By Nsan Neji
LAGOS (CONVERSEER) – A TikTok creator @lilzbullzofficial has recently gone viral, claiming ownership of an exclusive 24-karat gold version of Labubu—a collector’s toy figurine originally designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and popularised by Chinese retailer Pop Mart.
The Viral Claim of 24k Gold Labubu Doll
In a video that has attracted over 22 million views, the creator showcases what she calls “the one and only 24k gold Labubu doll,” allegedly custom cast from melted gold bars, tipping the scales at approximately 200 grams. She claims it cost £20,000 (about $27,000) to produce
Authenticity Under Scrutiny
To prove its genuineness, she performs “tests” on TikTok, including using a magnet and gold-testing devices, and even mimicking a gold tester’s tone when they touch the figure. These demonstrations have drawn both fascination and scepticism from viewers about the 24k gold Labubu doll content.
What Is Labubu?
Labubu is part of a viral collectible toy craze originating from Pop Mart. The character, created in 2015, is sold in blind-box packages and has garnered a massive following, buoyed by celebrity fans like Rihanna, Blackpink’s Lisa, Dua Lipa, and Kim Kardashian. Though originally available for around $15–$30, rare Labubu figures have sold at auction for over $170,000, and high-end, human-sized versions have fetched more than $150,000
Trend or Fad?
The toy’s meteoric rise is credited to its mixture of scarcity via blind-box drops and celebrity endorsement, generating a growing secondary market valued in the billions. However, analysts warn that its cultural clout may be fleeting.
Gold Labubu: Hype or Reality?
This alleged 24K gold variant fuels yet another peak in the Labubu phenomenon. Jewelry designer Dara Kaye Kaplan even crafted a gold-and-lab-grown-diamond “Monster” charm, signaling how adult collectors are elevating these toys into luxury status symbols. Still, sceptics view the TikTok demonstration as gimmicky, and some doubt its legitimacy.
Bottom line: Whether a genuine gold casting or elaborate viral marketing, the 24k gold Labubu doll highlights how a simple vinyl toy has transcended traditional collector culture—unlocking new realms of luxury, hype, skepticism, and social media spectacle.
