Nvidia CEO launches charm offensive in South Korea

Speaking at Computex in Taipei, Huang described Korea as “a critical part of our ecosystem.”

Nvidia’s chief executive Jensen Huang has embarked on a high‑profile visit to South Korea, blending business meetings with public appearances designed to highlight the country’s central role in the global AI supply chain.

Strategic backdrop

This is Huang’s second trip to South Korea in seven months, underscoring the importance of the country’s semiconductor and robotics industries. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix together produce about 70% of the memory chips used in Nvidia’s AI systems. Analysts say South Korea’s advanced manufacturing base and robotics expertise make it a natural testbed for “physical AI,” where artificial intelligence is embedded in robots, vehicles and industrial systems.

Jeff Kim of KB Securities noted that Nvidia’s dependence on South Korean suppliers is rising. “Huang needs a manufacturing site for physical AI. South Korea is emerging as a perfect testbed,” he wrote.

The country is also a major customer. In October, Nvidia announced it would supply more than 260,000 of its most advanced AI chips to the South Korean government and leading businesses.

Political and economic context

President Lee Jae Myung has made AI investment a national priority, aiming to position South Korea among the world’s top three AI powers. The push comes as the country grapples with demographic challenges and seeks new engines of growth.

Trade frictions with China have further elevated South Korea’s importance, as restrictions on advanced semiconductor sales to Beijing have redirected demand toward Seoul’s high‑end factories.

Huang’s message

Speaking at Computex in Taipei, Huang described Korea as “a critical part of our ecosystem.” He emphasized robotics as a potential investment area, citing South Korea’s manufacturing strength and population constraints. “We have a lot to do together,” he said.

Public charm offensive

Beyond boardrooms, Huang is courting South Korea’s 50 million citizens. He will appear on the popular talk show You Quiz on the Block, likened to the US Jimmy Fallon Show, and throw the ceremonial first pitch at a Doosan Bears baseball game. Doosan Group, whose chairman Park Jeong‑won will act as the first batter, develops robots and materials used in Nvidia’s Blackwell chips.

Observers say Huang learned from his October visit, when a casual meeting with Samsung and Hyundai executives over chicken and beer generated significant media buzz. This time, food will again feature prominently, though Huang declined to specify which executives he will meet.

Huang’s blend of corporate diplomacy and cultural outreach reflects Nvidia’s strategy to deepen ties with South Korea at a moment when the country’s role in AI development is expanding rapidly. With memory chips, robotics, and government backing aligned, South Korea is positioned as both supplier and customer in Nvidia’s global ambitions.