XG Member Cocona Announces Transmasculine Nonbinary Identity

XG’s Cocona has publicly identified as AFAB transmasculine nonbinary, sharing the revelation alongside details of her recent top surgery in a statement that underscores years of personal reckoning. The 20-year-old rapper, whose birth name aligns with her assigned female at birth status, described the process as the hardest challenge she has faced, yet one that unlocked newfound courage and a transformed worldview. Her disclosure arrives on her birthday, coinciding with the group’s rising profile in global hip-hop and R&B circuits.

Cocona joined XG upon the septet’s debut in March 2022 under Avex’s XGALX label, bringing sharp lyricism to tracks like ‘Tippy Toes’ and ‘New Dance,’ which propelled the group to over 100 million Spotify streams within their first year. Formed in Japan with international training, XG features Jurin as leader and vocalist, Chisa on rap, Hinata and Maya handling vocals, Harvey on rap and dance, and Juria rounding out the dance and vocal roles. The ensemble’s concept emphasizes self-determination, with Cocona’s contributions often centering themes of inner strength amid external pressures.

In her Instagram post via the official XG account, Cocona wrote, ‘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.’ She continued, ‘I am AFAB transmasculine non-binary,’ crediting the journey with reshaping her understanding of the world. The statement details her top surgery earlier in 2025, a procedure she frames as pivotal to embracing her authentic self without apology.

Support from XG’s inner circle emerges as a cornerstone of Cocona’s narrative, with explicit thanks directed to bandmates Jurin, Chisa, Hinata, Harvey, Juria, and Maya for standing beside her through vulnerability. Producer and XGALX CEO Simon Jakobsson receives acknowledgment for fostering an environment of acceptance, alongside nods to her parents and broader team. ‘This message turned out a bit long, but I just want to say thank you — for walking beside me and for supporting me all this way,’ she stated, emphasizing collective growth.

The announcement intersects with XG’s momentum, following their October 2024 EP ‘Awe,’ which charted on Billboard’s World Albums and included collaborations amplifying their cross-cultural appeal. XG’s discography spans six singles and two EPs, with ‘Shooting Star’ amassing 50 million YouTube views since its 2022 release. Cocona’s role as a core rapper has positioned her at the forefront of performances, including sold-out shows across Asia and Europe totaling 200,000 attendees in 2024 alone.

Industry observers note the timing aligns with heightened visibility for queer representation in K-pop-adjacent acts, though XG’s J-pop roots and global branding set it apart from Seoul-based counterparts. No immediate changes to group activities have been announced, with XG’s next project slated for early 2026 per label updates. Cocona concluded her post optimistically: ‘I’m so excited for the future we’ll continue to create together with XG and XGALX.’

Fan reactions flooded social platforms within hours, amassing over 80,000 likes on the Instagram reveal and sparking threads on X that blend birthday tributes with affirmations of solidarity. XG’s management has yet to issue a formal response, but the post’s presence on the group’s verified channel signals institutional backing. This development adds a layer to XG’s narrative of boundary-pushing artistry, rooted in their manifesto of ‘First in, first out’ innovation.

As XG navigates expansion into Western markets, Cocona’s openness could bolster alliances with LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, mirroring precedents set by artists like Mnet’s ‘I-Land’ alumni. Her statement avoids prescriptive language on pronouns, focusing instead on lived experience and relational bonds. With 1.5 million monthly Spotify listeners as of late 2025, XG stands at a inflection point where personal disclosures intersect with commercial trajectories.