In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the global music industry, XG has officially ditched their original name. As of January 12, the group has transitioned from “Xtraordinary Girls” to “Xtraordinary Genes.”
While name changes in music are often just marketing stunts, this one carries significant weight. It marks a direct response to a major shift within the group’s own lineup and a commitment to inclusivity that is virtually unprecedented at this level of the industry.
The Catalyst: Cocona’s Personal Journey
The rebrand comes on the heels of a historic announcement from member Cocona. Just last month, Cocona made headlines by coming out as AFAB transmasculine non-binary.
In an industry where image is often strictly controlled, Cocona’s transparency was a watershed moment. They shared details regarding their transition—including undergoing top surgery—and expressed a desire to live authentically beyond the “female” label they were assigned at birth.
While the fandom, known as ALPHAZ, rallied behind Cocona with massive support, it left a lingering question: Could a “Global Girl Group” still be a girl group if one of its most prominent members doesn’t identify as a girl?
Why “Genes”?
By pivoting to “Xtraordinary Genes,” the group’s label, XGALX, has effectively solved that dilemma. The new name strips away gendered expectations while leaning into the group’s established “alien” and “superhuman” lore.
In a statement released by the company, they explained the shift:
“Building upon our origins as ‘Girls,’ and returning to the ‘Genes’ at our core, XG will continue to evolve more deeply and authentically. The word ‘Genes’ represents the power and creativity that reside within our core, as well as our spirit of continuously creating new culture without being bound by conventional norms.”
This isn’t a total departure for the group. The “X-GENE” concept has been a staple of their discography since 2023, often used to describe their “X-POP” sound—a blend of heavy hip-hop and R&B that refuses to fit into the standard K-pop or J-pop boxes.
Setting a New Standard for Inclusivity
The decision to rebrand the entire group to support one member’s transition is being viewed as a massive win for LGBTQ+ representation in music. Rather than Cocona leaving the group or the group maintaining a title that felt inaccurate, XG chose to evolve together.
This “all for one” mentality is likely why their fanbase has remained so loyal. On social media, fans have pointed out that XG has always preached a message of being “extraordinary” and “different,” and this move proves they aren’t just using those words as a concept—they’re living them.
Looking Ahead: ‘THE CORE – 核’
XG isn’t slowing down to let the news settle. They are currently in the final countdown for their first-ever full-length album, ‘THE CORE – 核’, which hits streaming platforms on January 23.
Following the album release, the group will head out on their second world tour this February. With the “Girls” label officially retired, the tour is expected to be a high-concept showcase of their new, gender-neutral “global group” identity.
XG has always been about breaking the mold. Now, they’ve officially broken the binary, too.
Adreena is a writer from Nagano, Japan, but is now residing in Singapore. She mostly writes music news and reviews, but in her spare time, she likes writing fiction and poems.