What Are First-Week Sales (Chodong)? Hanteo Chart vs. Circle Chart Explained
"Chodong," which shows up in nearly every comeback article, is a fandom term for the number of copies an album sells in its first week after release. But even for the same album, some articles cite Hanteo Chart figures and others cite Circle Chart figures, so the numbers often look different. Once you know what each chart counts, it becomes much less confusing.
Chodong is not an official chart term
Chodong roughly means "early first-week trend," and it's widely used by fans and the media. It usually refers to sales over the seven days including the release date, but each chart has its own weekly tracking period (with its own starting day), so "seven days from release" and "the chart's tracking week" don't always line up. When you see a first-week sales figure in an article, it's a good idea to check which chart and which period it's based on.
Hanteo Chart and Circle Chart count different things
| Category | Hanteo Chart | Circle Chart |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | Copies actually sold at partner record retailers | Copies shipped by labels and distributors (minus returns) |
| Often cited in | First-week sales articles right after release | Monthly and yearly cumulative articles |
| Numbers run higher when | Fans buy heavily at partner retailers | Shipments are large, such as overseas exports |
That's why albums with a lot of overseas stock sometimes post Circle Chart monthly figures far higher than their Hanteo first-week sales. Rather than one being "right," think of them as metrics that measure different things.
Where to check official figures
- Hanteo Chart: Daily and weekly album charts are available on Hanteo Chart's official website and app.
- Circle Chart: Circle Chart (formerly Gaon Chart) publishes weekly, monthly and yearly album charts on its official website.
- When agencies announce figures in press releases, they often state which chart they're based on, so read the basis along with the number.
Counting methods may change when chart operators revamp their systems. Check each chart's official notices for the exact rules.
How pre-orders relate to first-week sales
Albums bought through pre-orders are usually counted as they're sold and shipped after release. However, when they're reflected can vary depending on whether the retailer is a chart partner and when the album ships. If having your purchase counted matters to you, the surest way is to check whether the retailer's notice mentions chart reporting.
Frequently asked questions
If I buy multiple copies, do they all count?
Generally, every copy sold is counted, but each chart may filter out abnormal purchases or apply different rules by album format. Check the chart's notices.
Are platform albums (albums without a physical CD) included?
The rules have differed by chart and over time. The most accurate way to know the current rules is to check each chart's counting guidelines.