On December 26, Gaon Chart officially announced that the definition of an album will change starting in 2018. The announcement stated, 

"In order to meet with the rapidly changing new media and device environment, and to sufficiently play the role of a music chart in the new music market, Gaon Chart will be making changes in the rules. 

First, the definition of chart album will change from 'replica based on the copyright law' and 'offline album' to a 'product being sold in bulks'. 

Therefore, G-Dragon's USB album that led to a controversy earlier in the year and other similar products will be applied to the Gaon Chart starting next year. Various forms (USB, Kit, other storage devices, etc.) are expected to be used in album releases from now on."

SEE ALSO: G-Dragon wins #1 on this week's 'Show Champion' with "Too Bad"

The new standards of Gaon Chart will take effect starting on January 1, 2018.