Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is scheduled to visit South Korea on May 5, 2026 [2], to meet with top conglomerate executives.

This visit signals a deepening strategic alliance between the world's leading AI chip designer and South Korea's industrial giants. The collaboration focuses on critical infrastructure for next-generation computing and semiconductor technology, which are essential for the global AI race.

Huang will hold meetings with leaders from SK, Hyundai Motor Group, LG, and Naver [1]. These discussions are described as a second "gangbu" meeting, a term referring to a close-knit or trusted relationship [1]. The upcoming talks build on the momentum of an informal gathering held in October 2025 [1].

That previous meeting took place in the Gangnam district of Seoul and was characterized by its casual nature, involving chicken and beer [1]. During a video interview at that time, Huang said, "치맥을 즐기기 가장 좋은 방법이네요," referring to the experience of enjoying chicken and beer [3].

This second high-profile series of meetings comes roughly seven months after the initial gathering [1]. The agenda focuses on exploring and expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence and semiconductor development [1]. Huang is expected to visit the headquarters of the participating companies to finalize technical and business partnerships [1].

By engaging directly with the leadership of South Korea's largest firms, Nvidia aims to secure a robust supply chain and integrate its AI ecosystems into diverse sectors, from automotive technology at Hyundai to memory solutions at SK [1].

“A second "gangbu" meeting between Jensen Huang and top Korean conglomerate executives.”

The recurring nature of these high-level meetings suggests that Nvidia is moving beyond transactional vendor relationships with South Korean firms. By fostering personal ties with the leadership of SK, LG, and Hyundai, Nvidia is likely securing a strategic moat in the hardware layer of AI, ensuring priority access to the advanced memory and manufacturing capabilities that only these conglomerates can provide.