XG member Cocona has publicly come out as AFAB transmasculine non-binary, sharing a deeply private message with followers on their twentieth birthday. The announcement, posted on Instagram on December 6, marks a uncommon and vital second of gender-identity declarations from an artist inside the Japanese and Korean pop panorama, the place such conversations are nonetheless rising.
In a written assertion, Cocona mirrored on getting into maturity and selecting this second to talk truthfully about who they’re. They wrote with readability and intention, thanking those that supported them and expressing hope that their phrases may attain others navigating comparable journeys.
“Hello, it’s COCONA. In the present day, I flip 20. As I attain this milestone, I needed to take a second to share one thing that’s been deep in my coronary heart for a very long time. I’m AFAB Transmasculine Non-binary.
Earlier this 12 months, I underwent high surgical procedure. I used to be assigned feminine at delivery, however I don’t see myself as a lady. I really feel a robust discomfort being seen as ‘feminine,’ and I reside my life feeling extra aligned with a masculine id. The toughest factor I’ve ever confronted in life was accepting and embracing myself.
However now, having taken even a tiny step ahead, simply 0.1 of a step, I really feel like I’ve opened a brand new door.
Opening that door has broadened my perspective and adjusted how I see and interpret the world.
It has given me emotional progress and braveness. Now, I can lastly really feel that what’s inside me isn’t one thing to be ashamed of.
I owe this to the individuals who listened to me, who stood by me, my fellow members, Simon-san, and my dad and mom. I’m deeply grateful for this and all of the miraculous connections I’ve been blessed with. This bought somewhat lengthy, however I actually wish to categorical my gratitude for everybody who’s supported me alongside the way in which.
I’m excited for the long run I’ll proceed to construct with XG and XGALX. I hope this message can gently mild a spark in somebody’s coronary heart. And will my love attain everybody who wants it.
With love, at all times.”
Shortly after, XGALX founder and producer Simon (Jakops) shared a public message of assist on Instagram, honoring Cocona’s braveness. “In the present day, as Cocona bravely shared their reality with the world, I’m full of deep emotion and respect,” he mentioned.
Additional, he reaffirmed his dedication to XG’s mission of honoring every member’s individuality: “I’ll proceed to supply honest assist so that every member is revered not solely as a performing artist but in addition as a human being who can love their very own life.” He additionally mirrored on the group’s eight-year journey and the milestone of all seven members now reaching maturity.
Cocona’s announcement arrives as XG — identified for his or her multilingual sound, sharp choreography, and rising worldwide footprint — prepares for his or her first full album, THE CORE, in January 2026 and their subsequent world tour. Whereas this announcement is separate from the group’s upcoming releases and tour plans, the visibility of the second resonates inside international popular culture.
Cocona’s assertion stands as a uncommon occasion of a J-pop/Ok-pop–adjoining idol artist straight discussing gender id with followers. It arrives at a time when international audiences are more and more vocal about illustration, assist, and visibility for LGBTQ+ people in leisure panorama.
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