XG announce name change as member Cocona comes out as as transmasculine nonbinary
The update was revealed through the group’s official channels and marks a shift in how the South Korea-based act defines its identity
By Callum Wells
K-pop band XG have announced the meaning behind their name has changed, following a statement from member Cocona about their gender identity.
The hip-hop and R&B-inspired group announced on Monday that XG will no longer stand for “Xtraordinary Girls”. Instead, the name will now represent “Xtraordinary Genes”.
The update was revealed through the group’s official channels and marks a shift in how the Japan-formed, South Korea-based act defines its identity moving forward.
“Building upon our origins as ‘Girls,’ and returning to the ‘Genes’ at our core, XG will continue to evolve more deeply and authentically” – XG on the new meaning of their name
In a statement published on XG’s website, the group explained the reasoning behind the change, saying: “The word ‘Genes’ represents the power and creativity that resides within our core, as well as our spirit of continuously creating new culture without being bound by conventional norms.”
They added: “Building upon our origins as ‘Girls,’ and returning to the ‘Genes’ at our core, XG will continue to evolve more deeply and authentically. Through this evolution, we aim to remain a presence that empowers people around the world from diverse backgrounds.”
The name update follows a post shared by Cocona last month in which they spoke publicly about their gender identity on their 20th birthday.
In the caption, Cocona wrote: “Today, I turned 20. As I reach this new chapter in my life, I want to share something that’s been in my heart for a long time” and shared that they are AFAB transmasculine nonbinary and had top surgery.
XG debuted in 2022 and have built a large international following
They continued: “I was born and perceived as female, but that label never represented who I truly am. I live in a way that feels more masculine and true to who I am. The hardest thing I’ve ever faced was accepting and embracing myself. But as I slowly began to do that, I was able to open a new door. That moment changed the way I see and understand the world, and it gave me the courage and strength to grow. Now, I can finally say, ‘There’s nothing wrong with who I am inside.’”
What is Transmasculine Non-Binary?
The term transmasculine non-binary describes individuals who were assigned female at birth but identify more closely with masculinity than femininity, without identifying fully or exclusively as a binary man.
According to the LGBTQ+ equality charity Stonewall, this identity sits under the non-binary umbrella, representing those whose gender identity does not fit comfortably into the categories of man or woman.
For many, this involves a personal transition toward a masculine sense of self that can include changes to name, pronouns, or physical appearance through medical or social means.
Ultimately, the label allows individuals to embrace a masculine identity on their own terms, acknowledging that masculinity can exist independently of the traditional gender binary.
Source: Stonewall – List of LGBTQ+ Terms
The redefinition of the group’s name comes shortly before the release of XG’s debut studio album The Core, which is scheduled to arrive on 23 January.
XG debuted in 2022 and have built a large international following, with a fanbase that spans Asia, Europe and North America. The group are also preparing to take The Core on the road with a world tour set to begin next month.
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