XG Producer and Singer Chancellor Arrested in Major Japan Drug Scandal
In a shocking development that has rocked the entertainment industry, Simon Jakops, the visionary producer behind the breakout Japanese girl group XG, and acclaimed singer-songwriter Chancellor have been arrested on drug possession charges in Japan. The arrests occurred early Sunday morning at a Nagoya hotel, just hours after XG's electrifying world tour concert in the city.
Police Raid and Drug Seizure Details
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's Drug and Firearms Division executed a raid on the hotel room around 12:20 a.m. on February 23, following a tip-off that initiated a year-long investigation beginning in March 2025. During the operation, authorities discovered and seized four packets of cocaine and one packet of what is believed to be dried marijuana.
According to multiple Japanese media outlets including Tokyo Broadcasting System Television, Asahi Shimbun, and Yomiuri Shimbun Online, police entered the room and found multiple bags containing the illicit substances. The 39-year-old Simon Jakops, whose real name is Junho Sakai, and Chancellor, born Michael Kim or Kim Jung-seung, were taken into custody alongside two executives from the prominent Avex Group.
Concert Context and Immediate Aftermath
Simon Jakops had been in Nagoya specifically to oversee XG's performance as part of their highly successful second world tour. The concert had drawn massive crowds and demonstrated the group's growing global appeal, making the subsequent arrests particularly jarring for fans and industry observers.
Authorities transported all four suspects to Tokyo for intensive questioning by 8 a.m. on the same day. Investigators are probing multiple aspects of the case, including:
- How the drugs were obtained
- Whether the substances were used by those arrested
- Any potential conspiracy or broader involvement
It remains unclear whether any of the suspects have admitted to the charges, but the incident has sent shockwaves through the entertainment community and XG's dedicated fanbase.
Agency Response and Career Implications
XGLAX, the Avex subsidiary founded by Simon Jakops in 2017 that serves as home to both XG and Chancellor, issued a carefully measured statement in response to the unfolding scandal. The agency emphasized that since the incident occurred in Japan, they are currently verifying all details before issuing an official statement.
In subsequent communications, XGLAX stated: "We are fully cooperating with the investigation. As specific details have not yet been confirmed, we plan to promptly and transparently share an additional statement once the exact facts are verified and the situation is clarified." The agency concluded with a formal apology: "Once again, we deeply apologize for the concern and inconvenience caused by this incident."
Background of Those Involved
Chancellor, a Berklee College of Music graduate known for his work with prominent artists like Kang Daniel and Yuju through production teams including One Way and Duble Sidekick, had recently celebrated becoming a father. Just four months prior to the arrest, he shared joyful family moments on social media, posting photos of his newborn daughter with a caption expressing excitement about the XG concert.
Simon Jakops, a former member of the group Dalmatian, has been instrumental in propelling XG to historic achievements since their formation in 2022. Under his guidance, XG became the first Japanese act to top certain U.S. Billboard charts, marking a significant milestone in their international career trajectory.
The arrests have raised serious questions about the future of XG's rising stardom and the careers of both Chancellor and Simon Jakops. As the investigation continues, the entertainment world watches closely to see how this scandal will unfold and what consequences it may bring for all parties involved.
