Buying your first K-pop album: versions, contents, POB

Why one album comes in several versions

Most albums ship in 2 to 6 versions (sometimes many more: THIS IS FOR by TWICE has 14 in our database). Every version shares the same tracklist but has different packaging, photobook and photocard set. Labels multiply versions for collectors and for physical charts (Hanteo, Circle), which count every copy sold.

Common formats: the standard version (A5 or square photobook), the "Digipack" or "Jewel case" version (thinner, cheaper, often one photocard per member), the "Platform" or "Nemo" version (no physical CD: a QR code or NFC card to stream the album, but the photocards are still physical), and "POCA" or "Weverse Album" versions (a card to scan, no disc).

What is in the box

The exact contents are printed on the distributor sheet and shown on every pocabase version page under "Box contents". A typical set: the CD, a photobook, one or two random photocards drawn from a set of N ("Random 1 of 7" means you get 1 card out of 7 possible), a folded poster, stickers, a postcard or a lyrics book.

On average, the versions in our database list 3,4 photocards per box, and 62% of them contain at least one random item. You do not choose which member you get: that is the "pull".

• "Random": the item is drawn at random from the stated set.
• "1 of 7" / "Random 1ea of 7ea": one card out of seven.
• "Set": every card of the set is included (rare, usually limited editions).

POB: the pre-order benefit

A POB (pre-order benefit) is an extra photocard or item given by one specific retailer during the pre-order window. The POB depends on the shop (each has its own), on the deadline and sometimes on the version ordered. pocabase album pages list known POBs with their deadline; after that date the same album ships without the bonus.

A pocabase POB only exists when the product page says so explicitly. A POB announced by another shop does not apply to an order placed here.

The EAN, the key to compare

Every physical version carries a unique 13-digit EAN barcode. This code lets you compare the same version across shops and check that a listing matches the version you want. On pocabase the EAN is shown on every version page; our prices are indicative, tax and shipping included.

How to choose

For a first purchase the standard version is the safest pick: full photobook, whole group in the photocard set, mid-range price. If your goal is a photocard of one specific member, look at the second-hand market instead: buying albums until you pull the right member quickly costs more than a single card.

If you want your purchase to count for a chart (Hanteo), check that the shop is certified: it is a supplier attribute shown on product pages when known.

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