Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has gone from a little-known tech executive to a globally famous AI superstar very, very fast — and one photo from his trip to South Korea this week shows it.
During the trip — which coincides with President Donald Trump’s meeting with China’s leader, Xi Jinping — Huang did what many businesspeople do on trips and met some contacts for dinner.
In this case, he met Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong and Hyundai Executive Chairman Chung Eui-sun on Thursday.
As the trio sat down for food and beers at a Seoul fried chicken restaurant, a throng of journalists, photographers, and fans gathered outside.
Images of the meeting also show the reflection inside the restaurant, with fellow diners taking pictures on their phones.
National broadcasters aired live footage of the executives eating, drinking, and talking.
Fried chicken and beer are a popular pairing in South Korea, known as Chi-maek. The three men met at a restaurant from the popular chain Kkanbu Chicken, whose name refers to a close friend.
During the meal, Huang gifted Lee and Chung boxes labeled Nvidia DGX — the firm’s series of AI systems. Lee showed the cameras a note signed by Huang that read: “To our partnership and future of the world!”
YONHAP NEWS AGENCY/via REUTERS
Bloomberg reported Tuesday that Huang plans this week to unveil contracts to supply chips to Samsung and Hyundai.
On Friday, the Nvidia boss is scheduled to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit in Gyeongju.
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After the meal, Huang stepped outside and signed autographs on objects, including a $2 bill and a gift bag from a skincare store. He was also seen giving food from the restaurant to people waiting outside.
YONHAP NEWS AGENCY/via REUTERS
His fame has risen in tandem with Nvidia’s value, as the AI boom drives huge demand for its chips.
On Wednesday, Nvidia became the first company to reach a market cap of $5 trillion. The company’s share price has risen by over 1,500% in the past five years.
