Akron, Ohio—best known for its industrial grit and basketball legacy—became the epicenter of sneaker culture on May 16, 2025, as Kicks Lounge hosted “Seoul, Soul, Sole,” an immersive event that marked the highly anticipated debut of the limited-edition Air Jordan 3 “Seoul 2.0.” Part gallery, part block party, part love letter to heritage, the event offered a bold reimagining of what a sneaker release can be.
Curated by Korean-American designer and Kicks Lounge founder Thomas Kim, the celebration transformed a repurposed warehouse into a multi-sensory showcase of identity, innovation, and community. Selected by Jordan Brand to spearhead the release, Kim took the opportunity to weave his personal story—rooted in both Seoul and Akron—into a night that defied convention and celebrated connection.
“This wasn’t just a sneaker drop—it’s a movement. Seoul, Soul, Sole bridges my Korean roots with the Akron community. It’s about honoring legacy, embracing culture, and showing how far style can travel when it’s built on something real.”Thomas Kim, Kicks Lounge Founder
That ethos ran through every detail of the event. From custom installations to curated experiences, the evening felt less like a marketing rollout and more like an art show-meets-homecoming, crafted with intention and cultural pride. The limited-edition Air Jordan 3 “Seoul 2.0”—a sleek evolution of the original “Seoul” silhouette—took center stage, but it was the storytelling surrounding it that made the drop unforgettable.
The experience unfolded in layers. Attendees were welcomed into a world that blended Korean symbolism with urban design and basketball nostalgia. A six-foot sculpture of the AJ3 “Seoul 2.0,” meticulously built to scale, served as both photo moment and artistic centerpiece. Neon Jumpman installations and a stylized Korean flag display added cinematic depth to the space.
Cultural immersion continued with a “Window into Korean Heritage” installation that explored the fusion of Eastern tradition with Western sneaker influence. Food trucks and cocktail stations served Korean-inspired bites and drinks, offering everything from kimchi sliders to soju spritzes.
Throughout the evening, guests grooved to DJ sets by DJ ESO, 100 Grand, and DJ Pikachieu, keeping the warehouse buzzing with energy. Raffle entries and giveaways gave guests a chance to score exclusive pairs, while limited early access to the AJ3 “Seoul 2.0” made it one of the most coveted drops of the year.
The event drew major names across sports and entertainment, signaling Akron’s relevance far beyond the Midwest. NFL players Jerome Baker, Justin Layne, and Mohamed Sanu were in attendance, along with Disney/ABC actress and recording artist Briannagh D and basketball personality Robert Fomby. Their presence amplified the night’s star power—but the real magic was in how the community showed up to support one of their own.
Thomas Kim, a native son of Akron, designed “Seoul, Soul, Sole” as a reflection of his own journey—one that bridges continents, generations, and aesthetics. The event spoke to a broader truth in fashion today: culture isn’t borrowed; it’s lived. And when it’s shared with authenticity, it resonates beyond trend cycles.
With the “Seoul, Soul, Sole” launch, Kicks Lounge didn’t just introduce a sneaker—it redefined what a launch can be. It proved that when creativity is paired with purpose, the results go far beyond the sole. They speak to identity, community, and a vision of fashion that has real meaning under every step.
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