n                    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/gqhongkong.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MOTY-website_1600x680.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>                <\/a>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n                    <\/article>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    \n\n    <div id=\"featured-post-block_85e7c959de7620b0bed7fa9e5848eb18\" class=\"featured-post-block\">\r\n        <article class=\"featured-post\">\r\n            <div class=\"relatedWrapBox\">\r\n                <span class=\"relatedTitle\">\r\n                    Related Articles\r\n                <\/span>\r\n                <div class=\"post-category-related\">\r\n                    Lifestyle                <\/div>\r\n                <h3 class=\"post-title\">\r\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/gqhongkong.com\/en\/lifestyle-en\/gq-local-heroes-louis-koo\">\r\n                        GQ Local Heroes\uff1aOne Cool by Louis Koo                    <\/a>\r\n                <\/h3>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n                        <div class=\"featured-post-image\">\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/gqhongkong.com\/en\/lifestyle-en\/gq-local-heroes-louis-koo\">\r\n                    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/gqhongkong.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MOTY-Heroes-square_one-cool-1024x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gqhongkong.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MOTY-Heroes-square_one-cool-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gqhongkong.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MOTY-Heroes-square_one-cool-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gqhongkong.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MOTY-Heroes-square_one-cool-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gqhongkong.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MOTY-Heroes-square_one-cool-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gqhongkong.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MOTY-Heroes-square_one-cool-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gqhongkong.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MOTY-Heroes-square_one-cool-2048x2048.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                <\/a>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n                    <\/article>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    \n\n    <div id=\"featured-post-block_48b4642da2724f807c0cf3320ab8905a\" class=\"featured-post-block\">\r\n        <article class=\"featured-post\">\r\n            <div class=\"relatedWrapBox\">\r\n                <span class=\"relatedTitle\">\r\n                    Related Articles\r\n                <\/span>\r\n                <div class=\"post-category-related\">\r\n                    Style                <\/div>\r\n                <h3 class=\"post-title\">\r\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/gqhongkong.com\/en\/style-en\/what-is-gq-moty-gq-hong-kong-to-host-inaugural-gq-men-of-the-year-awards\">\r\n                        What Is GQ MOTY? 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With luxury brands competing to collaborate with him, Lung marked the 10th anniversary of The Monsters this year with a special exhibition in Shanghai. During the event, he shared insights into how he remains true to himself amidst the fast-paced culture of Hong Kong.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":31988,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[249],"tags":[1728,1730,1731,1679,1652],"authors":[468],"class_list":["post-32586","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle-en","tag-gq-moty-2","tag-kasing-lung-2","tag-labubu-2","tag-local-heroes-2","tag-moty-2","authors-simon-au"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>GQ Local Heroes\uff1aKasing Lung<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Born in Hong Kong, Kasing Lung\u2014widely known as the \u201cFather of Labubu\u201d and the creator of The Monsters\u2014has risen to become one of the most sought-after artists in the global art world, generating an impressive 3 billion HKD in economic value. With luxury brands competing to collaborate with him, Lung marked the 10th anniversary of The Monsters this year with a special exhibition in Shanghai. During the event, he shared insights into how he remains true to himself amidst the fast-paced culture of Hong Kong.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/gqhongkong.com\/en\/lifestyle-en\/gq-local-heroes-kasing-lung\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"GQ Local Heroes\uff1aKasing Lung\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Born in Hong Kong, Kasing Lung\u2014widely known as the \u201cFather of Labubu\u201d and the creator of The Monsters\u2014has risen to become one of the most sought-after artists in the global art world, generating an impressive 3 billion HKD in economic value. 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With luxury brands competing to collaborate with him, Lung marked the 10th anniversary of The Monsters this year with a special exhibition in Shanghai. During the event, he shared insights into how he remains true to himself amidst the fast-paced culture of Hong Kong.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/gqhongkong.com\/en\/lifestyle-en\/gq-local-heroes-kasing-lung","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"GQ Local Heroes\uff1aKasing Lung","og_description":"Born in Hong Kong, Kasing Lung\u2014widely known as the \u201cFather of Labubu\u201d and the creator of The Monsters\u2014has risen to become one of the most sought-after artists in the global art world, generating an impressive 3 billion HKD in economic value. 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