{"id":1757156,"date":"2026-02-06T10:31:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-06T07:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1757156"},"modified":"2026-02-06T10:31:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T07:31:00","slug":"xg-the-japanese-x-pop-group-who-want-to-change-history","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1757156","title":{"rendered":"XG: The Japanese \u2018X-pop\u2019 group who want to change history"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/1200\/0-306-2333-1555\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1430\/6\/1436484.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"main-article standard \">\n<div class=\"article-main-content article-wrapper has-media-but-its-an-image\" data-status=\"loaded\" data-primary-article=\"true\" data-url=\"\/music\/article\/69566\/1\/x-pop-xg-the-core-k-pop-hypnotise-gala-interview-2026\" data-article-id=\"69566\">\n<header class=\"article-header has-landscape-image no-media\">\n<div class=\"wrapper dg-max-width\">\n<div class=\"inner\">\n<figure class=\"main-img has-figcaption\" data-img-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\" data-img-aspect-ratio=\"1.12\" data-template=\"Standard Article\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"XG_Gala\" class=\"img\" height=\"2074\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/1400\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1430\/6\/1436484.jpg\" width=\"2333\"><\/span><\/span><figcaption class=\"img-caption\"><span class=\"inner\"><span class=\"credit\">Courtesy of XGALX<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside class=\"meta\">\n<div class=\"inner\"><time datetime=\"2026-02-06T10:31:00+00:00\" class=\"timestamp\" title=\"06 February 2026\"><span class=\"month\">February<\/span>\u00a0<br \/>\n<span class=\"day\" data-day=\"6\">6,<\/span>\u00a0<br \/>\n<span class=\"year\">2026<\/span><\/time><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<div class=\"titles\">\n<div class=\"tags\">\n<div class=\"sections\"><a class=\"category vertical - music\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\">Music<\/a><br \/>\n\/<br \/>\n<a class=\"series\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/q-and-a\">Q+A<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"standard-tag-container\"><a class=\"standard-category\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\">Music<\/a> \/<br \/>\n<a class=\"standard-series\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/q-and-a\">Q+A<\/a><\/div>\n<h1 class=\"title\"><span>XG: The Japanese \u2018X-pop\u2019 group who want to <span class=\"nowrap\">change history<\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<div class=\"standfirst\">\n<h2>Fresh off their recent name change, and ahead of their world tour, the Japan-born and South Korea-trained X-Pop group discuss creative influences, gender expression and the newfound maturity that underpins their <span class=\"nowrap\">current era<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p><time datetime=\"2026-02-06T10:31:00+00:00\" class=\"timestamp\" title=\"06 February 2026\"><span class=\"month\">February<\/span>\u00a0<br \/>\n<span class=\"day\" data-day=\"6\">6,<\/span>\u00a0<br \/>\n<span class=\"year\">2026<\/span><\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><time datetime=\"2026-02-06T10:31:00+00:00\" class=\"timestamp\" title=\"06 February 2026\"><span class=\"month\">February<\/span>\u00a0<br \/>\n<span class=\"day\" data-day=\"6\">6,<\/span>\u00a0<br \/>\n<span class=\"year\">2026<\/span><\/time><\/p>\n<div class=\"providers\">\n<div class=\"contributors\"><span class=\"contributor\" data-contributor-role=\"Text\"><span class=\"contributor-role\">Text<\/span><a class=\"contributor-name\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/user\/IvanaM\">Ivana E Morales<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"article-body-container\">\n<div class=\"article-body wrapper\">\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/xgofficial\/\"><span>XG<\/span><\/a><span> have always resisted definition. Be it through their genre-blending mix of pulsing EDM, seductive R&amp;B and mesmeric house beats or their sci-fi coded visuals, the Japanese septet \u2013 composed of Jurin, Chisa, Hinata, Harvey, Juria, Maya, and Cocona \u2013 evoke interdimensional realms in their music, drawing listeners in with their siren-like voices.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>It all stems from an approach that has always been both transnational and personal, leading XG to position themselves as a \u2018<\/span><span>global act<\/span><span>\u2019 rather than confined to J-Pop or K-Pop. After five years of intensive training under the label XGALX, travelling between Japan and South Korea, the group debuted in 2022 with their first digital single \u201cTippy Toes\u201d, and much of their early promotion took place in the K-pop sphere. Their repertoire, however, is fully in English \u2013 though they haven\u2019t ruled out exploring other languages \u2013 and their sound is referred to as \u2018X-pop\u2019, meant to reflect the kaleidoscope of artistic influences that inspire them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>This strategy is the brainchild of XGALX\u2019s CEO and XG\u2019s main producer, Simon Junho Park, professionally known as Jakops, <\/span><span>who wanted to nurture a group \u201cthat prioritises its own standards over fleeting trends, external expectations, or the \u2018numbers and formulas\u2019 often used to define success\u201d, as he puts it. \u201cWhen I first envisioned XG, I wasn\u2019t simply trying to create a group that could succeed globally,\u201d Jakops explains. \u201cOn a more fundamental level, I wanted to build a team with an identity that belongs nowhere, yet resonates anywhere.