Chimaek Gathering at Kanbu Chicken in Samseong-dong, Seoul
Jensen Huang Declares, "Dinner is Free"
Shaping the Future with Samsung and Hyundai
Discussions on AI, Semiconductors, and Mobility
Fascinated by the Somaek Maker, Toasting and Taking Photos with Citizens
"Delicious," Thumbs Up
"Everybody, dinner is free!"
On the evening of October 30, at Kanbu Chicken, a chicken restaurant in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang declared, "I will buy dinner for everyone here!" The restaurant erupted in cheers. Sitting across from him were Samsung Electronics Chairman Jay Y. Lee and Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Euisun Chung. Although the table was simply set with chicken and beer, it was a rare gathering of three figures who represent the global semiconductor and mobility industries.
Samsung Electronics Chairman Jay Y. Lee (left), Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Euisun Chung, and NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang are having a "chimaek" gathering at a chicken restaurant in Samseong-dong, Seoul on the evening of the 30th. 2025.10.30 Photo by Jo Yongjun
CEO Huang arrived at Incheon International Airport around 3 p.m. and reached the venue for the "chimaek" meeting at about 7:20 p.m. Before entering the restaurant, he met with reporters and said, "I am really looking forward to meeting the President of Korea at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit tomorrow. NVIDIA is preparing several announcements in Korea and will unveil projects in progress with excellent partners." He added, "I promised the President that he would be the first to hear the announcements. Tomorrow, I will share some great news and the various projects we are working on together."
He lightened the atmosphere with his characteristic humor. "Chimaek! Do you know what 'Kanbu' means? It's something very good. It's even good for your health, right? I really love chicken, and I love beer too. Chicken and beer with friends is the best. That's why 'Kanbu' is the perfect place," he said, prompting laughter from the reporters.
Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, is clinking glasses with Lee Jae-yong, Chairman of Samsung Group, and Chung Eui-sun, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, along with other guests during a chicken dinner meeting at Kanbu Chicken near Samseong Station in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of October 30, 2025. Photo by Cho Yongjun
When asked, "President Donald Trump of the United States and President Xi Jinping of China reportedly did not discuss Blackwell. What is your take on the outcome of their meeting?" he replied, "I'm sure the two presidents had a very good conversation. It doesn't necessarily have to be about our business (NVIDIA). The United States and China each have their own major projects and important agendas, and I am glad they had a good discussion."
He continued, "There was also a discussion about high-bandwidth memory (HBM) with Samsung. Although I just arrived a few hours ago, there are so many topics to talk about. We will continue to have various discussions."
CEO Huang, dressed in a black short-sleeved T-shirt, took his seat. About five minutes later, Chairman Lee and Chairman Chung arrived one after another. He took out NVIDIA's 'DGX Spark' product and presented it to his Korean partners. Chairman Lee and Chairman Chung accepted the gifts with smiles.
Soon after the meal began, CEO Huang's attention turned to the next table. He noticed a customer operating a "somaek maker," a machine that automatically mixes soju and beer. Surprised, he asked, "What is this?" When the customer next to him made a somaek for him, CEO Huang filled his glass and exclaimed, "Amazing! Perfect!" He was clearly fascinated by what he called the "Korean somaek machine." Later, he brought the machine closer and tried operating it himself, smiling throughout.
When Chairman Chung, smiling, said, "Then let me make you another one," CEO Huang raised his glass for a toast. He then stood up and shouted:
Samsung Group Chairman Lee Jae-yong is revealing a gift he received during a chicken meeting with Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun and NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang at Kanbu Chicken near Samsung Station in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 30th. 2025.10.30 Photo by Cho Yongjun
"Everybody, dinner is free!"
Chairman Chung responded, "Then I'll pay for the second round!" Jensen Huang, laughing, added, "It's not me who's paying. Jay Y. Lee said he would pay!" Chairman Lee replied with a smile, "Please enjoy as much as you'd like." The three clinked their somaek glasses and burst into laughter-a scene rarely seen at official events.
After a brief exchange of jokes, the conversation naturally shifted to industry topics. NVIDIA's artificial intelligence (AI) computing capabilities, Samsung Electronics' memory technology, and Hyundai Motor's mobility technology all converged at the table. It was a moment that demonstrated the reality of a future where semiconductors, autonomous driving, and AI are coming together.
Throughout the meal, CEO Huang responded to requests from citizens for autographs and photos with children. The gathering lasted for over an hour, and the three left around 8:30 p.m., taking a commemorative photo before departing.
When asked about his thoughts on the somaek gathering, Chairman Lee smiled and said, "Tariffs have been settled, and after living life, I realize happiness isn't much. Eating delicious food and having a drink with good people-that's happiness," before leaving the venue.
After the "chimaek" gathering, CEO Huang attended the 25th anniversary event of the GeForce graphics card's launch in Korea at COEX. On the following day, October 31, he is scheduled to deliver a speech at a special session of the APEC CEO Summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province.
Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, is delivering a gift during a chicken meeting with Lee Jae-yong, Chairman of Samsung Group, and Chung Eui-sun, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, at Kanbu Chicken near Samseong Station in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 30th. 2025.10.30 Photo by Jo Yongjun
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