Cipriani South Street
10 South St, New York, NY 10004
Reception 6 PM • Dinner 7 PM
New York’s Premier U.S.–Korea Gathering
The Korea Society’s Annual Gala is the most prestigious event in the U.S.–Korea gathering in New York City each year — convening heads of state, Fortune 500 CEOs, cabinet officials, ambassadors, and cultural leaders under one roof to strengthen the alliance that shapes both nations. Every year, it is where this consequential partnership is celebrated, and the most important policy, business, and civic leaders contributing and shaping this alliance are recognized. For sponsors, it is the most visible platform elevating the U.S.–Korea relationship in New York City.
Learn more about The Korea Society
2026 Van Fleet Award Honoree
JENSEN HUANG
Founder • CEO
NVIDIA
This year, the Korea Society is honored to announce the 2026 Van Fleet Award recipient is Jensen Huang, Founder and CEO of NVIDIA, in recognition of his visionary leadership and transformative contributions to the artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor industries — sectors central to the evolving U.S.–Korea economic partnership. Jensen Huang co-founded NVIDIA in 1993 and invented the GPU in 1999 — the breakthrough that built the foundation of today’s AI evolution. His deep and sustained partnerships with SK Group, Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor Group, and Naver have made South Korea an indispensable partner in global AI infrastructure. The 2026 Van Fleet Award honors, for the first time, Huang’s historic and ongoing contribution to the U.S.–Korea bilateral alliance — and the technology future they are building together.
View BioJensen Huang
Founder and CEO
NVIDIA
Jensen Huang founded NVIDIA in 1993 and has served since its inception as president, chief executive officer, and a member of the board of directors.
Since its founding, NVIDIA has pioneered accelerated computing. The company’s invention of the GPU in 1999 sparked the growth of the PC gaming market, redefined computer graphics, and ignited the era of modern AI. NVIDIA is now driving the platform shift of accelerated computing and generative AI, transforming the world's largest industries and profoundly impacting society.
Huang has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering and is a recipient of the Semiconductor Industry Association’s highest honor, the Robert N. Noyce Award; the IEEE Founder’s Medal; the Dr. Morris Chang Exemplary Leadership Award; and honorary doctorate degrees from Taiwan’s National Chiao Tung University, National Taiwan University, and Oregon State University. He has been named the world’s best CEO by Fortune, The Economist, and Brand Finance, as well as one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people.
Prior to founding NVIDIA, Huang worked at LSI Logic and Advanced Micro Devices. He holds a BSEE degree from Oregon State University and an MSEE degree from Stanford University.
Schedule
Monday, September 28, 2026
6:00 PM - Reception
7:00 PM - Dinner
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsoring The Korea Society’s 2026 Annual Gala strategically places your organization at the center of the vital U.S.–Korea alliance during a significant period of this relationship. Your contribution honors Jensen Huang, supports the critical mission of America’s leading U.S.–Korea institution, and guarantees your organization’s presence among key leaders driving bilateral engagement in technology, business, diplomacy, public policy, national security, culture, and education.
Individual Tickets & Acknowledgement
Sejong Ticket
$3500
Hangeul Ticket
$1500
Acknowledgement
In the dinner program book
The Korea Society is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The non-tax-deductible portion of each ticket is $550 per person. IRS regulations currently prohibit the use of a Donor Advised Fund grant to pay for all or any portion (whether tax-deductible or not) of the admission price for attending an event. For donations made from Korea, we can issue a donation receipt that can be used for tax purposes in Korea.
