A TikTok dance clip filmed inside KPOT (7001 W. 135th St. in Overland Park) has drawn more than 1.8 million views, lifting both the restaurant and the dancers into unexpected visibility according to Axios. The viral push comes as Korean culture expands across the U.S. — with more Korean restaurants emerging, K-pop tours expanding, and the film “KPop Demon Hunters” topping charts.
The videos began when server Jaye Xaymongkhonh suggested using TikTok for choreography instead of standard restaurant content. The decision proved effective: along with the 1.8M-view video, additional uploads have reached hundreds of thousands, and Xaymongkhonh says people have recognized the group across Kansas City, in Lawrence, and even while dining at KPOT.
Xaymongkhonh first practiced K-pop covers with childhood friend Nick, later forming the dance crew Ethereal and entering competitions. He describes K-pop dance contests as precise cover choreography with well-known songs and artists, but says the team adds its own creative “spice.” Ethereal has since won awards locally and out of state.
In September, the team served as judges for an event hosted by UMKC and the Korean American Society of Greater Kansas City. The group has been compared in comments to the fictional K-pop boy band Saja Boys from “KPop Demon Hunters.”
Korean pop’s presence in the U.S. continues to expand: girl group Katseye, featured in a Netflix docuseries, is nominated for two Grammys, and “KPop Demon Hunters” may receive multiple Oscar nominations, with results expected in January.
“Our ultimate goal is to go to Korea to compete against the world,” Xaymongkhonh says. Until then, Ethereal is scheduled to perform at the Q in Westport this Friday night.
KPOT general manager Sandy Her told Axios that it brings the restaurant “great pleasure to highlight the talent and love these individuals have for music, the arts and their jobs with the greater Overland Park community.”
