Jensen Huang Treats Billionaires to Dinner at Fried-Chicken Joint
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recently dined with prominent South Korean business leaders at a popular fried chicken restaurant in Seoul. This high-profile gathering occurred on a Thursday evening and featured Lee Jae-yong, executive chairman of Samsung Electronics, and Chung Eui-sun, executive chairman of Hyundai Motor Group.
Fried Chicken Dinner in Gangnam
The dinner took place at Kkanbu Chicken, located in Seoul’s Gangnam district. Known for its “chimaek”—the beloved combination of chicken and beer—the restaurant drew significant attention from the public. Huang, recognized for his distinctive black leather jacket, engaged with fans while enjoying platters of crispy chicken and cheese sticks.
Publicity and Economic Impact
This gathering was not just a casual meal; it also served as a unique blend of cultural engagement and potential business collaboration. Local reports indicated that the event created a buzz on social media, quickly labeled a “Jensanity” moment.
- Real-time impact on the South Korean stock market:
- Kyochon F&B shares increased by 20%
- Cherrybro Co. hit a daily trading limit, surging 30%
- Neuromeka, a manufacturer of chicken-frying robots, also saw gains
- Kkanbu Chicken reported a spike in sales, with some outlets selling out of fried chicken after news of the dinner broke.
This trend reflects a broader phenomenon in South Korea, where retail investors often pursue quick profits from cultural or political events, sometimes leading to volatile market swings.
Strategic Partnerships and AI Development
Huang’s visit coincided with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO summit, where he made significant announcements regarding Nvidia’s future in South Korea. He revealed plans to supply more than 260,000 advanced graphics processing units to major firms such as Samsung and Hyundai. This initiative aims to enhance the country’s artificial intelligence capabilities across various sectors, including semiconductors and robotics.
A Toast to the Future
Before leaving the restaurant, Huang gleefully rang a golden bell to cover the $1,800 bill for all patrons. He expressed his commitment to the partnership, leaving behind a signed note that read, “To our partnership and the future of the world.”
This dinner not only showcased the camaraderie among these billionaires but also highlighted the intersection of culture, business, and technology in driving South Korea’s economic landscape.
