Hyundai Chair to skip Huang's Seoul 'samso' dinner, plans separate meeting

by Kim Dong-young Posted : June 5, 2026, 14:41Updated : June 5, 2026, 14:41
Nvidias CEO Jensen Huang signs autographs for fans at Gimpo International Airport on June 5 2026 AJP Han Jun-gu
Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang signs autographs for fans at Gimpo International Airport on June 5, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu
 
SEOUL, June 05 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun will not attend a dinner with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and other Korean conglomerate heads held Friday, opting instead for a separate encounter with the chip leader next week, industry sources said.

Chung withdrew from the so-called "samso" gathering — named for the samgyeopsal grilled pork belly and soju on the menu — citing a scheduling conflict, the sources said. The dinner, at a restaurant near Hongdae in western Seoul, marks Huang's first such gathering since his October visit.

Huang, who arrived Friday for a four-day trip, was expected to dine with SK Group Chair Chey Tae-won, LG Group Chair Koo Kwang-mo and Naver founder Lee Hae-jin. Samsung Electronics Chair Lee Jae-yong who hosted Huang at a Seoul fried-chicken restaurant in October in a meeting dubbed the "kkanbu gathering," is also absent this time owing to overseas commitments.

Chung instead plans to receive Huang on June 8 at Hyundai's headquarters in Yangjae, southern Seoul, the sources said. Huang's wider itinerary includes stops at LG Twin Towers, Seoul National University and Naver's offices.

Hyundai and Nvidia have deepened ties since the October meeting, when they signed a memorandum to advance physical AI in Korea and pledged about $3 billion to build an Nvidia technology center and a Hyundai application hub.

The companies are also collaborating to upgrade Boston Dynamics' Atlas humanoid robot.