XG – The Core – 核
Trailblazing global pop group XG have officially launched the U.S. pre-order for their highly-anticipated first full-length album, THE CORE – 核, set for release on January 23, 2026. Pre-orders are now open via the XG Official U.S. Shop, marking the beginning of the next major chapter in the group’s rapid global ascension.
The launch follows weeks of speculation sparked by a cryptic post shared to XG’s social media on October 30, featuring a single image of the kanji character “核” (meaning “core” or “nucleus”). The minimalist teaser quickly ignited fan theories about its meaning and connection to XG’s artistic evolution. The following day, the group unveiled their next world tour, XG WORLD TOUR: THE CORE, confirming the significance of the symbol and tying it directly to their forthcoming album. The tour will kick off in Japan in February 2026, before heading across Asia, North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America, and more, with U.S. dates to be announced soon.
XG released the album’s first single, “GALA,” in September.
The track has since achieved global success and this week entered the Top 40 on U.S. radio, according to Mediabase. XG will perform the song on The Voice season 28 finale, airing December 16 on NBC. The “GALA” music video debuted at No.1 on YouTube’s Music Videos.
THE CORE – 核 represents a declaration of XG’s deepest creative essence – a project that strips away embellishment to focus on the foundation of their music and identity. The album moves fluidly across genres and eras, weaving a sonic journey that transcends borders and space while remaining grounded in the group’s unmistakable sound and energy. It stands as the purest statement yet of “X-POP,” the genre XG have defined for themselves.
The announcement follows an already landmark year for XG, who made history as the only Japanese artists to perform at Coachella 2025, where they headlined the Sahara stage to critical acclaim and global buzz.
Guided by the belief that “great music holds value in and of itself,” THE CORE – 核 is both a reflection of who XG are today and a powerful beginning for what lies ahead. The album’s tracklist and additional details will be revealed soon.
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