On Friday, May 16th, 2025 Kicks Lounge rallied sneakerheads for a night of pure SOLE madness in Akron, Ohio! The immersive celebration blended Korean heritage, street culture, and the highly anticipated release of the limited-edition Air Jordan 3 “Seoul 2.0.”
Curated by Korean-American designer and Kicks Lounge founder Thomas Kim, “Seoul, Soul, Sole” was a bold and deeply personal expression of identity, creativity, and sneaker culture. A proud Akron native, Kim was hand-selected as a Jordan Brand partner to launch the coveted sneaker. His response? To create Seoul, Soul, Sole—a full-sensory gallery experience rooted in legacy and innovation.
Kicks Lounge transformed a reimagined warehouse into a vibrant cultural playground, showcasing Korean aesthetics, sneaker storytelling, and interactive installations. The event gave sneakerheads and culture lovers a chance to purchase the Air Jordan 3 “Seoul 2.0” before it hit broader release—making it one of the most buzzed-about drops of the season.
Event included:
• Curated bites, food trucks, and cocktails inspired by Korean flavors
• A “Window into Korean Heritage” experience
• Exclusive giveaways and raffle entries for the AJ3 “Seoul 2.0”
• A 6-ft sculpture of the Air Jordan 3 “Seoul 2.0,” built to scale
• Neon Jumpman and Korean flag installations
• Live DJ sets by DJ ESO, 100 Grand, and DJ Pikachieu
The guest list featured celebrities and pro athletes from across the country, including Jerome Baker (NFL, Cleveland Browns), Justin Layne (NFL, Steelers), Mohamed Sanu (NFL, Falcons), Briannagh D (Disney/ABC actress and recording artist), and Robert Fomby (YouTube & college basketball).
“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.”
Instagram: @KicksLounge
Website: www.KicksLounge.com
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Kick Lounge & Getty Images
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