An Overland Park Korean restaurant chain is racking up millions of views thanks to an employee and his local dance squad.
Why it matters: Korean culture is having a moment in America, with more restaurants opening, K-pop musicians touring, and “KPop Demon Hunters” topping charts.
Zoom in: Jaye Xaymongkhonh is a server at KPOT, a Korean barbecue and hot pot chain at 7001 W. 135th St. When his manager wanted to start a TikTok, he said, “Oh, let’s just do some dances.”
- Those dances went viral — one has 1.8 million views, and others are in the hundreds of thousands.
- He says the group has been recognized around KC, in Lawrence and by diners at KPOT.
Flashback: Xaymongkhonh began dancing to K-pop with his childhood friend Nick. “Our very first videos were so terrible,” Xaymongkhonh says.
- But they kept working, then added dancers, and eventually began competing in Kansas competitions under the name Ethereal.
Context: K-pop dance competitions showcase groups performing precise cover choreography to well-known songs and artists — “but we throw in our own spice,” Xaymongkhonh says.
- He may be self-taught, but that hasn’t stopped the group from winning awards at competitions both here and across the country.
- In September, they were chosen to judge a competition hosted by UMKC and the Korean American Society of Greater Kansas City.
Travis’ thought bubble: Naturally, I asked Xaymongkhonh to teach me a dance. I think I’ll stick to writing.
Zoom out: In America, K-pop isn’t just a trend; it’s getting big-league recognition. Katseye, featured in a Netflix docuseries, is nominated for two Grammys.
- Plus, the movie “KPop Demon Hunters” could make history with multiple Oscar nominations, which will be announced in January. Comments have compared Xaymongkhonh and his friends to the movie’s fictional boy band, the Saja Boys.
- But he doesn’t attribute their success to the movie. “K-pop has always been there and present” for those who want to tap into it, he says.
What they’re saying: “It gives us great pleasure to highlight the talent and love these individuals have for music, the arts and their jobs with the greater Overland Park community,” KPOT general manager Sandy Her tells Axios…