Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang goes off-script in Seoul, joins top tech chiefs for Korean BBQ

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s latest visit to South Korea began not in a corporate boardroom, but over smoky grills, shared plates, and soju in Seoul’s buzzing Hongdae district with other founders.

On June 5, Huang joined SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, Naver co-founder Lee Hae-jin, and LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo for a Korean barbecue dinner at a local restaurant. The group reportedly shared samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), beer, and soju, turning what could have been a routine high-level meeting into a relaxed evening that quickly went viral online.

Videos from the dinner showed Koo Kwang-mo actively grilling and serving meat to the table using tongs, a gesture that resonated with a familiar Korean dining custom, where the youngest person at the table often takes on the role of grilling and serving. Born in 1978, Koo is younger than Chey Tae-won, Jensen Huang, and Lee Hae-jin, making the gesture culturally appropriate rather than symbolic of status.

Huang, who had returned to South Korea after a seven-month gap, appeared visibly at ease throughout the evening. He was seen engaging in animated conversations with the group, enjoying local food, and embracing the informal setting.

Watch the video here:

The dinner also drew public attention outside the restaurant, with onlookers gathering for photos and videos, adding a celebrity-like buzz to what was fundamentally a business visit.

The trip comes at a strategically important moment for Nvidia as it continues to expand partnerships in robotics and physical AI. South Korean conglomerates such as LG, Hyundai, SK Group, and Naver are increasingly positioning themselves as key collaborators and testbeds for next-generation AI applications.

A few days ago, Jensen Huang went viral as he joined the Nvidia family on stage and danced at an all-employee celebration in Taipei.