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Japanese girl group XG issues statements on arrest of agency's producers for illegal drugs
Japanese girl group XG issues statements on arrest of agency's producers for illegal drugs
Japanese girl group XG (Xtraordinary Genes) released statements regarding the arrest of their agency’s producers due to illegal drugs.
Japanese and Korean media outlets reported that Jakops (Simon), the CEO and executive producer of XGALX, was arrested by the police on Feb. 23 in a hotel room in Aichi Prefecture in Japan on suspicion of possessing cocaine. Music producer Chancellor and two AVEX employees were also arrested. XGALX, which formed XG, is a subsidiary of AVEX, a Japanese entertainment company.
XG’s statements
In one statement titled “Regarding Recent Reports,” XG said, “We sincerely apologize for the concern and inconvenience caused to our fans, ALPHAZ, and all related parties due to the recent reports.
“An investigation is currently being conducted by the authorities, and we are fully cooperating with it. We would like to clarify that XG is in no way involved in this matter. We are prioritizing the safety and physical and mental well-being of our artists and will continue to provide them with full support. We kindly ask for your understanding and continued support,” they said.
In another statement addressed to fans, XG said, “To ALPHAZ and All Those Who Support Us: We sincerely apologize for the delay in sharing our message. We were deeply shocked and confused by the sudden news, and we are still trying to process it ourselves.”
“In moments like this, we are reminded more than ever of how much your support means to us. We will continue, as we always have, to face our music with sincerity and dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to our activities as XG. We want to cherish every step of this journey and move forward together with you. XG will continue to walk our own path, just as we always have. We would be grateful for your continued warm support and understanding,” they said.
XG debuted in March 2022 with members Jurin, Chisa, Hinata, Harvey, Juria, Maya, and Cocona.
Last January, XG released their first studio album “The Core.”
Jakops’ and AVEX’s statements
Jakops’ side released a statement on Feb. 24.
“We take seriously the concerns and concerns we have caused many of you regarding the recent media reports of the arrests of our producers,” company Jakops, established by Jakops, said in a statement, according to Korean media.
It added, “We are currently doing our best to confirm the facts related to this matter and are cooperating faithfully and actively with all ongoing investigations. As the specific details have not yet been confirmed, we will provide a prompt and transparent statement as soon as the facts are confirmed and the situation is resolved. Once again, we deeply apologize for any concern and inconvenience this may have caused.”
AVEX also released a statement on Feb. 24.
“We are aware of certain media reports regarding the arrest of individuals associated with our company and employees of our Group. An investigation by the police is currently underway, and we are cooperating fully with the authorities. We deeply apologize for any concern or inconvenience this matter has caused,” AVEX stated on its website.
According to the XGALX website, Jakops was born in Seattle in the US in 1986, of Japanese-Korean descent and holds three nationalities and identities: American, Japanese, and Korean.
“After engaging in music activities across the US, Japan, and South Korea, he debuted as a member of DMTN (DALMATIAN) in 2010. In 2013, he officially began his career as a producer under the name Jakops,” the bio read.
It added, “With extensive experience in producing various tracks, he has leveraged nearly 20 years of expertise and a global network in the music industry. In 2017, he established his entertainment company, Jakops, and launched XGALX. He oversees all aspects of the group's development, from scouting and training members to producing music, videos, visuals, and creative direction. He also plays a pivotal role in shaping the culture and corporate identity of XGALX.”
“In 2022, he debuted XGALX's first project, the seven-member girl group 'XG'. Additionally, he served as the sound producer for the ‘Anrealage 2025 Show’ at the Spring/Summer 2025 Paris Collection (Paris Women's Fashion Week), directing the overall sound for the show,” it added.