NewJeans Still Draws Buzz, but Comeback Plans and Consumption Remain Stalled

K-pop girl group NewJeans has landed in the top 10 of both the domestic and global charts on K-POPIT BOARD, even as the group's prolonged hiatus continues without a confirmed return date.

According to K-POPIT BOARD, a K-pop analytics index, NewJeans recorded a domestic Power Index (PWR_KR) score of 58.5, ranking fifth, and a global Power Index (PWR_GL) score of 51.0, ranking ninth, in figures released on July 24.

The Power Index combines global music chart performance, social media activity, video consumption, fandom response, and media exposure. NewJeans drew renewed attention at home and abroad after new profile images and video content were released to mark the group's fourth debut anniversary.

The unveiling of members Minji, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein fueled discussion about the group's future activities, and the heightened interest was reflected in the latest figures.

The timing and format of NewJeans' return, however, remain unclear. The group has been on hiatus since March 2025, after a court blocked the members from pursuing independent activities amid their contract dispute with ADOR.

Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni have since agreed to resume activities under the label, while discussions with Minji have continued. ADOR terminated Danielle's exclusive contract in December 2025, and the two sides remain involved in legal proceedings.

ADOR raised the group's visibility by releasing anniversary content, but it has yet to announce a concrete return date or detailed activity plan. The K-POPIT BOARD results capture that contrast, with media attention and online discussion rising sharply while the heightened interest produced little corresponding growth in streaming activity.

Domestically, NewJeans posted a Momentum score of 57.3, a Fandom Health Index of 49.9, and a Media Attention Score of 84.1.

The anniversary rollout helped drive news coverage and online conversation, pushing the group's momentum upward. Fandom activity, however, remained comparatively subdued after the extended absence.

A similar pattern emerged globally. NewJeans ranked ninth on the global Power Index as Korean and international media outlets reported on the anniversary content, the group's possible lineup, and its return prospects.

Despite the surge in attention, the absence of a new single or confirmed promotional schedule limited its impact on music consumption.

The D-Layer index, which measures how broader public attention converts into streaming activity, stood at -99% in both the domestic and global markets. The figure indicates that the rise in public interest generated little corresponding increase in listening.

The anniversary rollout was enough to lift NewJeans into the domestic and global top 10 despite the prolonged hiatus. Whether that attention can be sustained and eventually converted into music consumption will depend on the return plans that ADOR and the members announce next.