Jensen Huang is embarking on a high-stakes diplomatic tour of South Korea in early June, meeting with Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor, and LG to forge deeper partnerships on artificial intelligence infrastructure and robotics. The move underscores Nvidia's recognition that Korean companies have become indispensable to the global AI supply chain, from memory chips to manufacturing capabilities.

Why Is Huang Meeting Korea's Tech Leaders Right Now?

The timing is strategic. Huang will first host Nvidia's inaugural "Korea Partner Night" on June 1 in Taipei during back-to-back tech conferences, GTC Taipei 2026 and Computex Taipei 2026. Executives from Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, Hyundai Motor, LG Electronics, Naver Cloud, and Doosan will attend discussions focused on expanding semiconductor supply cooperation and adopting Nvidia's physical AI platforms called "Omniverse" and "Isaac." Physical AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that can interact with and control the physical world, such as robots and autonomous machines.

After the conferences conclude, Huang plans to visit Korea around June 5 for additional meetings with SK Chairman Tae-won Choi, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chairman Euisun Chung, LG Group Chairman Kwang-mo Koo, and Naver Chairman Lee Hae-jin. A particularly significant meeting is scheduled between Huang and SK's chairman following Huang's opening keynote on June 1, where they will discuss strengthening an AI chip triangle alliance that includes Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC).

What Are Korean Companies Bringing to the AI Table?

Korea's tech sector has established world-leading competitiveness across multiple critical areas for AI infrastructure. The country dominates in high-bandwidth memory (HBM), which is now the core component of AI systems that require massive amounts of data to flow between processors at high speeds. Samsung Electronics is particularly focused on capturing demand for its next-generation HBM4E memory, which it shipped the world's first samples of on May 29, 2026. Samsung's chief technology officer of its Device Solutions division will host a briefing on these next-generation memory technologies during the Computex events.

Beyond semiconductors, Korean companies are positioned as both suppliers and demand centers for physical AI. Hyundai Motor and other manufacturers represent advanced production capabilities that can build and deploy AI-powered robots and autonomous systems. This dual role makes Korea uniquely valuable to Nvidia's broader vision of expanding AI beyond data centers and into the physical world.

How to Understand Korea's Role in the Global AI Supply Chain

• Memory Chip Leadership: Korean companies like Samsung and SK hynix control a significant portion of the global high-bandwidth memory market, which is essential for training and running large AI models efficiently.
• Manufacturing Expertise: Hyundai Motor and other conglomerates bring advanced manufacturing capabilities needed to produce physical AI systems, including robots and autonomous vehicles at scale.
• Cloud and Software Integration: Naver Cloud's participation in Nvidia's Cloud Partner Summit for the second consecutive year signals Korea's growing role in cloud-based AI services and infrastructure.

An industry expert highlighted Korea's strategic importance in the AI ecosystem. "Korea can simultaneously play two roles,as the world's largest memory supplier and as a physical AI demand center based on advanced manufacturing capabilities," stated Hong Jin-bae, president of the Institute of Information and Communications Technology Planning and Evaluation (IITP).

"Korea can simultaneously play two roles,as the world's largest memory supplier and as a physical AI demand center based on advanced manufacturing capabilities," said Hong Jin-bae.

Hong Jin-bae, President of the Institute of Information and Communications Technology Planning and Evaluation (IITP)

What New Technologies Will Huang Unveil?

Huang has hinted at significant announcements during the Computex events. He recently stated, "There is one amazing new product I haven't told anyone about yet," suggesting the possible unveiling of a new chip. This follows his introduction of "Olaf," a robot jointly developed with Disney and DeepMind, at GTC 2026 in March. At Computex, Huang is expected to unveil new technologies and visions that will further drive the adoption of physical AI.

The competitive landscape is intensifying. Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan will counter with announcements including a new central processing unit (CPU), while AMD CEO Lisa Su is expanding production of its new CPU called "Venice" through TSMC. Huang has projected the market size of new CPU businesses, including a product called "Vera," at $200 billion, underscoring the massive economic opportunity at stake.

Why Does This Matter for the Broader Tech Industry?

Huang's diplomatic push reflects a fundamental shift in how global AI infrastructure is being built. Rather than relying on a single country or company, the industry is forming regional alliances and supply chain partnerships. By strengthening ties with Korean companies, Nvidia is securing access to critical memory components while positioning itself as the central hub connecting semiconductor suppliers, cloud providers, and AI demand centers across Asia.

Meanwhile, Huang's recent appointment to the advisory board of Tsinghua University's School of Economics and Management in Beijing signals Nvidia's broader engagement with Asia's tech ecosystem, despite ongoing US-China tensions. This multi-pronged approach suggests that Nvidia sees Asia, particularly Korea and China, as essential to its long-term growth strategy in AI and physical AI systems.

The Korea Partner Night and subsequent meetings represent more than routine business discussions. They signal Nvidia's recognition that the next phase of AI development depends on deep partnerships with companies that control critical components of the supply chain. For Korean tech leaders, the meetings offer an opportunity to shape how physical AI systems are built and deployed globally, cementing Korea's role as a cornerstone of the AI infrastructure revolution.