Around 2,000 people attend Sound Legends exhibition in Seoul

The Sound Legends exhibition, held at Project Space Line in Samseong-dong from October 21 to October 31, drew approximately 2,000 visitors to celebrate the 80th anniversary of JBL and the 60th anniversary of Bowers & Wilkins. The event featured the Korean debut of the JBL Summit K2 flagship reference speaker.

HARMAN, a global leader in lifestyle audio and automotive technology and a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, has successfully concluded "Sound Legends," a special exhibition held in Seoul to celebrate the 80th anniversary of JBL and the 60th anniversary of Bowers & Wilkins.

The exhibition took place at Project Space Line in Samseong-dong, Seoul, from Wednesday, October 21, to Saturday, October 31. Serving as the final journey of the JBL Playback Gallery—a global project marking JBL's 80th anniversary—the Seoul exhibition brought together JBL's 80 years of sound innovation and the 60-year heritage of Bowers & Wilkins. Approximately 2,000 people, including domestic and international media, influencers, customers, partners, employees, and general visitors, participated during the event to experience the history and innovation of the two brands.

Advance reservations made through Naver were fully booked for all sessions, and the exhibition drew high interest with approximately 180 pre-reserved visitors and walk-in guests visiting the venue every day.

The exhibition was organized as an experiential space covering various fields, including professional audio, home audio, personal audio, and music culture. Through the JBL Playback Gallery and the Bowers & Wilkins "60 Years of True Sound" exhibition, visitors could observe the journey of how both brands have evolved the sound experience across generations.

Highlighting JBL's 80 years of innovation and sound heritage, connecting heritage with Korean culture through music and art

The JBL Playback Gallery introduced the development process of the brand, from its early history to its latest innovative technologies. It highlighted the history of how JBL has led the audio market based on its unique, powerful, and vivid sound through legacy products representing different eras, professional audio technology, and consumer audio products.

Key exhibition contents included the JBL 80th anniversary limited edition JBL L100 Classic 80, the exhibition of JBL VTX professional speakers, and an experiential space utilizing Martin lighting systems. Additionally, the exhibition featured product display zones inspired by the diverse day and night lifestyles of Seoul, as well as a heritage exhibition showing the brand's technological evolution from its early history to the next-generation flagship reference speaker, the JBL Summit K2. Notably, the JBL Summit K2 was unveiled in Korea for the first time at this exhibition, drawing significant attention from audio enthusiasts.

The exhibition connected JBL's global brand heritage with modern Korean culture through collaborations with Korean artists. Musician and visual creator DAWN presented commemorative artwork that reinterpreted JBL's 80th anniversary campaign, "80 Years Powering Voices," through a unique artistic lens. The artwork, which combined Korean aesthetic sensibilities with a modern visual language, served as a signature content piece that caught the eyes of visitors.

Furthermore, "JBL Music Talk" was held featuring music curator, DJ, and producer DJ Soulscape. Visitors were able to explore the sound history and brand philosophy of JBL through music and enjoy a special experience listening to music directly via the JBL L100 Classic 80.

Bowers & Wilkins introduces 60 years of history following the 'True Sound' philosophy, featuring the latest 800 Series Diamond D5 and a special listening experience in a recreated Abbey Road Studios space

The Bowers & Wilkins "60 Years of True Sound" exhibition highlighted the 60-year journey that began in Worthing, UK, in 1966. The belief emphasized by founder John Bowers—to faithfully reproduce recorded sound and the artist's intention through speakers—continues today as the "True Sound" philosophy. The exhibition introduced representative products such as the P2H, one of the early speakers, the uniquely designed DM6, the 801, which was used as a reference monitor in recording studios, and the "Nautilus," which combines sculptural beauty with acoustic engineering.

At the center of the exhibition was the latest flagship speaker lineup, the "800 Series Diamond D5." Five models, including the top-tier 801 D5, were showcased in one place, introducing core technologies such as the Diamond Dome Tweeter and the sophisticated design and manufacturing philosophy carried on from Worthing.

In particular, a listening space recreating the British Abbey Road Studios allowed visitors to directly experience the sound of the flagship 801 D5. While listening to music, visitors could feel the value of "True Sound" through delicate details and sophisticated spatial expression. The exhibition highlighted the cooperative relationship between the two parties that has continued from the 801 introduced to Abbey Road Studios in 1979 to the latest 801 D5, conveying the significance of accurate sound reproduction in music production environments.

The exhibition also introduced premium personal audio products that extend beyond home audio into daily life. Visitors could directly experience the flagship wireless headphones "Px8 S2" and examine the "Pi8" wireless earbuds. The brand's direction regarding sound, craftsmanship, and design was also demonstrated through global collaboration cases with McLaren and David Beckham.

Completing the global commemorative journey in Seoul

The "Sound Legends" exhibition gained additional meaning by simultaneously concluding the JBL Playback Gallery global 80th anniversary project and highlighting the brand heritage and sound philosophy to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Bowers & Wilkins.

Through this exhibition, HARMAN shared the sound technology and philosophy accumulated by the two brands over a long period with visitors of various generations. Furthermore, by presenting a differentiated brand experience that connects music, art, and innovation, the company presented both the legacy of the two brands and the possibilities of future audio experiences.

For 80 years, JBL has been present during music, lifestyle, gaming, sports, and life's greatest moments. JBL provides an enhanced listening experience through superior audio quality and product designs that encourage individuality and self-expression. Based on unparalleled professional capabilities and industry-leading innovation, JBL has excellently implemented the passion and talent of engineers and designers worldwide into a strong vision for the future. JBL Pro Sound is a leading technology used in major pop culture events, and the JBL brand serves as a partner to the world's top professionals in the fields of music, sports, and e-sports.

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