Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang traded boardrooms for beer glasses this week, joining Samsung Electronics chairman Jay Y. Lee and Hyundai Motor Group executive chair Euisun Chung for fried chicken and beer – aka “chimaek” – at a restaurant in Seoul.

The meetup between three of the world’s most powerful tech leaders came ahead of Huang’s expected announcement of major AI partnerships with South Korean conglomerates.

His visit marks his first to Korea in more than a decade and follows reports that Nvidia will supply advanced AI chips to Samsung, Hyundai and SK Group as part of a deepening push into Asia.

Pool photo via Yonhap

Crowds packed the narrow street outside the restaurant, hoping to glimpse the man behind Nvidia’s meteoric rise.

Inside, the three executives shared toasts, laughter and even a “love shot” – a Korean drinking gesture symbolising friendship.

Lee reportedly picked up the tab, covering meals for all diners in the restaurant.

Huang presented each of his hosts with a bottle of Suntory Hakushu 25-year whisky and Nvidia’s DGX AI computer, inscribed with the message: “To our partnership and future of the world.”

Speaking to reporters before the meal, he hinted that Nvidia and its Korean partners would soon unveil several new announcements, including progress in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) development with Samsung.

The friendly “chimaek summit” highlighted how central South Korea has become to Nvidia’s global AI strategy – a crucial partner as the company faces tightening US export controls to China.