LABUBU TIME: Kasing Lung, the creator of the global cultural phenomenon Labubu and The Monsters universe it inhabits, has been named the artistic director of the third edition of ComplexCon Hong Kong, slated for March 21 to 22 next year.
“There is magic in the power of imagination, and Kasing’s way of expressing this world, painted from emotion, memory and wonder, is powerful,” said Bonnie Chan Woo, chief executive officer and founder of ComplexCon Hong Kong.
“I am excited to return with a storyteller whose work has resonated deeply with us and will undoubtedly continue to inspire. Kasing’s universe of characters and stories speaks to a culture that has long embraced art and creativity, and we can’t wait for the world to see where his imagination takes ComplexCon Hong Kong next,” she added.
“I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be serving as the artistic director for ComplexCon Hong Kong 2026, joining The Monsters for this incredible event. I can’t wait to share the exciting experiences we’ve been preparing for everyone,” said Lung.
As the first Complex in-person event being held outside of North America, the global luxury streetwear and pop culture fair, supported by the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund of the Government of Hong Kong SAR, will continue to occupy the 430,556-square-foot AsiaWorld-Expo venue, located next to the Hong Kong International Airport.
More headliners and brand partners will be revealed throughout the lead-up to the festival.
Guests will be able to indulge in an immersive pop culture experience, shop hundreds of exclusive releases from music, fashion, art, food, and sports brands, and attend talks from leading figures in pop culture.
Previous artistic directors of ComplexCon Hong Kong included Japanese artist Verdy and American artist Daniel Arsham.
The convention earlier this year drew over 35,000 attendees to engage with over 150 brands and creators. It’s estimated that the fair generated around 87.5 million Hong Kong dollars in onsite business for the city.
The organizer anticipated that Lung’s direction would write another exciting chapter for the festival, celebrating creativity that connects local artistry with global influence.
Lung created The Monsters universe in 2015 with other characters such as Mokoko, Spooky, Tycoco, Yaya, Puca, Pippo, Vos, Monster Boy, Pato, and Zimomo, who is the leader of the Labubu clan.
How2work, a design production house in Hong Kong’s Kwun Tong district, manufactures most of the plastic renditions of the characters from The Monsters series. Lung started working with How2work in 2011 as a book illustrator for the release of a series of children’s storybooks and figurines.
In 2019, he signed a licensing agreement with China‘s Pop Mart, and just like most of Pop Mart’s popular toy ranges, the mischievous-looking Labubus became furry plush dolls and blind box collections, meaning the customer receives a random product from a themed series. It often includes standard styles that are revealed on the packaging and hidden styles that are highly sought-after by collectors.
The global rise of Labubu this year can be largely attributed to the success of Pop Mart’s third generation of Labubu plush doll blind-box series, Big Into Energy, released in April.
Lung told WWD earlier that he was amazed at how Labubu, a “side character” in The Monsters series, has emerged to become a global phenomenon. By his own admission, “the story is really, really dark. It’s not for children, but children can read it.”
The artist said he draws inspiration from Nordic folklore and mythology for his intricately illustrated books, populated by his original characters.