Why Jensen Huang is going on a charm offensive in South Korea

Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, is making waves with his latest trip to South Korea, marking his second visit in just seven months. This journey underscores the pivotal role that the nation plays in the global AI landscape. Scheduled to arrive in Seoul on Friday, Huang's itinerary reflects not only his celebrity status but also Nvidia's increasing reliance on South Korean technology and resources. His recent appearance at Computex in Taiwan, a major hub for advanced chip manufacturing, sets the stage for discussions in South Korea, particularly in light of the country's significant advancements in semiconductor production. According to Jeff Kim, an analyst at KB Securities, the demand for South Korea's memory chips has surged, contributing to a staggering 170% increase in semiconductor exports in May, marking the highest growth in over four decades. The surge in South Korea’s semiconductor sector has not only bolstered the economy but has also fueled a remarkable stock market rally. The Kospi index has nearly doubled this year, with major players like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix reaching valuations of over $1 trillion, driven by the AI boom. However, Huang's agenda extends beyond just memory chips. During Computex, he emphasized the importance of robotics as a key area for future collaborations with South Korea. As Nvidia seeks to partner with manufacturers capable of scaling AI applications, Kim noted that South Korea's robust manufacturing infrastructure positions it as an ideal environment for testing and development. Investors are keenly observing Huang's movements, with his anticipated itinerary already generating over 90,000 views on a dedicated tracking website. Earlier this week, shares of LG Electronics and Samsung Electronics experienced a notable uptick upon news of Huang's visit. His previous trip to Seoul in October, which included a casual dinner with prominent figures like Samsung's Chairman Lee Jae-yong, significantly impacted the stock prices of local fried chicken chains, which saw shares soar by as much as 30%.