Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is set to arrive in South Korea late Wednesday after wrapping up his Computex schedule in Taiwan. While Huang has described the trip as a "vacation," he is drawing keen attention with a packed itinerary that includes a "samgyeopsal meeting" with top Korean business leaders, reviews of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics ecosystems, and an appearance on a variety show.
According to industry sources on Monday, Huang will enter the country on Wednesday and stay for five days through Sunday. Known for his easygoing rapport with the public, Huang is set to record an episode of tvN's variety program "You Quiz on the Block," where he will candidly share his life story with host Yoo Jae-suk. He is also reportedly coordinating a schedule to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a Doosan Bears home game at Seoul's Jamsil Baseball Stadium.
On Saturday, Huang is expected to meet NCsoft co-CEO Kim Taek-jin to discuss AI cooperation. With NC AI having launched the development of a Robot Foundation Model (RFM) earlier this year alongside Samsung SDS and CMES, physical AI synergies are expected to be a key agenda item.
The biggest focus of his visit is the so-called "samgyeopsal and soju-beer (samsso)" gathering with Korean conglomerate chiefs, scheduled for Thursday at a restaurant in Seoul's Seongsu-dong. SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun, LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo, and Naver Global Investment Officer (GIO) Lee Hae-jin are slated to attend, and observers say a surprise appearance by Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong cannot be ruled out.
On Sunday, Huang is expected to make back-to-back visits to major companies. He will reportedly start at LG Electronics' Twin Towers in Yeouido before heading to Hyundai Motor's headquarters in Yangjae-dong and Naver's Bundang headquarters "1784." Discussions are expected to focus on expanding the AI and robotics ecosystems.
Huang is also coordinating with Seoul National University on a Sunday visit to its AI Institute and Robotics Research Center. Demonstrations of each institution's key research areas are expected to take place with affiliated faculty in attendance. Huang has also reportedly conveyed his wish to meet with SNU students in person.
