Kong is advancing the capabilities of Kubernetes by leveraging key components such as Kubernetes Ingress Controllers, Operators, and the Gateway API to enhance API exposure, governance, and operations. These elements transform Kubernetes from a mere container orchestration platform into one that supports API-driven workflows, including AI. By integrating these components, Kong simplifies and scales Kubernetes usage, offering a unified experience with its Kong Operator (KO) 2.0 and the forthcoming KO 2.1. KO 2.1, to be launched at API Summit 2025, introduces hybrid mode support, integrating both Gateway API and Konnect control plane for streamlined operations, reducing complexity, and maintaining consistent traffic management across large environments. Additionally, the release enhances visibility and troubleshooting with the Konnect Debugger, automatic service catalog integration, and a developer portal, thereby promoting a self-service model that integrates Kubernetes-hosted APIs into the wider enterprise ecosystem. This unification sets a new standard for deploying, governing, and consuming Kubernetes APIs, aligning with enterprise-level needs and strategies.