\u201c<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"src-youtube video-container embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"media-youtube\" data-id=\"cUfDOS2SINM\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" allowfullscreen frameborder height=\"422\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/cUfDOS2SINM\" webkitallowfullscreen width=\"750\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><span>With that came a capacity to reimagine their universe time and again, a pursuit XG have deepened with their recent name change, announced on January 12, from Xtraordinary Girls to Xtraordinary Genes. This shift is about greater personal maturity, which underpins their <\/span><span>first full-leng<\/span><span>th album,\u00a0<\/span><em><span>The Core<\/span><\/em><span>, released last month. It is also influenced in part by the group\u2019s 20-year-old rapper Cocona publicly embracing their gender identity last December, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.out.com\/gay-music\/xg-name-change-cocona#google_vignette\">sharing<\/a> that they are \u201cAFAB [assigned female at birth] transmasculine nonbinary\u201c and revealing that they had recently undergone top surgery.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>From the cosmic, hybrid dance compositions of \u201cGala\u201d and \u201cTake My Breath\u201d to the rebellious pop-punk bite of \u201cO.R.B. (Obviously Reads Bro)\u201d, the ten-track record is huge: a harmonious collision of genres that hits the listener with full force. Case in point is lead single \u201cHypnotize\u201d, which XG describe as a \u201cswirling hypno-disco illusion\u201d in the lyrics.<\/span><span> &#8220;It captures the feeling of your body moving naturally, as if guided by the ticking of the clock, and before you know it, you have completely surrendered yourself to XG\u2019s rhythm,\u201d Hinata says. \u201cHypnosis is a power born from confidence and being true to yourself, and it is your belief and energy that become the strongest magic.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Ahead of the group embarking on their second world tour, XG discuss their new era, their respective favourite tracks on the project, and Cocona\u2019s recent gender announcement.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"inline-img expandable dev-view-hide\" data-img=\"2bebfb0c-af9a-4337-81cf-b3e800e125c5\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/2000\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1430\/6\/1436482.jpg\" data-img-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\" data-img-aspect-ratio=\"1.5\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"XG_HYPNOTIZE_Main\" class=\"img\" height=\"2001\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/786\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1430\/6\/1436482.jpg\" width=\"3000\"><\/span><\/span><figcaption class=\"img-caption\"><span class=\"credit\">Courtesy of XGALX<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><strong>XG is a group which defines its identity as \u201climitless.\u201c<\/strong><strong>\u00a0How do you balance this range with staying true to yourselves? <\/strong><strong><br \/><\/strong><strong><br \/><\/strong><strong>Maya: <\/strong><span>It\u2019s simply about what we want to do at that moment. Whether it\u2019s fashion, concepts, or the message we want to send to the audience, we each have a lot we really want to do. We keep that in mind every single time we release a song, and that\u2019s what makes XG, XG. <\/span><span>A lot of what [we try] to challenge is new. We all have our different characteristics and personalities, and that comes out really well in the music videos. Also, our producer, Simon, always listens to what we want to try, [which] really helps us to break the boundaries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>You\u2019re beginning a new chapter with your name change to Xtraordinary Genes, with the release of <\/strong><strong><em>The Core<\/em><\/strong><strong> as the first step. What has remained the same or what feels different?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Hinata:<\/strong><span> I think there are certain things that won\u2019t change, like what we have at our core. That hasn\u2019t changed since we first started working together as a unit. But we\u2019ve grown over the years, and as we continue to understand what XG really is, we\u2019ll be able to show even more what that real version of us looks like. So I believe there\u2019s going to be a lot of growth in this next chapter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>And what ambitions are you most eager to pursue?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Chisa: <\/strong><span>For XG, the music we make is something we want, in some way, to change history, and we\u2019re seeking a reason why we\u2019ve come onto this scene, what we\u2019re going to do, and what we\u2019ll leave behind. In some cases, it\u2019s about giving courage to people, or helping them see their dreams and what they\u2019re able to chase, or being a sanctuary so they feel like it\u2019s a safe space.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"src-youtube video-container embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"media-youtube\" data-id=\"8cEdndsuzSE\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" allowfullscreen frameborder height=\"422\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8cEdndsuzSE\" webkitallowfullscreen width=\"750\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><strong><em>The Core<\/em><\/strong><strong> has been described as \u201cthe most honest portrait of who XG is today.