Buying K-pop Albums: How to Spot Authentic Copies and Chart-Counted Retailers

Published Oct 24, 2026

Every comeback brings a flood of album pre-order links, but where you buy affects whether you get an authentic copy, which pre-order benefits you receive, and whether your purchase counts on the charts. If you want to support an artist's first-week sales (known in Korea as "chodong"), it's especially important to check that the retailer reports to the charts. This guide covers the basics to check before you buy an album.

1. Buy authentic albums from official retailers

Officially released albums are supplied to record retailers through a distributor. When an agency or the artist's official account announces pre-orders, it often posts a list of retailers along with it, and buying from that list is the safest option. Be careful in cases like these:

• Listings that sell configurations that were never officially released (for example, a version that doesn't exist or an unannounced photocard set)
• Individual sellers offering prices far below retail, or promising "sealed, ships immediately" before the album is even out
• Websites or social media accounts with no seller details (business registration, return policy)

The contents of an authentic album are shown in the album details (detail images) released by the agency. If the album you receive is very different from the announced contents, contact the retailer first.

2. Check whether the retailer counts toward the charts

Each chart counts album sales differently. Hanteo Chart counts copies actually sold at its partner retailers; the Circle Chart album chart counts copies shipped minus returns; and the Circle Chart retail album chart counts sales at retail stores. So depending on where you buy, your purchase may not show up in Hanteo first-week sales.

• Check the product page or the retailer's notice for wording like "counts toward Hanteo Chart" or "counts toward Circle Chart."
• Retailer notices for fansign entries often state whether purchases count toward the charts as well.
• If there's no notice, contacting the retailer's customer service is the most reliable way to find out.

The first-week counting period and the differences between the two charts are covered in detail in our first-week sales guide and music charts guide.

3. What to know about each album format

Circle Chart states that it counts not only CDs but also kit and platform albums on its album chart. Other charts and award shows may use different criteria, so check each one's rules if it matters to you. For version terminology, see our album versions guide.

4. Buying from overseas

International fans can use the global sites of Korean retailers or official distribution retailers in their own country. Factor in shipping costs, customs duties and delivery time, and check the retailer's notice to see whether purchases count toward Korean charts and include pre-order benefits. Shipping starts from the release date, so overseas buyers usually receive their albums later than the release date.

5. Be careful with secondhand and private trades

When trading photocards on their own or buying albums secondhand, you can run into fake photocards or scams where the seller takes your money and never ships. Before trading, check the seller's trade history and photos of the actual items, and use a platform that offers secure payment. Secondhand albums have already been counted as sales, so they won't count toward the charts again.

6. How to avoid overspending

Random photocards and entry events make it easy to end up buying many copies of the same album. We recommend setting a budget in advance and deciding which versions and how many copies you need before you buy. Also keep in mind that buying more doesn't guarantee you'll win a fansign spot.

Frequently asked questions