In a delightful display of camaraderie and generosity, three billionaires made headlines on Thursday when they visited a popular fried chicken restaurant in Seoul, South Korea, surprising diners as they graciously covered everyone’s bills. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, alongside influential South Korean tech magnates Samsung Electronics chairman Lee Jae-yong and Hyundai Motor Group executive chair Chung Eui-sun, indulged in the nation’s beloved “chimaek” — fried chicken paired with cold beer.
The trio dined at Kkanbu Chicken, situated in the heart of Seoul, ahead of the APEC summit taking place in Gyeongju. Huang expressed his enthusiasm for the meal, stating, “I love fried chicken and beer with my friends, so Kkanbu is a perfect place, right?” The name Kkanbu also resonates with intimacy in South Korean culture, akin to the term for a close friend.
Their meal included cheese sticks, cheese balls, boneless chicken, and Kkanbu’s signature fried chicken, accompanied by local beer Terra and the popular rice spirit soju. Video footage captured the moment when the billionaires engaged in a friendly toast, a gesture that symbolizes friendship in South Korea.
As part of their jovial visit, Huang linked arms with Lee and Chung to take a shot of beer, further cementing their camaraderie. Following their meal, they offered chicken and cheese sticks to a gathering crowd, delighting onlookers. Huang highlighted the quality of the restaurant’s chicken wings, eliciting cheers from diners when he rang the “golden bell,” announcing a treat for everyone. Although Lee and Chung covered the costs for the group, the gesture initiated a wave of excitement.
This event occurred amidst significant discussions at the APEC summit, where global leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, gathered to address pressing economic topics. A key issue on the agenda pertains to access to advanced AI chips — a factor contributing to NVIDIA’s impressive market cap of around $5 trillion.
In a noteworthy announcement during the summit, Huang revealed his intention to supply over 260,000 graphics processing units to various South Korean companies, including those of his dining companions, Samsung and Hyundai. Huang emphasized collaboration with these leading tech firms as well as local giants such as Naver and chipmaker SK, aiming to enhance AI innovations, particularly in the realm of autonomous vehicles.
This spontaneous and generous act by the tech leaders not only delighted diners but also showcased the spirit of collaboration and friendship that transcends business, emphasizing the potential for groundbreaking developments in technology and AI partnerships in South Korea.