Summary (tl;dr)

Cocona, a member of the global girl group XG, has announced on their 20th birthday that they identify as transmasculine non-binary and underwent top surgery earlier this year, leading to widespread online discussion and support.

Essential Background

Cocona (Korean: 코코나; Japanese: ココナ) is a Japanese rapper under XGALX and a prominent member of the co-ed group XG, which debuted in March 2022 with their single "Tippy Toes". XG is an all-Japanese member group based in South Korea, formed by Xgalx, a subsidiary of Avex. Cocona has been known for her musical talent and has been a student of AVEX Artist Academy.

The Full Story

On December 6, 2025, to mark their 20th birthday, Cocona made a heartfelt announcement via XG's official Instagram page, revealing their identity as AFAB (assigned female at birth) transmasculine non-binary. In the statement, Cocona also shared that they had undergone top surgery earlier in the year, a chest reconstruction procedure often undertaken by transgender and non-binary individuals to align their physical appearance with their gender identity. They expressed that the label of female never truly represented them and articulated their journey of self-acceptance, thanking their fellow group members, CEO Simon Jakops, and their parents for their unwavering support. The news has generated significant attention across social media, with many fans celebrating Cocona's courage and highlighting the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in the music industry.

Why It Matters

This announcement is significant as it marks a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ representation within the global music industry, particularly for K-pop and J-pop idols, which have historically seen less open discussion of diverse gender identities. Cocona's public coming out as transmasculine non-binary and their transparency about undergoing top surgery provides visibility and a potential role model for countless individuals struggling with their own gender identity. The outpouring of support from fans underscores a growing acceptance and demand for diversity in entertainment, although some online reactions indicate that not all responses have been positive. This event contributes to a broader conversation about self-acceptance, identity, and inclusivity in popular culture.

Geographic Location

• South Korea (base of XG girl group)
• Virtual/Online (announcement made via XG's official Instagram page)