\u201d What personal message did each of you want to share with listeners?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Harvey:<\/strong><span>We have all turned 20 now, so we\u2019re all, by Japanese standards, adults. I think this idea of us maturing and growing comes through in the lyrics, the melody and our music videos, and the visual expression is something we want to show the world. In addition, the different types of love that exist, including romance and the emotional journey [that comes with it.] I think we\u2019re now at a point where we can speak to audiences in a way that resonates with them and feels more relatable. This is all part of what we think the new XG is, and we want people to see it, enjoy it, and also show the world that we\u2019re now adults and have grown.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Chisa:<\/strong><span> To add to that, I think this album isn\u2019t confined to any one genre or style, which is why it\u2019s so representative of XG. Each track represents our individual thoughts, but at the same time, the album as a whole has this [sense of] unity, which was very important to us. Also, until now, we focused more on self-love and self-confidence, but now we\u2019re shifting into a new phase, and we want to tell our listeners, \u2018This is what makes us attractive, and this is what enchants people.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>One of the album&#8217;s singles, \u201cGALA\u201c, celebrates self-expression. While each of you brought your own personal vision to your outfits in the video, were there any fashion choices that pushed you out of your comfort zone?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Harvey: <\/strong><span>The costumes we have in the music video are something only we can express. For example, if you look at my costume or what Maya wears, it gives off a completely different taste and vibe, and that\u2019s because we all have a strong identity and a unique vision. We all just thought about, \u2018this is the style that I want to approach, this is the shape, and this is the message we want to convey through our wardrobe.&#8217;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>We talked to the company about that a lot, then they helped develop these different looks with the stylist. Ultimately, what that did was give us a wardrobe that, if we were invited to a gala or a fashion show, would be a version of what we would wear when we walked down the runway. It really showcases our individuality.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<blockquote>\n<p><span>&#8220;I started to notice that my internal self and the self I was projecting to the outside world were forming a gap. Over time, it became more and more painful.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><strong>Turning to the main track, \u201cHypnotize\u201d, what thoughts or memories helped you bring the song\u2019s essence to life in the recording booth?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Chisa:<\/strong><span> We really wanted to pull the audience into XG\u2019s world through the atmosphere we create, and the bass has a techno-house sound that also includes piano. But in the end, I think it\u2019s really about showing XG\u2019s confidence and the way we hypnotise the audience. There are lyrics that talk about how we carve through time and how a single gaze can pull you in, but once listeners are in our world, they almost let their bodies flow and give themselves up to the music. That&#8217;s what <strong>\u201c<\/strong>Hypnotize<strong>\u201c<\/strong> is meant to do.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>We&#8217;d done some house-type sounds before, but the first time we heard the demo still felt incredibly new, and I think there\u2019s a freshness we can really express through our performances. All seven of us thought, \u2018Wow, this is it. This is going to be our lead track.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Say you\u2019re talking to someone who\u2019s just getting to know XG. Which song from the album would you choose as your personal introduction, and why do you feel it best shows who you really are?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Jurin:<\/strong><span> \u201cGALA\u201c. From the way it\u2019s presented to the texture of the sound and the performance, everything about [this song] feels free and effortlessly cool. Because it\u2019s a song packed with the core idea of not fitting into a mould and staying true to who I am.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Hinata: <\/strong>\u201c<span>4 Seasons\u201c. I love how the emotions shift and change.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Juria:<\/strong><span> [For me it\u2019s] \u201cHypnotize\u201c. It\u2019s a song that carries both strength and fragility, and parts of it really resonate with me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Cocona: <\/strong><span>It\u2019s \u201cGALA\u201c. &#8216;If you don\u2019t get it, that\u2019s not my problem.&#8217; I think that line captures my feelings right now better than anything.