Nvidia CEO dines with South Korean tech titans, praises country's advancements

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang generated considerable buzz during his visit to Seoul, engaging in a series of high-profile meetings and culinary experiences with South Korea's tech elite. The highlight was a dinner at a popular Korean barbecue restaurant, Hyeongnim Jeoyo, where Huang was joined by SK Group Chairman Chey Tae Won, LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang Mo, and Naver Chairman Lee Hae Jin.

Eyewitness accounts and media reports described a lively atmosphere as Huang, clad in his signature leather jacket and t-shirt, interacted with a crowd of around 1,000 fans and locals gathered near the restaurant. Inside, the mood was reportedly relaxed, with Chey Tae Won guiding Huang on how to eat pork belly wrapped in perilla leaves, while Koo Kwang Mo took charge of grilling the meat.

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Korea is doing very well. My partners here are extremely important. I am here to thank, celebrate, and congratulate them on a great year. This is just the beginning.

Following the barbecue, the group continued their evening with a stroll through the bustling Hongdae district, culminating in a visit to a renowned fried chicken establishment. There, they embraced local customs, toasting with somaek (a mix of soju and beer). Huang enthusiastically raised his glass, shouting, "Let's go Korea! SK, LG, Naver, cheers!"

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Let's go Korea! SK, LG, Naver, cheers!

During informal chats with the press and public, Huang lauded South Korea's progress and the importance of his local partners. "Korea is doing very well. My partners here are extremely important. I am here to thank, celebrate, and congratulate them on a great year. This is just the beginning," he stated. He also expressed his enjoyment of Korean culture, mentioning fondness for grilled corn, HBM cookies, fried chicken, and even K-dramas.

Beyond the social engagements, Huang affirmed Nvidia's strategic intent to deepen collaborations with South Korean companies. He highlighted ongoing and future partnerships in critical sectors such as memory chips, robotics, and artificial intelligence, underscoring the significance of these alliances for technological advancement.

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You have delicious grilled corn and HBM cookies. The best fried chicken in the world. I will also enjoy Korean culture, K-pop, and maybe watch Korean dramas. Korean dramas always make me want to cry.