Korean pop music has become a global sensation during recent years and has created an opportunity for fans to unite and form social groups. One expression of this phenomenon is the rise of Pierce College’s K-pop Club, Ace.
Passion Sparks Community
Before K-pop Club took shape, co-founders Jemyaa Queeley and Mataya Rigell-Perry formed a friendship over their mutual fan connections. They engaged in many K-pop fandom dynamics like dancing and listening to music together. These weren’t only hobbies for them, but the harmony of their sisterhood.
Inspired by their friendship, Queeley sought to create a sense of community on campus. She later turned her enthusiasm for K-pop into something bigger by starting a club during her first spring term at Pierce College. She said she created a space where students could link and express themselves freely through the music they love. With the joy Rigell-Perry found in K-pop Club, she ratified the club’s name Ace, which radiates the spirit of the team.
Dancing Into a Second Home
Stepping into K-pop Club, members welcome newcomers with enthusiasm and open arms. One new member shared that it didn’t take her long to feel a part of the club because of the energy Ace members present through meetings and stage performances.
“They’re a vibe. I haven’t known them for long, but I love their energy,” she says. That genuine, beaming energy creates a welcoming atmosphere for all, she added.
At the heart of the club’s success is the partnership of Queeley as president and Rigell-Perry as vice president. While Queeley sets the club’s vision and goals, Rigell-Perry provides grounding support.
“She really mellows me out,” Queeley says. “She knows when I’m about to crash out and puts me in that headspace to take a break and come back stronger.” It’s the dynamic of helping each other that enables Ace to thrive.
Their mission is to create a fun space for everyone. “Our overall goal is to enjoy what we have a passion for—dancing and having fun… to enjoy dancing and build connections.” Rigell-Perry says.
Regardless of skill level, members learn a broad range of choreographies and vibe with others who understand the excitement of K-pop trends. The energy this club presents creates a sense of community in its members, almost like a second home.
Ace in Action
Among the many aspects of K-pop Club is the members’ electrifying stage presence that shines the brightest. With countless stage performances, they showcase their talent through dance covers. Each performance is not only a display of their talent, but an expression of the music that brings them together.
One of their biggest performances hit the stage at the 2025 Puyallup Fair’s Student Showcase. Ace members lit up the stage with their choreographed routines inspired by artists Twice, Lesserafim and Aespa. They captivated the crowd with their charm and precision. In addition to club members’ performance, their interactive encore stole the show when they invited audience members onstage and taught them a trending dance cover by Aespa.
K-pop Club’s most memorable performance came at Pierce College’s Fright Night. Given only 10 days to prepare, members had to learn three choreographies individually due to their complicated schedules.
“We had to learn separately,” Queeley says.
“We only had two hours as a whole group to actually rehearse together,” Rigell-Perry adds.
Despite the time-crunching pressure, their teamwork brought the stage performance to life. Members still find it hard to believe they pulled off those routines after the challenges they faced.