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"inline-img expandable dev-view-hide\" data-img=\"cc49aec6-6c61-40e3-99b4-b3e800e146c2\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/1905\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1430\/6\/1436483.jpg\" data-img-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\" data-img-aspect-ratio=\"0.67\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"XG_HYPNOTIZE_2\" class=\"img\" height=\"2857\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/786\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1430\/6\/1436483.jpg\" width=\"1905\"><\/span><\/span><figcaption class=\"img-caption\"><span class=\"credit\">Courtesy of XGALX<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><strong>Cocona, revealing your gender identity was a groundbreaking moment, particularly within the context of the Japanese and Korean entertainment industries. What was it like to open up about this?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Cocona:<\/strong><span> For me, it\u2019s really the message and the core of XG \u2013 how everything feels so real, and how you\u2019re supposed to be able to love yourself just the way you are. And I started to notice that my internal self and the self I was projecting to the outside world were forming a gap. Over time, it became more and more painful, but it was really hard for me to express myself, and I realised that it was something I couldn\u2019t solve on my own. So I talked to the other members and Simon, and everyone said, \u2018Well, Cocona, if that\u2019s how you\u2019re feeling, then you should really be yourself.\u2019 That process helped me so much and gave me a lot of confidence.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>At the time, it was really about me trying to understand myself and express that to the world. There wasn\u2019t much in my mind about whether it would give strength to others or give them a reason to come out. But after I dropped that post, I got so many messages from people saying, \u2018I\u2019m in a similar situation, and your words really, really saved me. I\u2019m so happy.\u2018 That\u2019s my message and XG\u2019s message. Everything that came from that made me really happy, and it also gave me the confidence to go through with it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>These past few years have been a whirlwind for XG \u2013 from headlining the Sahara Stage at Coachella to performing at the Tokyo Dome, and more. Was there a particular moment that made you think, \u2018I want more\u2019?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Maya: <\/strong><span>I think the Tokyo Dome was one of the biggest stages we\u2019ve ever performed on as a group, and performing in a dome was one of our biggest dreams \u2013 it even happened in our hometown, Tokyo. <\/span><span>Personally, I realised that we were finally at the point where we could move forward, and it felt like another starting line, like, <strong>\u2018<\/strong>this is where it all begins, and from here is where we all evolve as a group.<strong>\u2018<\/strong><\/span><span><br \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Jurin:<\/strong><span> The Tokyo Dome performance really encapsulated everything we\u2019ve done throughout our careers. Coachella, as well, was a huge goal for all of us. When we stood on the stage at Coachella, there was this moment of, \u2018We\u2019re finally here, we\u2019ve made it,\u2019 but at the same time, it gave me more to strive for, like, \u2018let\u2019s go on an even bigger stage\u2019.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-inline-last\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-small\">\n<div class=\"inner\">\n<h1 class=\"newsletter-title\">Escape the algorithm! Get The Drop<\/h1>\n<div class=\"meta-row\">\n<p class=\"meta\">Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/privacy-policy\" class=\"meta-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\nPrivacy policy<br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"confirmation\" aria-live=\"polite\">\n<p class=\"confirmation-title\">Thank you. 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src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/480\/0-0-1024-681\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1430\/6\/1436095.jpg\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-latest__content\">\n<h3 class=\"card-latest__title\">ICE Out, the Grammys, and the fight for cultural power in the US<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><a class=\"card-latest\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/article\/69528\/1\/grammys-2026-the-biggest-snubs-from-this-year-s-awards\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"card-latest__img-wrapper\"><span class=\"image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Justin Bieber performing at the 2026 Grammys\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/480\/2-25-909-605\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1430\/6\/1436092.jpg\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-latest__content\">\n<h3 class=\"card-latest__title\">Grammys 2026: The biggest snubs from this year\u2019s awards<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"swiper-slide list-element\">\n<div class=\"scard-latest__section\">\n<div class=\"card-latest__wrapper\"><a class=\"card-latest\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/article\/69530\/1\/the-only-tracks-you-need-to-hear-from-january-2026\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"card-latest__img-wrapper\"><span class=\"image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Dazed Playlist 16x9\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/480\/170-0-1624-1080\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1430\/6\/1436093.png\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-latest__content\">\n<h3 class=\"card-latest__title\">The only tracks you need to hear from January 2026<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><a