[New York = E-Daily Seong Joowon Correspondent] SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won likened the artificial intelligence (AI) alliance between NVIDIA and SK to “the brain and memory.” This means that while NVIDIA designs the “brain” of AI, SK creates the “memory” that supports it. Chairman Choi noted that the front lines of the U.S.-Korea alliance are shifting from traditional battlefields to AI data centers, and he expressed his hope that the partnership between the two companies would continue to expand.

Chairman Choi delivered a toast on the 28th (local time) at the Korea Society’s “2026 Annual Gala” in New York, U.S., to celebrate NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang’s receipt of the Van Fleet Award. “The partnership between NVIDIA and SK is very simple,” he said. “NVIDIA designs the ‘brain,’ and SK creates the ‘memory.’”
He continued, “When NVIDIA thinks as fast as lightning, SK ensures that memory is never forgotten,” adding, “Whenever Jensen forgets something, he knows exactly who to call,” which drew laughter from the audience.
Chairman Choi also shared an anecdote about how CEO Hwang emphasizes speed whenever they meet. “Every time I meet Jensen, the first question he asks is always, ‘Can’t we make it faster?’” he said, adding, “Just like Korea’s ‘hurry-hurry’ spirit, we share that same mindset.”

“From the Front Lines of the ROK-U.S. Alliance: From the Battlefield to the Data Center”

Chairman Choi also linked the collaboration between NVIDIA and SK(034730)to the evolution of the ROK-U.S.

alliance

. “Seventy years ago, General Van Fleet forged our alliance on the battlefield,” he said. “Today, seventy years later, Jensen Huang stands on that front line.”
He continued, “The front lines have now shifted from the battlefield to the data center,” adding, “The person leading that advance doesn’t wear a military uniform. He wears a black leather jacket.” By drawing a parallel to CEO Huang’s trademark black leather jacket, he emphasized that AI has become the new stage for ROK-U.S. industrial cooperation.
Chairman Choi also made a joke using a phrase CEO Huang employs when explaining the performance and cost-efficiency of NVIDIA’s AI chips. “Have you heard of ‘Jensen’s Rule’?” he asked. “‘The more you buy, the more you save,’” he explained. He added, “Our accounting team is still struggling to make sense of that.”
He continued, “Jensen inspires us all to think bigger,” adding, “I’m truly delighted to be your partner.”
In closing, Chairman Choi asked the attendees to raise their glasses and proposed a toast, saying, “To Jensen Huang and his family, and to the U.S.-Korea alliance.” He then emphasized, “I hope our partnership expands much faster than GPU demand.”
Chairman Choi also has a deep connection to the Van Fleet Award. He is the second recipient of this award, following in the footsteps of his late father, the late Choi Jong-hyun, former chairman of SK Group.