NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang appeared on tvN variety show You Quiz on the Block, where he opened up about his special bond with Korea and the success philosophy that drives him.
On the June 10 broadcast of You Quiz on the Block, Huang made his first-ever appearance on a talk-variety program in Korea or abroad. He revealed that his connection with Korea began with a 1996 letter from the late Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee. The letter outlined a bold vision to wire Korea with high-speed internet and to change the world through video games and esports.
Huang also recalled traveling to Korea himself, walking through Seoul’s Yongsan Electronics Market to hand out business cards and make sales calls. "Korea’s tech industry started with the internet and games, and NVIDIA grew during the same period," he said. "Korea and NVIDIA have grown along the same trajectory."
He expressed special gratitude to Korea’s esports scene and gamers. "Without Korea’s incredible gamers and players like Faker, it would have been hard for NVIDIA’s technology to become a global phenomenon," he said. "Esports spread from Korea to the world, and gamers everywhere chose NVIDIA."
Huang also mentioned the high-profile meetings with Korean conglomerate leaders that went viral during his recent visit. When asked who he was closest to among Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun, and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, he laughed and answered, "I’m close with all of them. I want everyone to succeed."
He shared the backstory of a "samgyeopsal soju meetup" with SK Group’s Chey Tae-won, LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo, and Naver founder-chairman Lee Hae-jin. Trying samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) for the first time, Huang said, "I still think about that taste," adding, "I can’t forget the dipping sauce—sesame oil mixed with salt," which drew laughs.
Huang also spoke about his success philosophy. Recalling a time when NVIDIA had only 30 days left before possible bankruptcy, he said, "To become great, you have to endure pain and failure." He emphasized, "Failing and coming back builds resilience and character."
On the age of artificial intelligence (AI), he predicted, "AI will narrow the technology gap," and, "We’ve entered an era where you can just say what you want, and the computer will help you."
Finally, Huang shared his affection for Korea: "Korea has welcomed our company warmly, and Korean society has achieved amazing growth across K-pop, K-culture, and K-beauty. I hope Korea’s great journey continues."
Meanwhile, You Quiz on the Block was all smiles thanks to Huang’s appearance. The episode recorded a 5.7% nationwide household rating on paid platforms, according to Nielsen Korea, marking the show’s highest viewership this year.