class=\"card-latest\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/article\/69519\/1\/tony-njoku-event-series-aims-to-bring-spirituality-back-to-live-music\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"card-latest__img-wrapper\"><span class=\"image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Conjuring 1 Artist Composite\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/480\/0-1-1920-1277\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1430\/5\/1435926.jpg\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-latest__content\">\n<h3 class=\"card-latest__title\">This new event series aims to bring spirituality back to live music<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><a class=\"card-latest\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/article\/69513\/1\/midnight-sun-producer-margo-xs-grammy-michigan-transness-viral-pop\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"card-latest__img-wrapper\"><span class=\"image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Edit_Sequence 01.00_07_38_14.Still024\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/480\/0-460-2317-1541\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1430\/5\/1435863.jpg\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-latest__content\">\n<h3 class=\"card-latest__title\">Margo XS on the sound of transness: \u2018Malleable, synthetic and glossy\u2019<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"swiper-slide list-element\">\n<div class=\"scard-latest__section\">\n<div class=\"card-latest__wrapper\"><a class=\"card-latest\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/article\/69509\/1\/the-boy-who-cried-terrified-ranking-tracks-fakemink-new-ep-fml\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"card-latest__img-wrapper\"><span class=\"image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"ab6761670000ecd4b6987b3bed62263200072ca8\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/479\/0-89-479-319\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1430\/5\/1435849.jpeg\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-latest__content\">\n<h3 class=\"card-latest__title\">The Boy who cried Terrified: Ranking all the tracks on fakemink\u2019s new EP<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><a class=\"card-latest\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/article\/69502\/1\/music-is-black-british-story-exhibition-coming-to-va-east\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"card-latest__img-wrapper\"><span class=\"image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Normski, She Rockers (London RapDance Crew) (1988)\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/480\/210-356-1648-1096\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1430\/5\/1435569.jpg\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-latest__content\">\n<h3 class=\"card-latest__title\">A massive exhibition on Black British music is coming to V&amp;A East<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><a class=\"card-latest\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/article\/69470\/1\/atmospheric-dream-pop-artist-maria-somerville-luster-ireland-offline-favourites\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"card-latest__img-wrapper\"><span class=\"image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Maria Somerville\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/480\/0-2-3000-1995\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1430\/4\/1434904.jpg\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-latest__content\">\n<h3 class=\"card-latest__title\">Atmospheric dream-pop artist Maria Somerville shares her offline favourites<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-inline\" data-newsletter hidden>\n<div class=\"newsletter-small\">\n<div class=\"inner\">\n<h1 class=\"newsletter-title\">Escape the algorithm! Get The Drop<\/h1>\n<div class=\"meta-row\">\n<p class=\"meta\">Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/privacy-policy\" class=\"meta-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\nPrivacy policy<br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"confirmation\" aria-live=\"polite\">\n<p class=\"confirmation-title\">Thank you. You have been subscribed<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/privacy-policy\" class=\"meta-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\nPrivacy policy<br \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"article-body wrapper\">\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/xgofficial\/\"><span>XG<\/span><\/a><span> have always resisted definition. Be it through their genre-blending mix of pulsing EDM, seductive R&amp;B and mesmeric house beats or their sci-fi coded visuals, the Japanese septet \u2013 composed of Jurin, Chisa, Hinata, Harvey, Juria, Maya, and Cocona \u2013 evoke interdimensional realms in their music, drawing listeners in with their siren-like voices.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>It all stems from an approach that has always been both transnational and personal, leading XG to position themselves as a \u2018<\/span><span>global act<\/span><span>\u2019 rather than confined to J-Pop or K-Pop. After five years of intensive training under the label XGALX, travelling between Japan and South Korea, the group debuted in 2022 with their first digital single \u201cTippy Toes\u201d, and much of their early promotion took place in the K-pop sphere. Their repertoire, however, is fully in English \u2013 though they haven\u2019t ruled out exploring other languages \u2013 and their sound is referred to as \u2018X-pop\u2019, meant to reflect the kaleidoscope of artistic influences that inspire them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>This strategy is the brainchild of XGALX\u2019s CEO and XG\u2019s main producer, Simon Junho Park, professionally known as Jakops, <\/span><span>who wanted to nurture a group \u201cthat prioritises its own standards over fleeting trends, external expectations, or the \u2018numbers and formulas\u2019 often used to define success\u201d, as he puts it. \u201cWhen I first envisioned XG, I wasn\u2019t simply trying to create a group that could succeed globally,\u201d Jakops explains. \u201cOn a more fundamental level, I wanted to build a team with an identity that belongs nowhere, yet resonates anywhere.