Cover Meet XG: emerging global group redefining the K-pop girl crush scene (Photo: Instagram / @xgofficial)
Meet XG: emerging global group redefining the K-pop girl crush scene (Photo: Instagram / @xgofficial)
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Is X-pop the new K-pop? XG, which is set to drop its new single ‘Something Ain’t Right’, would have you believe so, with its bold statement-making songs and Y3K looks
Japanese girl group XG, which debuted in South Korea in March 2022, has shot to fame with its dynamic music and stylish Y3K aesthetics. Signed under Xgalx, a subsidiary of Japanese entertainment agency Avex, the seven-member group comprises Jurin, Chisa, Hinata, Harvey, Juria, Maya and Cocona.
XG, riding high on its growing popularity, is currently on its first world tour called The First Howl since May 2024. The group will make stops in major cities such as Bangkok, Shanghai and Hong Kong—with Hong Kong leg of the tour happening on August 13 at AsiaWorld-Expo.
The band is also set to drop its single Something Ain’t Right on 26 July, as part of the pre-release of its second mini album. Ahead of it, Tatler gathers five fascinating facts you should know about XG.
See also: YG Entertainment announces 2NE1’s reunion and comeback tour
Meet the XG girls, Jurin, Chisa, Hinata, Harvey, Juria, Maya and Cocona
In an interview in Billboard Japan in 2023, Avex’s CEO Katsumi Kuroiwa said that the seven members of XG, short for “Xtraordinary Girls”, were carefully selected from a pool of 13,000 applicants in 2017, and underwent rigorous training for five years before their debut on 18 March 2022 with the digital single Tippy Toes.
Jurin, Harvey, Maya and Cocona are the team’s rappers, while Chisa, Hinata and Juria are the singers. Jurin is their leader, she, along with Hinata and Harvey, are also known as great dancers. Though each member has an official position, they have all demonstrated impressive abilities in multiple disciplines.
XG’s brand of X-pop music
Inspired by global superstars like Beyoncé and Rihanna, XG has defined its unique sound as “X-pop”, a blend of R&B, hip-hop and the band’s own innovative flair. Although the girl band debuted in South Korea, it considers itself an international act, and all its lyrics are in English.
XG topping music charts
XG has achieved several groundbreaking milestones in just two years. They are the first Japanese girl group to be featured on the cover of the esteemed Billboard magazine and topped the US Billboard chart “Hot Trending Songs Powered by Twitter” with their song Grl Gvng in July 2023. Their first all-rap track, Woke Up (2024), soared to the top of the YouTube trending chart in the US on May 22, 2024.
At the forefront of Y3K style
Above XG's Harvey (Photo: Instagram / @xgofficial)
Above XG's Hinata (Photo: Instagram / @xgofficial)
XG's Harvey (Photo: Instagram / @xgofficial)
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XG is among the pioneers of Y3K fashion, a trending style that draws inspiration from the 3000s and features futuristic and cyberpunk elements. They incorporate metallic and sleek fabrics to create a bold and edgy feel. Chunky accessories like exaggerated sunglasses and sparkling face gems complete the futuristic look.
You may also read: How to nail the Y3K style, as seen in Aespa’s ‘Armageddon’ album
Anthems of empowerment
XG strives to empower youths worldwide through inventive music and performances. In the music video of Woke Up (2024), the scene of Cocona boldly shaving her hair surprised fans worldwide. The powerful chorus lyrics, in which the bandmates describe themselves as a pack of wolves also send out a message of strength and solidarity.
Another catchy anthem, Mascara (2022), conveys messages of resilience and self-respect, especially for women who have experienced heartbreak or betrayal. Lyrics such as “I’ll never let another boy ruin my mascara” encourage youngsters not to let anyone undervalue them.
