Gentry Humphrey has spent more than 30 years in the global sneaker industry, a run that puts him among the leading figures behind the Jordan Brand. He has now chosen Korea as the new stage for his work, and he credits actor Kim Seung-soo with solidifying his decision. Humphrey sat down with the Hankook Ilbo recently in Seongsu-dong in eastern Seoul's Seongdong District. He said it was his 30th visit to Korea. He has come many times before, but entering the market himself, through his own brand, creates a distinct challenge. Humphrey led product strategy and design at Nike and Jordan Brand over a long stretch of his career. He retired from Nike in 2021 and launched his own footwear brand, CODE by Gentry. Korea was not the plan from the start. While he was still in the United States, he was at the stage of weighing the possibility. Meeting Kim clarified his thinking, he said. Korea was not the plan from the start. While he was still in the United States, he was at the stage of weighing his options. Meeting Kim settled any doubts. "I think there is a reason for every situation," he said. "Wh