Cocona, member of the South Korea-based J-pop group XG, has come out as transmasculine and non-binary in a birthday post on the group’s Instagram account.
On Friday, Cocona shared a carousel of solo photos, each one showing top surgery scars under an open blazer.
In the caption, in both Japanese and English, Cocona wrote, “Today, I turned 20. As I reach this new chapter in my life, I want to share something that’s been in my heart for a long time. I am AFAB transmasculine non-binary. Earlier this year, I had top surgery.
“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. The hardest thing I’ve ever faced was accepting and embracing myself,” Cocona continued. “But as I slowly began to do that, I was able to open a new door. That moment changed the way I see and understand the world, and it gave me the courage and strength to grow. Now, I can finally say, ‘There’s nothing wrong with who I am inside.'”
Cocona went on to thank the other members of XG (Jurin, Chisa, Harvey, Hinata, Maya, and Juria), the group’s producer and XGALX label CEO Simon Jakops, and their parents for their support, stating, “I was only able to come this far because of the people who listened and stood by me.” Cocona added, “I’m truly grateful for this path, and for every miracle that brought us together.”
To conclude, Cocona wrote, “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. I’m so excited for the future we’ll continue to create together with XG and XGALX. May these words gently light a spark in someone’s heart. And to everyone who needs it—may my love reach all of them.
With love, always.”
At the end of the post, Cocona revealed that XG member Chisa did their makeup for the shoot, and XG member Jurin took the photos, which is especially lovely. The majority of comments from fans are celebratory, supportive, and grateful in equal measure.
XG’s debut album, The Core – 核, is slated for release on January 23, 2026. The group debuted in 2022 and made history earlier this year as the first and Japanese act to perform at Coachella. Following the release of its debut album, XG sets off on its second world tour in February 2026, which starts in Japan before heading across Asia, North America, Europe, Australia, and Latin America.
U.S. album pre-orders and tour dates will be announced soon.
