Prior to 2021, the judging criteria for the award consisted a breakdown of 20% online voting, 40% expert evaluation, 30% digital sales, and 10% record sales. However, preceding the announcement of the nominations for the 2021 ceremony, it was revealed that online fan voting would be removed from consideration. As of 2022, the judging criteria for the award consists of 40% judges panel evaluation and 60% digital song downloads and streaming (40% from South Korea and 20% global).