\u201c<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"src-youtube video-container embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"media-youtube\" data-id=\"cUfDOS2SINM\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" allowfullscreen frameborder height=\"422\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/cUfDOS2SINM\" webkitallowfullscreen width=\"750\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><span>With that came a capacity to reimagine their universe time and again, a pursuit XG have deepened with their recent name change, announced on January 12, from Xtraordinary Girls to Xtraordinary Genes. This shift is about greater personal maturity, which underpins their <\/span><span>first full-leng<\/span><span>th album,\u00a0<\/span><em><span>The Core<\/span><\/em><span>, released last month. It is also influenced in part by the group\u2019s 20-year-old rapper Cocona publicly embracing their gender identity last December, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.out.com\/gay-music\/xg-name-change-cocona#google_vignette\">sharing<\/a> that they are \u201cAFAB [assigned female at birth] transmasculine nonbinary\u201c and revealing that they had recently undergone top surgery.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>From the cosmic, hybrid dance compositions of \u201cGala\u201d and \u201cTake My Breath\u201d to the rebellious pop-punk bite of \u201cO.R.B. (Obviously Reads Bro)\u201d, the ten-track record is huge: a harmonious collision of genres that hits the listener with full force. Case in point is lead single \u201cHypnotize\u201d, which XG describe as a \u201cswirling hypno-disco illusion\u201d in the lyrics.<\/span><span> &#8220;It captures the feeling of your body moving naturally, as if guided by the ticking of the clock, and before you know it, you have completely surrendered yourself to XG\u2019s rhythm,\u201d Hinata says. \u201cHypnosis is a power born from confidence and being true to yourself, and it is your belief and energy that become the strongest magic.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Ahead of the group embarking on their second world tour, XG discuss their new era, their respective favourite tracks on the project, and Cocona\u2019s recent gender announcement.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"inline-img expandable dev-view-hide\" data-img=\"2bebfb0c-af9a-4337-81cf-b3e800e125c5\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/2000\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1430\/6\/1436482.jpg\" data-img-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\" data-img-aspect-ratio=\"1.5\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"XG_HYPNOTIZE_Main\" class=\"img\" height=\"2001\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/786\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1430\/6\/1436482.jpg\" width=\"3000\"><\/span><\/span><figcaption class=\"img-caption\"><span class=\"credit\">Courtesy of XGALX<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><strong>XG is a group which defines its identity as \u201climitless.\u201c<\/strong><strong>\u00a0How do you balance this range with staying true to yourselves? <\/strong><strong><br \/><\/strong><strong><br \/><\/strong><strong>Maya: <\/strong><span>It\u2019s simply about what we want to do at that moment. Whether it\u2019s fashion, concepts, or the message we want to send to the audience, we each have a lot we really want to do. We keep that in mind every single time we release a song, and that\u2019s what makes XG, XG. <\/span><span>A lot of what [we try] to challenge is new. We all have our different characteristics and personalities, and that comes out really well in the music videos. Also, our producer, Simon, always listens to what we want to try, [which] really helps us to break the boundaries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>You\u2019re beginning a new chapter with your name change to Xtraordinary Genes, with the release of <\/strong><strong><em>The Core<\/em><\/strong><strong> as the first step. What has remained the same or what feels different?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Hinata:<\/strong><span> I think there are certain things that won\u2019t change, like what we have at our core. That hasn\u2019t changed since we first started working together as a unit. But we\u2019ve grown over the years, and as we continue to understand what XG really is, we\u2019ll be able to show even more what that real version of us looks like. So I believe there\u2019s going to be a lot of growth in this next chapter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>And what ambitions are you most eager to pursue?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Chisa: <\/strong><span>For XG, the music we make is something we want, in some way, to change history, and we\u2019re seeking a reason why we\u2019ve come onto this scene, what we\u2019re going to do, and what we\u2019ll leave behind. In some cases, it\u2019s about giving courage to people, or helping them see their dreams and what they\u2019re able to chase, or being a sanctuary so they feel like it\u2019s a safe space.