What Did Naver Founder and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Discuss About AI Cooperation?
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Synopsis
In a groundbreaking meeting, Lee Hae-jin, founder of Naver, and Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, explored vital partnerships in AI during the Computex 2025 in Taiwan. Their discussions highlight the competitive landscape of AI development and Naver's strategic initiatives to enhance its technology ecosystem.
Key Takeaways
- Lee Hae-jin discusses AI cooperation with Jensen Huang.
- Naver aims to enhance its AI offerings.
- Focus on sovereign AI and localized models.
- Importance of strategic leadership in tech.
- Concerns over South Korea's global tech position.
Seoul, May 22 (NationPress) Lee Hae-jin, the visionary behind South Korea's leading portal Naver Corp., engaged in a crucial dialogue with Nvidia's Chief Executive Officer, Jensen Huang, in Taiwan on Thursday. The focus was on strengthening collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI) and various other strategic sectors, as per industry insiders.
During this pivotal meeting, Lee, who currently holds the position of chairman of the board, explored avenues for enhanced partnership and potential joint ventures in sovereign AI and other significant domains. This information was reported by the Yonhap news agency.
Lee was in Taiwan to participate in the Computex 2025 tech exhibition, accompanied by Naver's CEO Choi Soo-yeon and other senior executives.
This visit marks Lee's first known international business trip since taking on the role of board chairman in March, a move perceived as a strategic decision to guide Naver through the escalating global rivalry in big tech and AI.
Previously, Lee met with Huang at Nvidia's headquarters in the U.S. in June 2024 while fulfilling his duties as Naver's global investment officer.
In that earlier discussion, they delved into matters concerning sovereign AI, which involves creating region-specific AI frameworks that resonate with local cultures and comply with regional regulations.
Naver anticipates amplifying the development of HyperClova X, its proprietary large language model (LLM) initially unveiled in 2023. The company aspires to integrate AI into its core services, such as search and commerce platforms, to enrich its existing ecosystem.
Moreover, Hae-jin's return to the board as chairperson in March signifies a commitment to a sovereign artificial intelligence (AI) strategy within the local tech landscape.
Lee's election as the chair of Naver Corp.'s board was confirmed at the company's annual general shareholders' meeting held in Seongnam, south of Seoul. Lee, who had been acting as the company's global investment officer (GIO), will now oversee Naver's comprehensive business strategies.
He had previously relinquished his position as board chairperson in March 2017 and left the board entirely in 2018 to concentrate on expanding Naver's global reach in his capacity as GIO.
His return is timely, considering the increasing apprehensions that South Korea is lagging behind global tech titans in the rapidly changing domain of AI model development.
Point of View
The meeting between Lee Hae-jin and Jensen Huang signals a critical step for South Korea's tech industry. The collaboration in AI could serve as a catalyst for innovation and competitiveness on a global scale. As Naver navigates the complexities of AI development, its leadership under Lee is crucial for positioning South Korea as a formidable player in the tech arena.
NationPress
25/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of Lee Hae-jin's meeting with Jensen Huang?
The meeting aimed to discuss cooperation in artificial intelligence and explore potential collaborations in sovereign AI and other areas.
What is HyperClova X?
HyperClova X is Naver's proprietary large language model, which the company aims to enhance and integrate into its core services.
Why is Lee Hae-jin's return as chairperson significant?
His return signifies a strategic push for sovereign AI initiatives within the South Korean tech industry, addressing concerns about competition.
What is sovereign AI?
Sovereign AI refers to developing AI models that are tailored to reflect local cultures, values, and regulations.
Where did the meeting take place?
The meeting occurred in Taiwan during the Computex 2025 tech exhibition.
