SINGAPORE

The fascination with Labubu dolls is igniting a frenzy across Singapore and other parts of Asia, even making waves as far as the United States where eager fans are lining up at Pop-Mart stores for these whimsical collectibles.

Woman Fined for Undeclared Goods

In a recent incident that illustrates the lengths some will go for their beloved dolls, a woman returning from a business trip to London found herself being slapped with hefty fines. Singapore Customs announced on November 15 that the woman faced consequences for neglecting to declare items in her possession, including several high-end Labubu dolls.

Upon inspecting her luggage, customs officials found not just the dolls but also a slew of undeclared luxury items such as branded bags and accessories from labels like Louis Vuitton, Prada, YSL, Dior, and Balenciaga. These were intended as gifts. Although the woman was aware of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) relief limits, she mistakenly believed she only needed to declare commercial items, which led to her costly oversight. Ultimately, she received the maximum composition fine of S$5,000 alongside a GST repayment of S$3,963.69.

Police Investigate Theft of Dolls

Meanwhile, excitement turned to chaos in Yishun where the police are investigating a suspicious incident involving three boys. Footage from security cameras revealed the trio engaged in tilting a claw machine at a local pet shop, leading to the disappearance of five Labubu dolls, valued at around S$300. The boys were caught on camera manipulating the machine to pilfer prizes, with one even inserting his hand through an opening. Derrick He, the pet shop owner, confirmed that out of the original 11 Labubu dolls from the "Monsters Tasty Macarons Series," five were reported missing following the incident.

This isn't the first instance of theft related to these coveted collectibles. Just last month, a teenage girl reported that a Labubu doll, which was attached to her keychain, was snatched from her bag. When she noticed, all that remained was the keychain hook—an unfortunate reminder of the doll’s sudden disappearance.

Rise in Popularity of Labubu Dolls

Labubu, a whimsical female elf created by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung as part of his renowned story series "The Monsters," has skyrocketed in popularity. Following the launch of plush charms in October 2023 and a notable public appearance with K-pop idol Lisa from Blackpink, these dolls have turned into a hot commodity for 2024. They are selling out almost instantaneously at Pop Mart, further amplifying their demand.

In a city where collectibles hold significant value, the soaring popularity of Labubu dolls is showcasing not only a trend but also the lengths to which individuals will go—whether through lawful purchases or illicit means—to secure these coveted items.