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"src-youtube video-container embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"media-youtube\" data-id=\"8cEdndsuzSE\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" allowfullscreen frameborder height=\"422\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8cEdndsuzSE\" webkitallowfullscreen width=\"750\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><strong><em>The Core<\/em><\/strong><strong> has been described as \u201cthe most honest portrait of who XG is today.\u201d What personal message did each of you want to share with listeners?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Harvey:<\/strong><span>We have all turned 20 now, so we\u2019re all, by Japanese standards, adults. I think this idea of us maturing and growing comes through in the lyrics, the melody and our music videos, and the visual expression is something we want to show the world. In addition, the different types of love that exist, including romance and the emotional journey [that comes with it.] I think we\u2019re now at a point where we can speak to audiences in a way that resonates with them and feels more relatable. This is all part of what we think the new XG is, and we want people to see it, enjoy it, and also show the world that we\u2019re now adults and have grown.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Chisa:<\/strong><span> To add to that, I think this album isn\u2019t confined to any one genre or style, which is why it\u2019s so representative of XG. Each track represents our individual thoughts, but at the same time, the album as a whole has this [sense of] unity, which was very important to us. Also, until now, we focused more on self-love and self-confidence, but now we\u2019re shifting into a new phase, and we want to tell our listeners, \u2018This is what makes us attractive, and this is what enchants people.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>One of the album&#8217;s singles, \u201cGALA\u201c, celebrates self-expression. While each of you brought your own personal vision to your outfits in the video, were there any fashion choices that pushed you out of your comfort zone?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Harvey: <\/strong><span>The costumes we have in the music video are something only we can express. For example, if you look at my costume or what Maya wears, it gives off a completely different taste and vibe, and that\u2019s because we all have a strong identity and a unique vision. We all just thought about, \u2018this is the style that I want to approach, this is the shape, and this is the message we want to convey through our wardrobe.&#8217;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>We talked to the company about that a lot, then they helped develop these different looks with the stylist. Ultimately, what that did was give us a wardrobe that, if we were invited to a gala or a fashion show, would be a version of what we would wear when we walked down the runway. It really showcases our individuality.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<blockquote>\n<p><span>&#8220;I started to notice that my internal self and the self I was projecting to the outside world were forming a gap. Over time, it became more and more painful.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><strong>Turning to the main track, \u201cHypnotize\u201d, what thoughts or memories helped you bring the song\u2019s essence to life in the recording booth?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Chisa:<\/strong><span> We really wanted to pull the audience into XG\u2019s world through the atmosphere we create, and the bass has a techno-house sound that also includes piano. But in the end, I think it\u2019s really about showing XG\u2019s confidence and the way we hypnotise the audience. There are lyrics that talk about how we carve through time and how a single gaze can pull you in, but once listeners are in our world, they almost let their bodies flow and give themselves up to the music. That&#8217;s what <strong>\u201c<\/strong>Hypnotize<strong>\u201c<\/strong> is meant to do.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>We&#8217;d done some house-type sounds before, but the first time we heard the demo still felt incredibly new, and I think there\u2019s a freshness we can really express through our performances. All seven of us thought, \u2018Wow, this is it. This is going to be our lead track.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Say you\u2019re talking to someone who\u2019s just getting to know XG. Which song from the album would you choose as your personal introduction, and why do you feel it best shows who you really are?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Jurin:<\/strong><span> \u201cGALA\u201c. From the way it\u2019s presented to the texture of the sound and the performance, everything about [this song] feels free and effortlessly cool. Because it\u2019s a song packed with the core idea of not fitting into a mould and staying true to who I am.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Hinata: <\/strong>\u201c<span>4 Seasons\u201c. I love how the emotions shift and change.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Juria:<\/strong><span> [For me it\u2019s] \u201cHypnotize\u201c. It\u2019s a song that carries both strength and fragility, and parts of it really resonate with me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Cocona: <\/strong><span>It\u2019s \u201cGALA\u201c. &#8216;If you don\u2019t get it, that\u2019s not my problem.