NMIXX Surges on K-POPIT Board as First Daesang Leads Into "Strange Muse" Era

NMIXX has climbed to the top of the K-POPIT Board, drawing attention as the group carries the momentum of its first-ever grand prize win directly into a new comeback era.

According to K-POP data analysis index K-POPIT Board, NMIXX ranked No.2 on the Global Rising Chart on Sept. 23 with a Power Index (PWR_GL) of 59. The Power Index measures an artist's overall momentum by combining factors including music chart performance, social media activity and media coverage.

The rise comes just days after NMIXX reached a major career milestone at the 2026 The Fact Music Awards in Busan on September 19. The group took home Sound of the Year for "Blue Valentine," marking its first-ever daesang since debut, while also receiving Artist of the Year. Sullyoon additionally won the fan-voted My Star Award.

Rather than allowing the awards momentum to settle, NMIXX quickly shifted attention toward its next release. JYP Entertainment announced on September 21st that the group will return with its sixth mini album "Strange Muse" on October 19, only around five months after the release of "Heavy Serenade."

The upcoming album is led by title track "Birthday Wish" (긴 소원) and contains six tracks: "Kerosene," "RudE TaLK," "Sing to the Moon," "Hot'n Unbothered" and "WHIP."

"Strange Muse" is particularly notable for introducing NMIXX's first dedicated unit tracks since debut. Lily and Haewon pair up for "Sing to the Moon," Sullyoon and Bae for "Hot 'n Unbothered," and Jiwoo and Kyujin for "WHIP." All six members participated in the songwriting process for their respective unit tracks, adding another layer of member involvement to the release.

The group has also begun an extensive promotional rollout ahead of the comeback. Following a motion poster on Sept. 23, NMIXX will unveil an album trailer on Sept. 28, concept photos on Sept. 29 and 30, and its signature a cappella highlight medley on Oct. 11. An original highlight medley and music video teaser will follow before the album and "Birthday Wish" music video arrive at 6 p.m. KST on Oct. 19.

NMIXX's recent momentum has extended beyond Korea as on September 12th, the group appeared at Music Bank in Barcelona, where five members performed following Haewon's absence due to health concerns. The group tailored its appearance to the local audience with a cover of Karol G's "Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido" and a Spanish-language performance of "Soñar (Breaker)."

With its first daesang now followed almost immediately by a new album campaign, NMIXX enters "Strange Muse" with heightened attention around both its domestic growth and expanding international presence. The combination of an awards breakthrough, sustained overseas activity and an active comeback rollout provides the backdrop to the group's latest rise on the K-POPIT Board.