17 November 2025
GQ Local Heroes：Kasing Lung
Born in Hong Kong, Kasing Lung—widely known as the “Father of Labubu” and the creator of The Monsters—has 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.
Our first meeting with Kasing Lung was at the dinner celebration for The Monsters: Present and Future exhibition in Shanghai, a major event marking the 10th anniversary of The Monsters. 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’s extraordinary creativity.
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. “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’s dreams and hard work,” he shared.
He reminisced about his love for comics, particularly The Smurfs, as well as novels, especially the works of wuxia novelist Jin Yong. “The Smiling, Proud Wanderer (笑傲江湖) was my favourite because it wasn’t just an exciting story—it was filled with philosophy and life wisdom. I used to imagine myself being part of that world,” he said. However, his mother often discouraged him from working in Hong Kong, warning, “You’ll never keep up with the pace there.”
In a city like Hong Kong, if you can’t keep up, you’ll get left behind. But that’s also what motivates us to move forward.
For many creatives, such a fast-paced environment can be overwhelming, but Lung chose to adapt with a positive attitude. He views Hong Kong’s 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. “In a city like Hong Kong, if you can’t keep up, you’ll get left behind. But that’s also what motivates us to move forward,” 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 The Monsters. Among the characters is Labubu, the mischievous little creature with nine teeth and upright pointed ears, who has become a beloved character.
“Labubu was originally just a side character,” Lung revealed. “Over three years, I created ten stories for The Monsters, each exploring themes of family, love, and friendship—three ideas I wanted to convey most. I used these whimsical characters to make emotions more tangible and relatable, especially to children.”
Reflecting on his creative journey, Lung credits his early inspiration to renowned picture book author Edward Gorey. “His picture books were incredible and had a huge impact on me,” 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’t just for children—they 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. “He told me that a story needs structure and clarity so readers can understand each character’s motivation and the direction of the plot.” This guidance helped Lung appreciate the power and beauty of storytelling.
In 2015, Lung debuted The Monsters, drawing inspiration from Nordic folklore. The forest-dwelling creatures in his stories are playful tricksters who, despite their mischievous nature, are fundamentally kind. “Labubu is more than just a product—it’s a vessel for storytelling. I want it to have a life of its own, to endure as a brand full of stories and emotions,” 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.
But Lung remains humble about his success. “Success is never easy, especially in arts and culture. I often remind myself that sunsets don’t last forever, and neither does success. Don’t get overly proud, and don’t dwell on setbacks,” he said. Originally, Lung dreamed of becoming a filmmaker because of his love for storytelling—a passion that continues to inform his work, from The Monsters to picture books and toy designs. “Design knows no boundaries,” he said, reflecting on the deep connection between his work and popular culture.
Success is never easy, especially in arts and culture. I often remind myself that sunsets don’t last forever, and neither does success.
Looking back on the past decade, Lung is quick to credit others for his achievements. “I’m not a hero. I’ve 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—only by being grateful can you receive more support,” he said.
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.
Gratitude is a mindset that permeates Lung’s approach to his craft. He works with sincerity and a commitment to spreading goodwill to everyone he collaborates with.
In today’s fragmented and fast-paced society, true success comes from perseverance. Lung’s journey is a testament to the power of patience and persistence in overcoming challenges. “In Hong Kong, you have to respect others and push through adversity to succeed. Success here doesn’t happen by chance—it’s the result of long-term effort and determination,” he said.
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.
Photography: Robert Nilsson
Interview: Desiree Au
Text: Simon Au
Recommended Articles
