The Pop Toy Show, which started on Friday, 23rd August, at Marina Bay Sands and spanned the weekend until Sunday, 25th August, became the center of attention not just for its display of coveted collectibles but for the tumult it descended into, owing to a special release. The show was set to feature an exclusive, limited-edition Labubu keychain, a item highly anticipated by fans and collectors alike, especially after its sell-out debut on 21st June which saw it being resold for six times its original price on platforms like Carousell.
The exclusive merchandise, displayed at “The Monsters” booth among other sought-after vinyl plush dolls and mystery boxes, was scheduled for release at specific times over the weekend. According to the Pop Toy Show’s official Instagram, sales were to happen at 5pm on the first two days and at 3pm on the final day, with queues forming an hour before. Anticipation was high, but so was the tension.
Trouble started on the opening day, as reported by a TikTok user who captured the scenes of chaos with attendees pushing and engaging in heated exchanges while a multitude of raised voices filled the air. Videos shared on XiaoHongShu further illustrated the disruption, showing security personnel struggling to manage the agitated crowd, with instances of shouting and physical confrontations making the situation volatile.
The aftermath of Friday’s disorder was a flood of grievances aired on Pop Toy Show’s Instagram page. Visitors criticized the event’s planning and management, lamenting about disorganization and lack of clear communication about the timing of sales, which left many waiting unnecessarily. Reports of security being overwhelmed and failing to manage queue jumpers added to the frustration, although a few defended the security guards, attributing the blame to the organizers and unruly crowd behavior.
In response to the pressure and to prevent further unrest, the organizers made the decision to cancel sales for the remaining days, an announcement that was met with a mix of disappointment and anger from fans, some of whom had traveled specifically for the event or purchased entry tickets with the intent of acquiring the exclusive Labubu merchandise.
The Pop Toy Show, now in its second iteration in Singapore following its debut last September, had initially garnered interest for its association with viral trends, notably after Blackpink’s Lisa was spotted with a Labubu plush, sparking a widespread fascination with the brand. The recent incident has, however, spotlighted challenges in managing pop culture events of this scale and enthusiasm.
