K-pop items often come with special bonuses called POBs (Pre-Order Benefits). These extras are one of the biggest drivers of early sales in the K-pop industry.
These special bonuses have evolved far beyond simple giveaways;
they now shape entire release strategies, influence fan behavior, and even dictate global reseller pricing. But what exactly are POBs, and why are they so important?
What Is a POB?
POB stands for Pre-Order Benefit—a limited-edition item offered exclusively to those who pre-order a Kpop item.
Types of POBs
POBs can be categorized into two major types:
1. Manufacturer-Provided POBs
These are official gifts included directly by the manufacturer (label).
They are standardized and included inside the album packaging or shrink-wrap
Therefore, it is a POB that is universally included regardless of where the product is purchased from.
These gifts are typically labeled under various names in most product descriptions.
“First Press Only”, “Pre-order Only”, “On-Pack Gift”
Important:
Not all pre-order albums or items necessarily come with this gift. Please refer to the product description to confirm the exact contents.
For First Press editions, the gift may occasionally be excluded during the pre-order period if the item is no longer from the initial batch.
2. Store Exclusive POBs
These exclusive POBs are provided by individual platforms or retailers as part of their promotional campaigns — such as Weverse Shop, YES24, JYP Shop, and other stores (More than 10).
These items are not part of the product’s original packaging, but are packed separately within the same shipment.
The album itself is the same, but the POB may vary by the stores.
Important:
The “Store Exclusive POBs” mentioned here refer to officially authorized gifts provided by the label or manufacturer.
Be cautious of unofficial gifts that may be distributed or sold illegally by some stores— these can violate copyright or portrait rights and seriously harm your store’s credibility.
For the health of the K-pop community, we strongly encourage all sellers to follow at least the basic legal guidelines.
Remember: when unofficial or unauthorized POBs are distributed, your customers or even your competitors, may file legal complaints, report violations, or leave negative comments and reviews as a result.
FAQs
Q : Do your store’s products include POBs?
We do our best to offer a wide variety of POBs.
Please make sure to check the product description for clear details about POB availability.
Q: I purchased the album during the pre-order period. Why wasn’t a POB included?
Not all pre-order items come with a POB, even if they are purchased during the pre-order period.
Please make sure to check the product description for clear details about POB availability.
Q : Can I purchase POBs separately without buying the album or item?
In a typical K-pop distribution structure, purchasing POBs separately is not possible.
As a result, those looking to buy specific POBs often turn to photocard resellers, trading communities, or secondhand markets.
Q : Can I sell POBs separately?
We are not in a position to officially comment on the legality or policies regarding this practice. However, many international sellers do sell POBs separately.
Q: Can I choose which POB photocard I receive?
If you’re referring to platforms like Weverse Shop or JYP Shop where you can select a POB option, then yes—those versions are chosen based on your selection.
However, if you’re asking whether you can pick a specific photocard design (e.g., a particular member), unfortunately that’s not possible. POB photocards are typically distributed randomly.
That said, when you purchase multiple copies, we always try our best to minimize duplicates and provide the most diverse selection available. This is one of our core service principles.