Jensen Huang, Lee Jae-yong, and Chung Eui-sun’s ‘Chimaek’ Meeting: A New Era of AI Cooperation
Jensen Huang, Lee Jae-yong, and Chung Eui-sun: The “Chimaek” Meeting That Shook Korea’s Tech Scene
In late October 2025, a casual fried chicken and beer (“chimaek”) meeting between Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong, and Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Eui-sun became one of the most talked-about events in South Korea’s tech industry. Behind the friendly atmosphere, this gathering hinted at a deeper strategic alignment across AI, semiconductors, and mobility.
The sight of three of the world’s most powerful tech leaders sharing fried chicken in a Seoul restaurant became symbolic—a cultural bridge between global innovation and Korean hospitality.
The Symbolism of “Chimaek” in Korean Business Culture
In South Korea, “chimaek” (chicken + maekju, meaning beer) is more than just a meal—it represents friendship, openness, and mutual trust. The fact that Jensen Huang, a U.S. tech titan, suggested this informal setting instead of a formal boardroom meeting speaks volumes about his understanding of Korean culture.
Observers believe this gesture helped create a relaxed atmosphere that fostered candid discussion about the future of cooperation between Nvidia, Samsung, and Hyundai. For Korean business leaders, such moments often serve as the foundation for strategic partnerships that go beyond public announcements.
Semiconductor Synergy: Nvidia and Samsung’s Shared Future
At the center of the conversation lies the semiconductor supply chain. Samsung Electronics has been pushing forward with next-generation HBM3E and HBM4 memory, both critical for Nvidia’s AI computing chips.
Reports suggest that Huang discussed securing a stable supply of advanced DRAM and high-bandwidth memory for Nvidia’s upcoming GPU lines. With AI model sizes and data processing needs exploding, a stronger Nvidia-Samsung partnership could redefine how global data centers manage AI workloads.
Industry analysts see this as a possible turning point—Nvidia diversifying memory suppliers to mitigate geopolitical risks while strengthening its alliance with one of the world’s top chip producers.
Hyundai’s Role: From Cars to Smart Mobility
Hyundai Motor Group’s presence at the table adds another strategic layer. The company has been transforming from a traditional automaker into a leader in robotics, electric vehicles, and AI-driven mobility.
Hyundai already collaborates with Nvidia on digital cockpit platforms and autonomous driving systems. This meeting may have expanded the discussion to include future technologies such as AI-based manufacturing, robotaxis, and smart mobility ecosystems. Huang’s vision for “AI everywhere” aligns closely with Hyundai’s ambition to turn vehicles into intelligent computing platforms on wheels.
If realized, such cooperation could position Korea as a global hub for AI mobility innovation—where cars are not just machines but learning systems powered by Nvidia chips and Samsung memory.
Geopolitical Context: Beyond a Friendly Dinner
While the image of the three leaders sharing beer went viral, the geopolitical undertones are just as significant. As U.S.–China tech tensions intensify, Nvidia’s partnerships in South Korea take on new importance. By working closely with Korean giants, Nvidia can strengthen its Asian supply chain without depending heavily on China.
For Samsung and Hyundai, collaboration with Nvidia means staying at the forefront of AI and chip innovation while maintaining global competitiveness. It’s a win-win that reinforces South Korea’s role as a strategic partner in the evolving global tech order.
What Comes Next
Industry watchers are now looking for tangible outcomes—perhaps an expanded memory supply deal between Samsung and Nvidia, or a new AI-mobility collaboration between Hyundai and Nvidia. Regardless of the details, the message from this casual dinner is clear: the future of technology will be built not just in conference rooms, but over conversations that blend business and culture.
The “chimaek meeting” will likely be remembered as a moment when three visionary leaders toasted to the next phase of AI-driven innovation in Asia.
Source: https://www.khan.co.kr/article/202510302137001?utm_source=chatgpt.com
