In a low-key fried chicken shop in southern Seoul, the leaders of Nvidia, Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor held an informal meeting on the evening of October 30, Korea JoongAng Daily reports. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong and Hyundai Motor Executive Chair Euisun Chung met ahead of major announcements expected during Huang’s visit for the APEC CEO summit. Their discussion reportedly centred on reinforcing semiconductor supply networks, advancing AI infrastructure and exploring collaboration in robotics.

The chosen venue,  a branch of the well-known Korean fried chicken franchise Kkanbu Chicken, was handpicked by Huang, who enjoys trying local eateries during overseas trips and specifically wanted to try out Korea’s “chimaek” culture, a combination of fried chicken and beer.

Once the gathering became known, the quiet street quickly drew a crowd. More than a thousand onlookers, journalists and company staff filled the area. Police eventually stepped in to control the crowd and set up barricades as the scene overflowed onto the road.

The meeting took place just before Nvidia is expected to finalise large AI chip supply agreements with four major Korean conglomerates — Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor and Naver — deals estimated to be worth several trillion won.

According to Korea JoongAng Daily, Samsung revealed during a conference call that it is supplying Nvidia with its latest high-bandwidth memory (HBM3E) chips and has already begun sending samples of its upcoming HBM4 line to clients. The company stated that the new chips can exceed speeds of 11 gigabits per second while remaining energy-efficient, and that it has secured orders for increased HBM production next year.

SK hynix, another major memory manufacturer, announced that its 2026 memory supply is already sold out and that it plans to significantly expand investment in memory production. The company expects to begin supplying HBM4 chips to key clients in the fourth quarter.

Hyundai Motor and Nvidia already partnered earlier this year on software-defined vehicles, robotics, autonomous technology, digital twins, smart factories and infotainment.

Later on October 31, Huang is expected to travel to Gyeongju to speak at the APEC CEO Summit and meet SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won. Lee and Chung will also return to attend a dinner involving China’s President Xi Jinping. A casual meal may look ordinary, yet it signals how future technology alliances are increasingly forged through informal, human moments rather than traditional boardroom ritual.