On Friday, May 16, 2025, Akron, Ohio became the epicenter of sneaker culture as Kicks Lounge hosted its most immersive and talked-about event yet—Seoul, Soul, Sole—in celebration of the highly anticipated Air Jordan 3 “Seoul 2.0” release. The exclusive drop, curated by Korean-American designer and Kicks Lounge founder Thomas Kim, was more than just a launch—it was a cultural statement.
The reimagined warehouse venue transformed into a vibrant, full-sensory gallery rooted in both Korean heritage and streetwear identity. From the moment guests stepped in, they were met with a powerful blend of art, heritage, and hype—where the bold storytelling of the sneaker met the spirit of Kim’s roots.
“This wasn’t just a sneaker drop—it’s a movement,” said Kim. “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.”
Highlights of the night included:
- A jaw-dropping 6-foot sculpture of the Air Jordan 3 “Seoul 2.0”, honoring the design’s scale and innovation
- Neon-lit Jumpman and Korean flag installations, merging East Asian symbolism with Jordan’s iconic branding
- An immersive “Window into Korean Heritage” experience—inviting guests to learn, connect, and reflect
- Korean-inspired food trucks, curated bites, and cocktails, paying homage to Seoul’s culinary scene
- Live sets from DJ ESO, 100 Grand, and DJ Pikachieu, delivering the soundtrack to the night
- Exclusive raffle entries and giveaways for those lucky enough to score early access to the AJ3 drop
The vibe was electric—and so was the guest list. From the NFL to YouTube fame, attendees included Jerome Baker(Cleveland Browns), Justin Layne (Steelers), Mohamed Sanu (Falcons), Briannagh D (Disney/ABC), and Robert Fomby (college basketball standout).
Arialle Leggette and Kaela Wilson attend the Kicks Lounge Presents: Seoul, Soul, Sole on May 16, 2025 in Akron, Ohio. (Photo by Duane Prokop/Getty Images for Kicks Lounge)
The event’s fusion of storytelling, sneaker heat, and cultural reverence cemented Seoul, Soul, Sole as a game-changing moment—not just for Akron, but for global sneaker culture. And with the Air Jordan 3 “Seoul 2.0” poised to become one of 2025’s most coveted releases, Thomas Kim’s vision has left a lasting imprint on both the community and the culture.