The Mind Behind “The Monsters”: The Complete Biography of Kasing Lung

When you see a Labubu, you see more than a toy. You see a mischievous grin, pointed teeth, and expressive eyes. But behind this global phenomenon is not a corporation, but a single international artist: Kasing Lung. As the leading US expert source for his authentic work, we’ve created the definitive guide to the artist who started it all.

From Hong Kong to the Netherlands: A Dual-Culture Influence

Artist and illustrator Kasing Lung
Artist and illustrator Kasing Lung, whose Hong Kong and Netherlands background defined his unique style.

Kasing Lung’s artistic vision was forged between two worlds. Born in Hong Kong in 1972, he moved to the Netherlands with his family as a child. This dual-culture upbringing became a cornerstone of his style.

While living in Europe, he became fascinated with the rich, often dark Nordic and European folklore. The gnomes, elves, and mysterious creatures of these old-world fairy tales inspired what would become his signature “ugly-cute” aesthetic—a style defined by characters that are simultaneously charming and unsettling.

The Birth of “The Monsters”: A Graphic Novel Universe

Before the vinyl toys, Kasing Lung was an illustrator. His universe was first introduced to the world through a trilogy of graphic novels. This narrative foundation is why his characters feel so alive.

Labubu Mokoko And Zimono
The “The Monsters” universe, including Labubu (center) and his companions Zimomo and Mokoko.

This universe, known as “The Monsters,” is populated by a whole family of magical creatures. While Labubu is the undeniable star, the world also includes Zimomo, Tycoco, Pato, and Spooky, among others. Each character has its own distinct personality, making the world ripe for collection.

From Art Gallery to Global Icon: Collaborations & Acclaim

This is not just a toy designer. Kasing Lung is a respected contemporary artist whose work has been featured in prestigious art galleries, most notably Takashi Murakami’s renowned Kaikai Kiki Gallery in Tokyo.

His crossover into the mainstream has been marked by a series of high-profile collaborations with global brands. This includes:

labubu x vans limited edition 3-4 view
The highly sought-after Labubu x Vans collaboration, an example of his art-fashion crossover.
  • Vans: A sold-out collection that brought “The Monsters” to classic footwear.
  • UNIQLO: A celebrated UT graphic t-shirt collection featuring the entire “The Monsters” cast.
  • Art Basel: Kasing Lung created a coveted special limited-edition figure for the prestigious international art fair.

Our Commitment to the Artist

At Labubu-Doll.com (Labubu Doll Publishing LLC), we are more than just a store. We are curators dedicated to celebrating the art of Kasing Lung and protecting the community that loves his work.

This is why our commitment to providing 100% guaranteed authentic pieces is at the core of our mission. We fight against counterfeits (“Lafufus”) to ensure that every fan and collector receives a genuine piece of Kasing Lung’s artistic legacy.

Explore authentic pieces from Kasing Lung’s universe in our collections.

Kasing Lung: Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Kasing Lung?

Kasing Lung is a Hong Kong-born, Netherlands-raised artist and illustrator. He is the world-renowned creator of “The Monsters” universe, which includes the famous characters Labubu, Zimomo, and Tycoco.

What is “The Monsters” universe?

“The Monsters” is the character universe created by Kasing Lung, inspired by European folklore. It began as a series of graphic novels before becoming a global art toy phenomenon through collaborations with POP MART.

Where has Kasing Lung exhibited his art?

Beyond designer toys, Kasing Lung is a respected contemporary artist. His work has been exhibited in prestigious galleries worldwide, including Takashi Murakami’s famous **Kaikai Kiki Gallery** in Tokyo.