Labubu doll left at Karl Marx's grave in London sparks viral reactions online
A viral photo showing a Labubu doll sitting at Karl Marx’s grave has captured the internet’s attention, blending cultural contradiction with humour and irony.
Spotted at Highgate Cemetery in London, the Pop Mart character, symbolic of today’s consumer-driven collectible culture, was placed beside the final resting place of one of capitalism’s most outspoken critics.
A Labubu was left on Karl Marx’s grave. pic.twitter.com/afb0spKAzw
The visual struck a chord online, with users calling it “the most ironic moment in recent memory.” Known for being a product of surprise boxes and limited-edition hype, Labubu represents the very market obsession Karl Marx critiqued. “Placing a Labubu there is actually akin to performing voodoo on Marx,” one user joked. Another wrote, “Yes, there’s a Labubu on Marx’s grave. Capitalism won.”
The scene became even more layered with the presence of a handwritten letter from Chinese student Liu Yuhae. The note thanked Marx for shaping her worldview and included a heartfelt line: “I already look like a potato now... It has always been my long-cherished wish to cook potatoes for you every day in the afterlife.”
Though some found the moment sweet, most online reactions focused on the symbolic clash. One user wrote, “Labubu could be one of the most anti-Marx things,” while another added, “The fact of knowing there is currently a Labubu on Karl Marx's grave bothers me at least twice in every hour.”
From confused laughter to philosophical reflection, the image has sparked global conversation.