“…That MAGA Sh*t” — Popular Idol Group’s Sudden Name Change Hit With Criticism

Fans quickly defended the group.
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Koreaboo

Recently, XG‘s name change was hit with viral criticism.

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XG | Xgalx

Last year, member Cocona announced that they are trans-masculine nonbinary, along with revealing they had top surgery. The announcement garnered worldwide attention, with many praising Cocona’s bravery.

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XG’s Cocona | XG

Following the announcement, many questioned the group’s description as a “girl group,” inquiring about how they would now be categorized now that the title was incorrect.

On January 12, KST, the group announced that they would be “evolving” their name, shifting the meaning of XG from Xtraordinary Girls to Xtraordinary Genes, now reflecting their mixed-gender lineup.

Initial reactions were positive, however, the name change has gone viral and spread, earning criticism.

On a viral post announcing the name, many referenced an American Eagle ad featuring actress Sydney Sweeney.

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Sydney Sweeney | IMDB

In the ad, a word play using the phrase “great jeans/genes” was used, and being that Sweeney is blond haired and blue eyed, many felt that ad subtly advanced ideas of white genetic superiority (also known as eugenics) and served as a conservative “dog whistle,” or indicator.

Sweeney’s subsequent actions only served to intensify the criticism.

XG using “genes” in their name was a callback to the ad for some, along with the historical context of Japan being a colonizing power during history.

Others defended the group, saying the context along with XG’s sci-fi, alien concept matched with the new meaning of their name.

While vigilance is understandable in the political climate, most seem to want context to also be considered in reactions.

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