Melon Music Award for Album of the Year

Award winners are based on data collected from the Melon music platform and honors artists who have had exceptional performance during the recording year.

[2] From 2005 to 2008, award winners were announced online, although there was no album accolade given in 2007 or 2008.

As of 2021, the criteria for the Album of the Year accolade currently consist of a breakdown of 60% digital sales and streaming figures, 20% evaluation from a panel of judges, and 20% online voting.

[4] BTS is the most awarded artist in the category, having won four times in 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

Because of this, the 2009 event is regarded as the first "official" ceremony in the show's history.