Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang appears on 'You Quiz,' praises Korea's tech growth and shares life lessons

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang made his first appearance on a South Korean entertainment talk show, gracing the set of tvN's "You Quiz on the Block" to share his thoughts on his career, life philosophy, and his connections with Korean industry leaders. Dressed in his signature black leather jacket, Huang engaged with host Yoo Jae-suk in a conversation that touched upon his personal journey and his deep appreciation for South Korea.

“

It's so easy to be smart. We have AI. It's easy to get knowledge. But it's hard to build character. It's hard to cultivate resilience. These things are only developed through experience.

During a "balance game" segment, Huang was asked to choose his closest friend among Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun, and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won. He playfully responded that it was an easy question, stating he was close to all of them and admired them as "incredibly outstanding global leaders."

Huang emphasized the symbiotic relationship between Nvidia and South Korea's technological advancement, particularly in the gaming sector. He noted that Nvidia's growth mirrored that of Korea's tech industry, which originated in internet and gaming. "The success of esports, players like Faker, and countless Korean gamers were essential for the global phenomenon," Huang stated, explaining how Korean esports fueled the adoption of Nvidia's graphics cards worldwide.

“

You have to give yourself opportunities to fail and opportunities to overcome.

Reflecting on his own life, Huang shared experiences from his childhood, including washing dishes at a franchise restaurant after immigrating to the U.S. at age nine. He stressed the importance of giving one's best effort in any task, regardless of its nature or pay. "The result of your work is you," he asserted, advocating for dedication as a reflection of personal character.

“

I'm close to all of them. I like them all. They are incredibly outstanding global leaders. I wish them all success.

Huang also discussed his philosophy that hardship is necessary for achieving greatness. He encouraged embracing failure as a learning opportunity, stating, "You can't succeed without failing." He further highlighted the enduring value of character and resilience in an AI-driven future, qualities that can only be cultivated through experience and overcoming challenges. The episode recorded the highest viewership ratings for "You Quiz on the Block" this year, surpassing even Bill Gates's previous appearance.

“

Korea and Nvidia grew up around the same time. Korea's technology industry started with the internet and gaming. That's why Nvidia's graphics cards sold so well.