Chef-owner of Korean restaurant Chingu, Keeyoung Kim, took to his restaurant’s social media today to announce it will be shuttering its doors (4117 Pennsylvania Ave.). The last day of service will be May 24.
“This choice wasn’t easy, but it’s what’s best for my health and my family—especially after welcoming our baby boy this past March,” the post states.
The son of first-generation Korean immigrants, Kim opened Chingu in 2022 with the intention to serve a strictly Korean menu. (Read our 2023 review of the restaurant here.)
“It’s no secret that the restaurant industry is incredibly tough, we went in with eyes wide open and ready,” Kim said in a statement to Kansas City magazine. “Certain things we could control, we did so exceptionally as a team but factors largely beyond our control from the start until now, we could not ignore. This decision is also deeply personal.”
Social media users are mourning the restaurant in the comment section of Chingu’s Instagram post.
“KC won’t be the same without y’all,” wrote one user.
“I’m not okay. Y’all are my favorite,” wrote another.
“I’m proud that Chingu helped introduce Korean food and culture to more people across the city” Kim says. “Whether through our dishes, drinks, or the stories we shared around the table, it’s been an honor to be part of this growing food scene. While the restaurant is closing, the spirit and vision to represent Korean culture and serve our community will live on through pop-ups, catering, sauces through @sura.eats, soju through @chingu.soju, and expanded food offerings at @chingucoffeeco.”
To read about Kim’s soju, the first distilled in the Midwest, read here.
