“You can’t buy RabuBoo? There’s Crybaby” The geeks behind RabuBoo

Rabubu isn’t the hippest thing right now. After one wave of lavubu, character keychains like Crybaby, Monchichi, and Fugler are now all the rage. What is it about these character keyrings that makes them so unique? Read on to learn more about the keyring trend and our list of “buy now, get hip” keyrings.

Not long ago, singer Lee Young-ji unboxed a random box of Labu Bu on social media live and it was discovered to be fake. It was such a hot topic that it was reported on Taiwanese news. Aileet’s Wonhee, BTOB’s Yookjae, and BoA have also been victimized by counterfeit Labu Buu purchased online. Soon, there was even a “Labu Buu genuine identification method”. The authentic packaging box has a hologram, scanning the QR code on the doll’s label leads to the official Pop Mart website, shining a UV light on the soles of the doll’s feet reveals special markings, and the doll has nine teeth. What is Rabubu?

Labubu is a brand of character dolls created by Hong Kong designer Kassing Leung that has become a global phenomenon, with global celebrities like Rihanna and Dua Lipa wearing them. The popularity of Labubu has inspired other characters from the company, including Pop Mart’s Crybaby, Hachipupu, and Molly, to join the trend. The Beijing, China-based company’s characters are characterized by their unique looks, usually limited edition, and randomized boxes, with a 1 in 144 chance of a “hidden” character appearing.

🧸PopMartisn’t the only brand out there

There are other brands that are just as popular as the PopMart characters. These are Sanrio, Monchichi, and Fugler keyrings. Sanrio is a well-known Japanese character-based entertainment brand that’s been around for a long time, but it’s only recently gaining traction as a keyring trend.

In addition to the main character, Hello Kitty, other non-mainstream characters such as Pompompurin, Cinnamon Roll, Pochacco and Kuromi, and Han Gyodong have also gained popularity. The collaborations and thematic variations make it even more interesting.

Cute or not. Characters with a strange charm are popular with the MZ generation. Photo via Monchichi Official Instagram

It’s also worth noting the increased consumption of unique characters like Monchichi and Fugler. Monchichi, with his chubby cheeks and freckles, and Fuggler, with his button eyes and realistic teeth, are weird but somehow appealing.

Generation MZ is no longer just pretty and cute, they’re now wearing keyrings that are rare and unconventional. The “~customization” trend has spilled over into everyday bag customization, creating a subculture of sorts where keyrings are used to express one’s identity.

👉Who’s Next?

1. Crybaby

It is characterized by a face with large, watery eyes. Joy, sadness, and anger are all expressed through tears. Rabubu is as iconic a character as PopMart, and a recent collaboration with the popular anime “Powerpuff Girls” was a hit.

2. hachipupu

They have the innocent eyes of a child and a flawless face. The Gummy Bears are dressed in bear-like fur and come in grape flavors and green apple flavors. There’s a 1 in 72 chance you’ll get a latte gummy bear.

3. pom-pom-purine

He took first place in the worldwide category of the Sanrio Character Awards 2025. Launched by Sanrio in 1996, the character is based on a golden retriever and has an optimistic personality. Recently, he has gained attention for his “Tanning Sanrio Characters Doll Keyring” series in collaboration with Olive Young and Tenbaiten.

4. monchichi

A plush character released by the Japanese company Sekiguchi. The name is a combination of the French words “Mon” (my) and “Peti” (small and cute). She has fluffy fur and a look reminiscent of a monkey. The company has recently released collaborations with Hello Kitty and Tom and Jerry.

5. fuggler

The name stands for “Funny Ugly Monster”. It all started when British creator Lewis McGetrick glued fake teeth onto a teddy bear. They come in a variety of colors, patterns, and shapes, and the more unique they are, the more appealing they are.

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Writer. Jisoo Kim

He started out as a marketer, but realized early on that clothes didn’t fit him, so he worked as an assistant and intern before becoming an editor. After working at , a magazine covering men’s high-end fashion and culture, he is currently working at , Korea’s first men’s fashion magazine. He enjoys the more interesting life of a men’s magazine than he expected and strives to create content that is useful for all ages.

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