Commercial Radio Hong Kong (CRHK) has partnered with celebrated Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, creator of the LABUBU art toy series, and the creative collective HOW2WORK to launch an exclusive, limited-edition vinyl figure. The collaboration, titled the “LABUBU Radio Art Toy,” sees the mischievous character re-imagined as a vibrant symbol of boundless creativity, commemorating the nexus between broadcasting and contemporary visual arts in the region.
The venture brings together one of Hong Kong’s leading broadcasters, the creative force behind LABUBU, and a prominent art organization to champion local artistic talent. A total of 300 units of the figure have been produced, with 250 slated for public lottery subscription, offering fans and collectors a chance to acquire this unique cross-media collectible.
Fusing Art and Airwaves
Designed by Kasing Lung, the vibrant orange LABUBU Radio Art Toy stands as a unique fusion of his iconic character and the broadcaster’s identity. The figure incorporates CRHK’s logo colors—blue and yellow—on its signature pointed ears. Crucially, LABUBU holds a blazing red “903 Fiery Ember,” a symbolic representation of the station’s popular CR2 903 channel and its mission to continuously fuel creative fire and artistic traditions.
Lung, who spent much of his childhood years in the Netherlands, emphasized the personal connection driving the design. Despite living abroad, he remained closely engaged with Hong Kong popular culture, drawing inspiration from local films, literature, and, significantly, Commercial Radio’s programming. He noted that listening to CR2 903 was often a backdrop to his own creative process, making this collaboration a natural extension of his life experience and artistic journey. The figure, thus, embodies the intimate link between the artist, the medium of radio, and the city’s creative pulse.
Promoting the Art Toy Movement
The launch of the “LABUBU Radio Art Toy” coincides with a major focus on the designer toy movement by CR2 903’s lifestyle magazine show, Magazine. Starting in March, the program will delve into the world of Art Toys, anchoring its coverage with a showcase of twelve independent local creators.
Hong Kong holds significant historical stature as a global birthplace of the designer toy phenomenon. Following the height of the traditional toy manufacturing sector in the latter half of the 20th century, local artists pioneered the “designer toy” medium in the late 1990s. Twenty years later, this localized movement has achieved international acclaim, influencing collectors and creators worldwide.
Magazine will feature first-person narratives from twelve contributing artists—including Aaron Liu, Miloza Ma, Alco Leung, Dorophy Tang, and Kila Cheung—offering an insider’s view into their creative processes and the evolution of their work.
Securing the Limited Edition Collectible
Access to the limited run of 250 public units is being managed through a lottery system tied to a special subscription offer. To qualify for one entry into the draw, interested individuals must register as an 881903 member and subscribe to the CRHK Program Replay Plan 33-Day (LABUBU Radio Art Toy Plan), priced at HK$99.
The registration period runs from noon on January 28th until 11:59 PM on February 6th. The successful lottery winners will be randomly selected by computer by February 11th and notified via email. To secure the purchase entitlement, winners must correctly answer a qualifying question related to the event. Qualified members will then have the opportunity to purchase one LABUBU Radio Art Toy for HK$1,180. While members may subscribe to the replay plan multiple times to gain more entries, each individual is limited to obtaining only one final purchase entitlement.
This collaboration not only provides a high-profile platform for Kasing Lung’s work but also leverages the reach of a major broadcaster to nurture and promote the enduring legacy and future potential of local Art Toy artists in Hong Kong and globally.
