Entrepreneur Kim So-young expresses disappointment in NVIDIA founder Jensen Huang

Former MBC announcer Kim So-young expressed disappointment toward Jensen Huang on the 13th following his resignation as NVIDIA CEO and board member on the 12th. Huang stepped down amid personal life controversies involving allegations of extramarital relationships.

Kim So-young, an entrepreneur and former MBC announcer, has shared a bitter reaction to the successive personal life controversies surrounding NVIDIA founder Jensen Huang. While expanding her presence as a businesswoman by recently announcing that her company secured an investment, Kim expressed surprise at a netizen's mention of "CEO risk" and could not hide her disappointment toward Jensen Huang, whom she had previously respected.

On the 13th, Kim So-young communicated with netizens through an "Ask Me Anything" session on her social media. When a netizen commented, "CEO risk is truly scary," Kim responded, "You startled me. I thought you were talking about me," a witty reply that seemed to acknowledge the potential impact a corporate leader's personal controversies can have on a company and its overall business.

Kim went on to directly mention Jensen Huang, expressing her disappointment. "Brother Huang... it was the most impressive biography I read this year, so why did you do that?" she said. Her comment suggested that having been deeply impressed by the biography covering Jensen Huang's life and management philosophy, the recent personal life controversies felt even more regrettable. Her words captured the sentiment of a reader facing unexpected controversy from a respected figure.

Previously, Jensen Huang was embroiled in controversy regarding an extramarital relationship with Alice Huang, a businesswoman suspected of being linked to Chinese intelligence agencies. Alice Huang is reported to be suspected by U.S. intelligence authorities of acting for the Chinese government, though these allegations have not been confirmed. The controversy grew as personal life issues were discussed alongside national security suspicions.

As the controversy spread, Jensen Huang sent a message to NVIDIA employees on the 8th, admitting he had not been faithful to his wife and apologizing to his family. Subsequently, on the 11th (local time), the NYT reported allegations that Jensen Huang also had an extramarital relationship with Kimberly Powell, Vice President of the NVIDIA healthcare division, leading to further controversy.

Amid the successive allegations, Jensen Huang stepped down from his positions as CEO of NVIDIA and as a member of the board of directors on the 12th. As his departure—as a figure considered a symbol of the global artificial intelligence (AI) industry—coincides with the personal life controversies, "CEO risk," where the personal issues of corporate management affect the trust and corporate value of the entire organization, is drawing renewed attention.

Kim So-young appears to have taken this controversy uniquely, as she has also transitioned from her role at MBC to active management in the business field. She recently drew attention by revealing that her company secured an investment of 7 billion won. Married to broadcaster Oh Sang-jin in 2017 and having one son and one daughter, Kim So-young continues her new path by expanding her scope from broadcasting to entrepreneurship.

Read the original (Korean)