&#8217; I think that line captures my feelings right now better than anything.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"inline-img expandable dev-view-hide\" data-img=\"cc49aec6-6c61-40e3-99b4-b3e800e146c2\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/1905\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1430\/6\/1436483.jpg\" data-img-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\" data-img-aspect-ratio=\"0.67\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"XG_HYPNOTIZE_2\" class=\"img\" height=\"2857\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/786\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1430\/6\/1436483.jpg\" width=\"1905\"><\/span><\/span><figcaption class=\"img-caption\"><span class=\"credit\">Courtesy of XGALX<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><strong>Cocona, revealing your gender identity was a groundbreaking moment, particularly within the context of the Japanese and Korean entertainment industries. What was it like to open up about this?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Cocona:<\/strong><span> For me, it\u2019s really the message and the core of XG \u2013 how everything feels so real, and how you\u2019re supposed to be able to love yourself just the way you are. And I started to notice that my internal self and the self I was projecting to the outside world were forming a gap. Over time, it became more and more painful, but it was really hard for me to express myself, and I realised that it was something I couldn\u2019t solve on my own. So I talked to the other members and Simon, and everyone said, \u2018Well, Cocona, if that\u2019s how you\u2019re feeling, then you should really be yourself.\u2019 That process helped me so much and gave me a lot of confidence.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>At the time, it was really about me trying to understand myself and express that to the world. There wasn\u2019t much in my mind about whether it would give strength to others or give them a reason to come out. But after I dropped that post, I got so many messages from people saying, \u2018I\u2019m in a similar situation, and your words really, really saved me. I\u2019m so happy.\u2018 That\u2019s my message and XG\u2019s message. Everything that came from that made me really happy, and it also gave me the confidence to go through with it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>These past few years have been a whirlwind for XG \u2013 from headlining the Sahara Stage at Coachella to performing at the Tokyo Dome, and more. Was there a particular moment that made you think, \u2018I want more\u2019?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Maya: <\/strong><span>I think the Tokyo Dome was one of the biggest stages we\u2019ve ever performed on as a group, and performing in a dome was one of our biggest dreams \u2013 it even happened in our hometown, Tokyo. <\/span><span>Personally, I realised that we were finally at the point where we could move forward, and it felt like another starting line, like, <strong>\u2018<\/strong>this is where it all begins, and from here is where we all evolve as a group.<strong>\u2018<\/strong><\/span><span><br \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Jurin:<\/strong><span> The Tokyo Dome performance really encapsulated everything we\u2019ve done throughout our careers. Coachella, as well, was a huge goal for all of us. When we stood on the stage at Coachella, there was this moment of, \u2018We\u2019re finally here, we\u2019ve made it,\u2019 but at the same time, it gave me more to strive for, like, \u2018let\u2019s go on an even bigger stage\u2019.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-inline-last\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-small\">\n<div class=\"inner\">\n<h1 class=\"newsletter-title\">Escape the algorithm! Get The Drop<\/h1>\n<div class=\"meta-row\">\n<p class=\"meta\">Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/privacy-policy\" class=\"meta-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\nPrivacy policy<br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"confirmation\" aria-live=\"polite\">\n<p class=\"confirmation-title\">Thank you. You have been subscribed<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/privacy-policy\" class=\"meta-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\nPrivacy policy<br \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/article\/69566\/1\/x-pop-xg-the-core-k-pop-hypnotise-gala-interview-2026&#8243;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/1200\/0-306-2333-1555\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1430\/6\/1436484.jpg&#8221;] Courtesy of XGALX February\u00a0 6,\u00a0 2026 Music \/ Q+A Music \/ Q+A XG: The Japanese \u2018X-pop\u2019 group who want to change history Fresh off their recent name change, and ahead of their world tour, the Japan-born and South Korea-trained X-Pop group discuss creative influences, gender expression and the newfound maturity that underpins [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,76],"class_list":["post-1757156","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-dazeddigital-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1757156","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1757156"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1757156\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1757156"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1757156"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1757156"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}