Up until recently, students interested in Korean pop music (also known as K-Pop) were able to meet at the K-Covers Club—a student-led initiative for students to dance to popular K-pop songs. Yet Fort Hamilton lacked a space solely dedicated to talking about K-pop music.
Every Wednesday in room 133, the K-Pop Club meets during 10th period. From its very first meeting, K-pop club has introduced itself with one mission: to provide a judgment-free space for students who enjoy listening to K-pop music. For the founder, junior Jasmine Huang, that mission was especially important.
“When I first got into K-pop, I felt like I was being judged,” said Huang. “There also wasn’t a club just for K-pop music.”
At meetings, students have the opportunity to connect about their favorite groups, songs, or discuss the latest album. That sense of community is especially important in a school as large as Fort Hamilton.
“[K-pop club] resonates with me deeply because I’ve been into K-pop for a long time now,” said junior Cathy Chena, one of the event coordinators. “Before this club, the school was missing a place to talk about only K-pop.”
Aside from the shared listening of various albums, the club distinguishes itself by emphasizing Korean culture and fandom, deepening its members’ appreciation and knowledge of the genre’s origins.
“At this club you learn about Korean culture, not just dancing,” said Fiona Jiang, a junior and co-president of the club.
