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Pop Mart Doubles Down on Labubu Mania With Plans For Global Theme Park
Pop Mart, the Chinese toy maker behind the viral Labubu doll, now has bigger dreams, a Disney-style theme park.
The company revealed it is exploring everything from animation to potential theme parks, aiming to turn Labubu’s massive fan following into a lasting global franchise.
Pop Mart’s executive director Si De said the company takes inspiration from Disney’s success with Mickey Mouse.
“We have learned from Disney for a long time. In fact, Disney’s great value lies in its ability to operate intellectual property over the long term, even up to 100 years,” he said.
Designed in 2015 by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung, the Labubu character accounts for nearly 35% of Pop Mart’s revenue in 2025.
Its viral appeal also triggered a nearly 200% jump in Pop Mart’s shares this year, briefly making the company more valuable than Hasbro, Mattel, and Sanrio combined.
Pop Mart also plans to expand Labubu through content collaborations and merchandise. The goal is to build original IP with the potential to last generations.
Overall, the company hopes to double down on Labubu, expanding its storylines, deepening collaborations, and elevating it into a cultural icon.
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Nathan Chen Officially Inducted to the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame
Olympic gold medalist Nathan Chen is making history again. In 2026, he will be inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame during his first year of eligibility.
This honor celebrates a groundbreaking career that completely redefined men’s skating and cements his legendary status.
The organization confirmed the honor on December 2, placing Chen in a special ‘golden class’ during the Hall of Fame’s 50th anniversary.
He will be inducted alongside longtime coach Rafael Arutyunyan and contributor Joseph Inman.
Nicknamed the ‘Quad King,’ Nathan Chen transformed men’s figure skating by becoming the first skater to land five different quadruple jumps in competition.
His record-breaking achievements set new technical standards, inspiring athletes, fans, coaches, and judges worldwide,
Over a remarkable 12-year career, Nathan Chen claimed six U.S. titles, three world championships, and two Olympic golds.
He also set a record combined score of 335.30 at the 2019 Grand Prix Final, a mark that remains among figure skating’s highest ever.
Though fans anticipated a comeback, Nathan Chen confirmed he will not defend his Olympic titles in 2026, choosing to step away from competition to pursue medical studies.
His Hall of Fame induction on January 9 in St. Louis honors his lasting impact on U.S. skating.
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She Trained for 12 Years and Never Debuted – Now She’s Making Asian History at the Grammys
EJAE is making history as the first Korean American woman to ever be nominated for the prestigious ‘Song of the Year’ at the Grammys.
The singer-songwriter earned the honor through her hit single ‘Golden,’ a standout track from KPop Demon Hunters.
Despite the massive achievement, EJAE admitted she is still processing the news.
“I’m not able to digest this time. I’m still in shock,” she shared, revealing she felt a touch of “imposter syndrome.” For her, this moment is beyond anything she ever dared to imagine.
‘Golden’ is living up to its name, securing four Grammy nominations. Performed alongside Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, the track earned nods including Best Pop Duo and Best Song Written for Visual Media.
It is a massive sweep that proves the song is a global powerhouse.
This success is especially meaningful given EJAE’s difficult journey. She spent 12 grueling years as a trainee at SM Entertainment but never debuted.
Instead of giving up, she pivoted, reinventing herself as a powerhouse composer for groups like Red Velvet and aespa.
Her story is now a powerful testament to resilience. During her appearance on ‘You Quiz on the Block,’ she explained that her past struggles make this global victory even sweeter.
She credits the fans of the movie for making this impossible dream a reality.
EJAE’s historic nomination proves success isn’t always linear. From an undebuted trainee to a Grammy-nominated songwriter, she has shattered barriers for Asian American women in music.
Today, she stands not just as a star, but as a pioneer who truly paved her own unique way.
News
BTS’ V Goes Viral After Fans Donate $20,000 to Honor Him with a Bench at Central Park
V, also known as Kim Taehyung, of BTS has gone viral after ARMY funded a $20,000 dollar bench in New York’s Central Park dedicated to him.
The spot, called ‘Taehyung’s Corner,’ celebrates his first birthday after military service and offers fans a quiet place to honor his impact today.
The donation was made through Central Park’s Adopt-A-Bench program, which lets supporters place engraved plaques for $20,000.
Run by the Central Park Conservancy, the program maintains each bench permanently, offering visitors a lasting spot to pause and feel V’s legacy.
V’s fans said, “A bench has been created for Kim Taehyung in the heart of New York City. We hope this will be a space where fans and visitors can remember and connect with V’s presence.”
Their tribute reflects ARMY’s devotion, turning their admiration into something meaningful and lasting.
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