Standing at an impressive 7 meters tall, the beloved character Labubu made a spectacular debut on Monday at Hong Kong International Airport, welcoming both residents and travelers with its iconic smile.
The grand opening ceremony unveiled the largest Labubu installation -- the King Mon -- in the departure hall, where the giant figure donned a white shirt emblazoned with "HKG."
Perched on a globe marked with various destinations, the massive traveler holds a paper airplane, signaling the start of its global journey from Hong Kong.
Special 18cm figurines unveiled
Cissy Chan Ching-sze, Executive Director (Commercial) of the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), emphasized the organization's commitment to supporting art development, especially the local creative industry.
She expressed gratitude to renowned local illustrator Kasing Lung for designing a special 18 cm figurine exclusively for the airport, hoping it would promote the city's vibrant artistic spirit alongside the character's growing appeal.
Popular Cantopop singer Hins Cheung King-hin also attended the opening ceremony, revealing his long-standing affection for Labubu.
"I have been a Labubu fan for a while. I especially styled my outfit with Labubu designs today," he said.
Describing Labubu's grin as a blend of cuteness and mischief, Cheung encouraged the public to maintain a childlike spirit much in life, much like the character.
Since Hong Kong is Labubu's home, Cheung believed that exhibiting this character at the airport would foster a sense of belonging and familiarity for both locals and travelers.
He also highlighted the growing presence of varied artists in Hong Kong, applauding how pop culture exhibitions are now more accessible in everyday life for the public.
Labubu, part of The Monsters series of blind box figurines, has captured hearts across Asia with its distinctive appearance and playful personality.
