Huang Jen-Hsun's Korea Visit Creates Sensation: Korean Media Analyzes How He Captivates the Youth

(Central News Agency, Seoul, June 7, Combined Foreign Reports) NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang's visit to South Korea has created a sensation. Korean media point out that he is receiving star-like treatment and has become an idol for the younger generation in Korea. The reasons behind this include Koreans' passion for gaming, the returns from investing in NVIDIA, and Huang's down-to-earth image.

Whether appearing at a PC bang (internet cafe) in Hongdae, teaming up with e-sports legend Faker, or enjoying samgyeopsal (pork belly) and soju with Korean business leaders, every move Huang makes attracts crowds, cameras, and online attention. A tracking website has even been set up for fans to follow his whereabouts.

Huang has effectively become Korea's most beloved CEO. The Korea Herald interviewed several young Koreans to explore the reasons behind this phenomenon.

The report notes that part of the reason for Huang's appeal is easy to understand: NVIDIA is at the center of the global AI boom, and Korea's future industries—including semiconductors, high-bandwidth memory, robotics, and AI—are closely linked to the NVIDIA ecosystem. Huang's remarks, partners, and even his dinner companions are seen as providing clues to the future of Korean industry.

Lee Tae-ho, 24, said, "Many people are actually very grateful to Huang for giving them the opportunity to invest in NVIDIA, believing that this stock is unlikely to lose money. His promise to invest in Korea and expand the supply of graphics processing units (GPUs) further enhances his image."

In fact, even before ChatGPT and the current AI boom, many young Koreans were already familiar with NVIDIA because its graphics cards are the equipment of choice for countless gaming PCs and PC bangs.

When Huang praises Korean e-sports, pays tribute to Faker, or visits a PC bang, it doesn't feel like just a generic compliment to Korean culture from a foreign executive. Instead, it feels like an interaction with a community that many young people grew up with and are proud of.

Choi Yun-ho, 27, said the younger generation is really into gaming, and graphics cards are indispensable, especially for playing high-end games. "NVIDIA indeed plays an important role in Korean gaming culture," he said.

Choi added that Koreans often feel a sense of affinity towards East Asian figures who publicly appreciate Korea. As a Taiwanese-American who embraces Korean gaming and e-sports culture, Huang naturally meets these conditions.

Han Sung-hyun, 26, mentioned that a strong meme culture has developed around NVIDIA and Huang in Korean online communities. "Recently, NVIDIA and Jensen Huang are at the center of these memes, and YouTubers have become a bridge to promote them to the general public," he said.

Repeated exposure may not make young people experts, but it creates a sense of everyday familiarity. For many, Huang doesn't feel like a distant Silicon Valley executive, but more like someone they know from the internet. This familiarity is important for a generation that increasingly relies on algorithms rather than newspapers for information.

Beyond memes and market influence, Huang's personal story is also a big selling point. From being an immigrant dishwasher to founding the world's most valuable AI chip company, his journey is a classic rags-to-riches story. This particularly resonates with young Koreans who are accustomed to hearing about the children of the wealthy, family backgrounds, and elite pedigrees.

Kim Sung-ji, 38, said, "I think people admire him because he is not a successful businessman born with a silver spoon, but someone who overcame hardships to build the world's most valuable company."

The Korea Herald concluded that many young Koreans particularly appreciate people who are powerful but not overly formal, hierarchical, or like "old fogies." Huang is undoubtedly an elite, but he rarely adopts the posture of a traditional corporate magnate.

Huang's leather jacket, talk of gaming, drinking soju, and willingness to interact directly with fans all make his image more approachable. While many corporate executives try to appear down-to-earth, Huang often seems to genuinely enjoy it.

Hong Ji-won, 26, said that millennials and Generation Z largely dislike the culture of the baby boomer generation, and Huang represents the type of successful person many young Koreans want to see.

She said, "He shows the image that young people have been waiting for—someone who is successful and relaxed, and who knows how to show respect to his admirers." (Edited by Yang Zhaoyan) 1150607