POB mean? If you've recently started collecting K-pop albums, you've probably seen the term POB everywhere.

Some products say "POB Included", while others are listed as "Soundwave POB", "Weverse POB", or "Makestar POB."

So what's the difference?

Here's everything you need to know before placing your next K-pop album order.

What is POB?

POB stands for Pre-Order Benefit.

A Pre-Order Benefit is an exclusive gift offered when you purchase an album during the official pre-order period.

These benefits are usually available only for a limited time before the album is officially released.

Common POB items include:

• Exclusive Photocards
• Postcards
• Polaroids
• Mini Posters
• Bookmark Cards
• Stickers
• Clear Cards
• Other limited collectibles

Because they are only available during pre-order, many collectors consider them highly valuable.

Type 1: Standard Album Pre-Order Benefit (No Extra Cost)(known as Pre-order Only)

This is the most common type of POB.

When you pre-order an album during the official pre-order period, you automatically receive the pre-order benefit included by the album distributor or entertainment company.

There is no additional charge for these benefits.

For example:

• Buy the album during the official pre-order period
• Receive the album
• Receive the included official POB

Once the pre-order period ends, these benefits are usually no longer available.

Type 2: Store Exclusive POB (Weverse, Soundwave, Makestar, etc.)

This is where many collectors become confused.

Stores such as:

• Weverse Shop
• Soundwave
• Makestar
• Music Korea
• Apple Music
• Yes24
• Aladin
• Blue Dream Media
• Withmuu
• Fanflee

often release their own exclusive POB photocards.

These photocards are different from the standard album pre-order benefit.

They are exclusive to each store and often feature unique photos or concepts that cannot be obtained elsewhere.

Because these exclusive POBs are supplied only through specific retailers, they usually cost more than the standard album.

Why Do Store POB Albums Cost More?

When you purchase a Weverse POB, Soundwave POB, or similar version, you're paying for:

• The album
• The retailer-exclusive photocard
• Additional supplier costs

This is why a POB version is usually more expensive than the standard album.

Are the Albums Different?

no.

The album itself is exactly the same.

The only difference is the exclusive retailer benefit included with your purchase.

For example:

Standard Album

• Official album
• Standard inclusions
• Standard pre-order only benefit (if applicable)

Soundwave POB Album

• Same official album
• Same album inclusions
• Standard pre-order only benefit (if applicable)
• Exclusive Soundwave photocard

Weverse POB Album

• Same official album
• Same album inclusions
• Standard pre-order only benefit (if applicable)
• Exclusive Weverse photocard

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose a Standard Album if:

• You simply want the album.
• You're happy with the standard inclusions.
• You don't collect retailer-exclusive photocards.

Choose a Store Exclusive POB Album if:

• You collect exclusive photocards.
• You're trying to complete a member collection.
• You enjoy collecting limited retailer benefits.

Buying POB Albums at Hive K-Beauty & K-POP NZ

At Hive K-Beauty & K-POP NZ, we clearly indicate when a product includes a retailer-exclusive POB.

If the product title includes names such as:

• Weverse POB
• Soundwave POB
• Makestar POB
• Music Korea POB

it means the album includes that retailer's exclusive pre-order benefit.

If no retailer POB is listed, the product is the standard album version and includes only the standard official inclusions (and any standard pre-order benefits, where applicable).

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between standard pre-order benefits and store-exclusive POBs makes shopping for K-pop albums much easier.

Whether you're a casual fan or a dedicated collector, knowing what you're buying helps you choose the version that's right for your collection.

Explore our latest K-pop albums, official merchandise, and pre-orders at Hive K-Beauty & K-POP NZ.