Label
XGALX
XGALX (엑스지알엑스) is a South Korean entertainment label established in 2017 by Simon Jakops (also known as JAKOPS and SIMON), operating as a subsidiary of Japanese entertainment conglomerate Avex Group. The label was originally called X-Galaxy before adopting its current name. Its founding was premised on a specific ambition: to develop artists who could break genre and national categories simultaneously, combining K-pop's training rigor with Japanese artistry and Western hip-hop and R&B references under what the label calls "X-POP." Avex CEO Katsumi Kuroiwa has described the project as having been launched "when the world's attention was first turning to K-pop," a positioning that reflects both the opportunity and the risk involved.
XGALX's first and flagship act is XG (Xtraordinary Genes), a seven-member all-Japanese girl group based in Seoul that debuted on March 18, 2022 with the single "Tippy Toes." The group rapidly established a dedicated international fanbase (ALPHAZ) and became the first Japanese girl group to chart on multiple Billboard rankings. Their discography has expanded through EPs, mini-albums, and a world tour cycle that showed sustained commercial viability across North America, Europe, and Asia. Members: Jurin, Chisa, Hinata, Juria, Cocona, Maya, and Harvey.
In February 2026, JAKOPS was arrested in Nagoya on suspicion of narcotics possession, creating significant uncertainty around XG's ongoing activities and the label's operational structure. The arrest came during the group's active touring period. On March 25, 2026, Jakops issued a public statement acknowledging drug use and formally resigned as XGALX CEO. Avex has continued to oversee label operations. XG's scheduled activities and communications have continued through official XGALX channels at xgalx.com.
Gallery
XG heading to Music Bank, May 2024 / CC BY 3.0 / TV10 via Wikimedia Commons
Fans Also Ask
Who founded XGALX?
XGALX was founded in 2017 by Simon Jakops (also known as JAKOPS), a Korean-Japanese singer-songwriter and producer who previously performed as Simon in the boy group DMTN. He serves as CEO and is the creative architect behind the label and its first group, XG.
What groups are under XGALX?
XGALX is home to XG (Jurin, Chisa, Hinata, Harvey, Juria, Maya, and Cocona), a seven-member global girl group that debuted in March 2022. Simon Jakops also releases music under XGALX as a solo artist and producer. The label has positioned XG as a cross-cultural act blending Korean production with a globally oriented sound.
What is the connection between XGALX and Avex?
XGALX operates as a subsidiary of Avex, the major Japanese entertainment conglomerate. Avex provides infrastructure, distribution, and industry networks, while XGALX functions as a creatively independent label with Simon Jakops directing artistic direction for its acts.
Is XG a K-pop or J-pop group?
XG occupies a deliberately hybrid space. The group was formed and trained in South Korea through SM-style production systems, but all seven members are Japanese nationals and the label is a subsidiary of Japan-based Avex. XGALX markets XG as a global group rather than aligning them strictly with either the K-pop or J-pop industries.
What happened to Simon Jakops in 2026?
In February 2026, Simon Jakops was arrested in Nagoya, Japan, on suspicion of violating Japan's Narcotics Control Law. He and producer Chancellor were found with cocaine and marijuana during a hotel raid while XG was on active tour. XGALX and XG issued separate statements apologizing to fans (ALPHAZ) and pledging cooperation with authorities. On March 25, 2026, Jakops issued a public apology acknowledging drug use and announced his resignation as XGALX CEO. Avex has continued to oversee XGALX operations and XG's activities have continued under the label structure.
