Since 2008, nominees for this category include both groups and soloists.
The accolade was first awarded at the 1st Mnet Asian Music Awards ceremony held in 1999; winners Lee Jung-hyun and Team received the titles "Best New Solo Artist" and "Best New Group" for their songs "Come" and "Farewell", respectively.
The award is given in honor for new artist(s) with the most achievements in the music industry during the course of the year.
^[I] As members of I.O.I in 2016 and then Pristin the following year, Im Nayoung and Zhou Jieqiong have received the award twice.
^[I] As members of IZ*ONE in 2018 and then IVE in 2021, An Yu-jin and Jang Won-young have received the award twice.