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A surprising ‘chimaek meeting’ featuring global CEOs Jensen Huang, Lee Jaeyong, and Chung Euisun has captured public attention. The trio gathered on October 30, 2025, for an informal dinner of chicken and beer, a popular combination in South Korea, showcasing a unique facet of Korean business culture. This casual summit occurred during the bustling APEC summit period, highlighting a modern approach to high-level corporate networking.
The Unconventional Summit of Global CEOs
On October 30, 2025, a commemorative photo was taken of NVIDIA’s Jensen Huang, Samsung Electronics’ Lee Jaeyong, and Hyundai Motor Group’s Chung Euisun following a meeting. The interactions continued on October 31, when the three industry titans came together for the now-famous chicken and beer dinner. This gathering of global CEOs from the semiconductor, consumer electronics, and automotive industries underscores a growing trend of cross-industry collaboration. The choice of such an informal setting for their discussion has sparked considerable interest, moving conversations from the boardroom to a local eatery.
A Taste of Korean Culture: The Chimaek Meeting
The event has been widely dubbed a ‘chimaek meeting,’ a portmanteau of ‘chicken’ and ‘maekju’ (beer). This combination is a cornerstone of casual social life in Korea, often enjoyed among friends and colleagues after work. By partaking in this custom, the leaders embraced a significant part of modern Korean culture. This practice, often seen in popular media, mirrors the culinary trends highlighted in K-Dramas featuring Korean food. The choice of a ‘chimaek meeting’ over a formal dinner signifies a desire to build rapport on a more personal level, a key aspect of Korean business culture.
Building ‘Kkanbu’ Relationships Beyond Business
The location of the dinner, a Kkanbu Chicken restaurant, adds another layer of meaning to the gathering. In Korean, ‘kkanbu’ refers to a close friend, ally, or partner, a term popularized globally by a famous K-Drama series. Holding their meeting at a venue with such a symbolic name suggests the leaders’ intent to foster a relationship that transcends typical corporate partnerships. This move is seen as a strategic effort to build trust and a shared sense of purpose among their respective companies.
The Significance of the Kkanbu Chicken Choice
Opting for Kkanbu Chicken was a deliberate and symbolic choice. It moves beyond a simple meal, representing a commitment to a deep, trust-based alliance. This informal diplomacy is a powerful statement in the corporate world, where relationships can be as valuable as contracts. The ‘chimaek meeting’ at this specific location demonstrates a nuanced understanding of cultural contexts, leveraging a simple dinner to communicate complex intentions of camaraderie and long-term partnership among the global CEOs.
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