Today in Focus Labubus, TikTok and KPop Demon Hunters: how childhood went east Asian
33 snips
Dec 15, 2025 
Join journalist Jeff Yang, an expert in Asian American cultures, as he explores the seismic shifts in global cultural dynamics. He dives into the phenomenon of LaBooBoo toys, spotlighting how collectibles have become fashion statements. Yang discusses how the pandemic and streaming have turbocharged interest in Asian media like anime and K-pop, transforming them into mainstream staples for Gen Z. He highlights TikTok’s role in amplifying this trend, while asserting that cultural appreciation fosters language learning and deeper global connections.
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LaBooBoos Became A Cultural Obsession
- LaBooBoos started as collectible troll-like plushies and rapidly became fashion must-haves.
- Jeff Yang describes their resale boom and cultural saturation with late-night jokes and knockoff debates.
Asian Pop Is Part Of Mainstream Childhood
- East Asian media like anime and K-pop now sit alongside Disney and Hollywood in children's cultural diets.
- Jeff Yang argues these became part of mainstream childhood tastes globally.
Growing Up Under American Pop Hegemony
- Jeff Yang recalls growing up when American TV dominated global culture with shows like Charlie's Angels and Happy Days.
- He frames that era as American pop cultural exceptionalism felt everywhere.
