**List of Gaon Album Chart Number Ones of 2018**
**Definition**
The Gaon Album Chart is a South Korean national record chart that ranks the best-selling albums and EPs in South Korea. The „List of Gaon Album Chart number ones of 2018” details the albums that reached the top position on the weekly and monthly Gaon Album Chart throughout the year 2018.
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## List of Gaon Album Chart Number Ones of 2018
The Gaon Album Chart, compiled by the Korea Music Content Association and published by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, is the official South Korean chart that tracks physical album sales. It provides weekly, monthly, and yearly rankings based on data collected from major South Korean music distributors. The chart is widely regarded as a key indicator of commercial success in the South Korean music industry.
In 2018, the Gaon Album Chart reflected the dynamic and competitive nature of the K-pop industry, with numerous artists and groups achieving number one positions. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the albums that topped the Gaon Album Chart during 2018, highlighting trends, notable achievements, and the impact of these releases on the South Korean music market.
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## Overview of the Gaon Album Chart
### Background and Methodology
The Gaon Album Chart was launched in 2010 as part of the Gaon Music Chart, which was established to provide an accurate and transparent measurement of music sales in South Korea. The album chart specifically tracks physical album sales, including CDs, vinyl, and other physical formats, from a wide network of retailers and distributors.
Data is collected weekly and monthly, with the weekly chart covering sales from Sunday to Saturday, and the monthly chart aggregating sales for the entire calendar month. The chart excludes digital downloads and streaming, focusing solely on physical sales, which remain a significant aspect of the K-pop industry due to fan culture and collectible album packaging.
### Importance in the Music Industry
The Gaon Album Chart serves as a benchmark for commercial success and is often used by industry professionals, media, and fans to gauge the popularity and market performance of artists. Achieving a number one position on the chart is considered a prestigious accomplishment and can influence promotional activities, award nominations, and overall artist recognition.
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## Weekly Number One Albums of 2018
Throughout 2018, the weekly Gaon Album Chart saw a diverse range of artists reaching the top spot. The chart was dominated by both established acts and emerging groups, reflecting the evolving landscape of K-pop and the broader South Korean music scene.
### Notable Weekly Chart-Toppers
– **BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan):** BTS continued their global rise in 2018, with multiple albums reaching number one on the weekly chart. Their releases, including the repackaged album *Love Yourself: Answer*, achieved record-breaking sales and widespread acclaim.
– **EXO:** The boy group EXO maintained strong sales with their album *Don’t Mess Up My Tempo*, which topped the weekly chart upon release.
– **BLACKPINK:** As one of the leading girl groups, BLACKPINK’s *Square Up* EP secured the number one position, marking a significant milestone in their career.
– **TWICE:** The girl group TWICE consistently charted high with releases such as *What Is Love?*, which reached number one on the weekly chart.
– **Other Artists:** Groups like Wanna One, SEVENTEEN, and GOT7 also achieved weekly number one positions, showcasing the competitive nature of the market.
### Weekly Chart Trends
The weekly chart often reflected the immediate impact of album releases, with many albums debuting at number one due to pre-orders and fan purchases concentrated in the first week. This pattern underscores the importance of fanbase mobilization and marketing strategies in the K-pop industry.
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## Monthly Number One Albums of 2018
The monthly Gaon Album Chart aggregates sales over a longer period, providing insight into sustained commercial performance beyond initial release weeks.
### Highlights of Monthly Chart-Toppers
– **BTS:** The group dominated the monthly charts with *Love Yourself: Tear* and *Love Yourself: Answer*, both of which demonstrated strong sales longevity.
– **EXO:** Their album *Don’t Mess Up My Tempo* also secured the top monthly spot, reflecting continued sales momentum.
– **Wanna One:** The project group Wanna One achieved monthly number one positions with albums such as *0+1=1 (I Promise You)*.
– **Other Artists:** Albums by groups like SEVENTEEN and BLACKPINK also appeared as monthly chart-toppers, indicating their broad appeal and consistent sales.
### Monthly Chart Analysis
Monthly chart-toppers often indicate albums with strong staying power in the market, as they maintain sales beyond the initial release hype. This can be attributed to ongoing promotions, music show performances, and fan engagement activities.
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## Year-End Summary and Records
### Best-Selling Albums of 2018
The year 2018 saw several albums achieving remarkable sales figures, with BTS’s *Love Yourself: Answer* emerging as one of the best-selling albums of the year on the Gaon Album Chart. The album’s success was a testament to BTS’s growing international influence and the strength of their domestic fanbase.
Other albums by EXO, Wanna One, and SEVENTEEN also ranked highly in year-end sales, reflecting their significant market presence.
### Records and Milestones
– BTS set new records for first-week sales and total sales for a single album in South Korea.
– Wanna One, despite being a temporary project group, achieved impressive sales figures, highlighting the impact of survival show-formed groups.
– The continued success of girl groups like BLACKPINK and TWICE demonstrated the increasing commercial viability of female K-pop acts.
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## Impact on the South Korean Music Industry
The Gaon Album Chart number ones of 2018 illustrate the competitive and rapidly evolving nature of the South Korean music industry. The dominance of idol groups, particularly those managed by major entertainment companies, underscores the importance of strategic marketing, fan engagement, and multimedia promotion.
The physical album market remains robust in South Korea, driven by fans’ desire to collect albums that often include photobooks, posters, and other exclusive content. This trend has contributed to sustained high sales figures despite the global shift toward digital music consumption.
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## Conclusion
The „List of Gaon Album Chart number ones of 2018” provides a detailed snapshot of the South Korean music market during a pivotal year. The chart-topping albums reflect the popularity of K-pop both domestically and internationally, with artists like BTS, EXO, and Wanna One leading the way. The data from the Gaon Album Chart continues to serve as a valuable resource for understanding trends, measuring success, and appreciating the commercial achievements of South Korean musicians.
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**Meta Description:**
This article details the albums that reached number one on the Gaon Album Chart in 2018, highlighting key artists, sales trends, and the impact on the South Korean music industry.