Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who returned to Korea for the first time in 15 years since 2010, linked up as "AI kkanbu (close friend)" with Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong and Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun, toasting with a "somaek," a mixture of soju and beer, love shot. The three showed a friendly side, handing out chicken to the crowd and signing autographs themselves.
At about 7:21 p.m. on the 30th, hundreds of people crowded in front of a Kkanbu Chicken store in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. They were there to see Huang, who was visiting to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit, along with Chairman Lee and Chairman Chung.
Huang wore his trademark black leather jacket, and Chung dressed casually in a hoodie and a gray padded jacket. About five minutes later, Lee, dressed lightly in a white long-sleeve T-shirt, also entered the restaurant.
Before entering, Huang met reporters and said, "There is a lot that Nvidia and Korea have to announce, and there are great partners here," adding, "Tomorrow we will unveil great news and several projects we are working on together." When asked if he knew the meaning of "kkangbu," he said, "I really like chicken and I also like beer. I especially like enjoying chicken and beer with friends. So I think 'Kkanbu' is just the right place for that kind of gathering."
Huang's party took seats by the full-length window facing the street. Huang signed two bottles of Hakushu 25-year-old Japanese whisky that his daughter, Madison Huang, had prepared, and gave them to Lee and Chung. The Hakushu 25-year-old is known to retail for around 7 million won. In addition, Huang gifted each of them Nvidia's new personal AI supercomputer, the "DGX Spark."
They ordered cheese balls, cheese sticks, and one whole chicken each in boneless and bone-in. Beer "Terra" and soju "Chamisul," when mixed together and known as the so-called "Tesla," were served together. When Huang showed interest in the "somaek" tower at the next table, Lee explained what "somaek" is.
Soon after, Huang stepped outside to greet the press and citizens who had gathered. He greeted people and took photos together. He personally carried a large box and handed out gifts he had prepared in advance, such as kimbap and banana milk. Meanwhile, when Lee said, "It feels like it's been about 10 years since I had 'chimaek,'" Chung replied, "I have it often."
They also signed autographs as souvenirs for citizens who came to see them. In particular, when signing for a child named "Lee Ye-jun," Lee wrote his name along with the phrase, "Ye-jun, be a filial child." Chung left only his signature. Huang signed in large letters on a child's T-shirt who had come to see him. There was also a citizen who received Huang's signature on a wedding invitation card.
Huang told Lee and Chung, "Today is the best day of my life." Then, when Huang asked citizens if they had ever seen Lee and Chung eating chicken together, Chung said from the side, "This is the first time the two of us are eating chicken. Thanks to CEO Huang, we're eating like this."
When Chung suggested "somaek," Huang shouted "cheers" with citizens at the next table and emptied his glass in one shot, saying "so good" repeatedly. Before wrapping up after about an hour together, the three linked arms and even did a love shot.
Public attention focused on who would pick up the tab for the drinks that day. Huang told customers inside the store, "Here's some news. The first round is on them." When Lee said, "I'll pay for everything today," the crowd chanted "Jensen Huang."
Hearing this, Huang said, "These friends have a lot of money," while Lee said, "Eat a lot and drink a lot," and Chung said, "I'll get the second round." Huang rang the store's "golden bell," saying, "Everything is free today." In the end, Lee paid an amount totaling about 2 million won.
As he left the store, Lee said, "Isn't it a good day? The tariff has also been settled, and I've learned that happiness isn't much. Good people eating something delicious together and having a drink—that's happiness."
Even after the chimaek gathering ended, the three's "kkangbu moment" continued. Lee and Chung made a surprise appearance as "surprise guests" on stage with Huang at an event at COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Korea launch of Nvidia's graphics card (GPU) "GeForce."