Some 50 Korean AI experts gathered at Ridge Vineyards on May 11, lured by an LG Electronics recruiting initiative. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SAN FRANCISCO, May 13 (Korea Bizwire) – At Ridge Vineyards, a renowned winery in Cupertino offering a distant view of Apple’s headquarters, some 50 Korean AI experts gathered on May 11, lured by an LG Electronics recruiting initiative.
The invitees included AI specialists working at major tech companies and startups in Silicon Valley, Seattle and Los Angeles, as well as doctoral researchers from prestigious local universities. This marked LG Electronics’ first standalone hosting of such an event, though the LG Group has previously organized similar programs.
These AI professionals represent a potential talent pool for LG as the technology giant intensifies its artificial intelligence recruitment efforts amid fierce industry competition.
To woo the AI luminaries, LG Electronics deployed its top leadership team, flying in from South Korea. The contingent included CEO Cho Joo-wan, home entertainment chief Park Hyung-se, vehicle solutions head Eun Seok-hyun, Chief Technology Officer Kim Byoung-hoon, and Chief Human Resources Officer Kim Weon-bum.
The executives directly introduced the company’s vision, research and development strategy, and outlook for AI technology advancement, drawing rapt attention from attendees. When Cho explained LG’s “Affectionate Intelligence” AI vision unveiled at CES 2024, the audience burst into applause.
LG Electronics ‘Tech Conference’ (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
“Industry-wide changes like decarbonization, servitization, and digitalization are creating new possibilities leveraging AI, cloud, and big data,” Cho asserted. “This presents another opportunity area for LG Electronics, with our accumulated core technologies and expertise.”
He added, “Going beyond appliance leadership, we’re leaping toward becoming a ‘Smart Life Solution Company’ connecting and expanding customer spaces and experiences. We look forward to redefining our dreams together on this bold journey toward a better life and future.”
Attendees pricked up their ears at the leadership’s vision and strategy, exhibiting fresh interest in LG Electronics. Most expressed surprise that the global home appliances giant had also ventured into B2B sectors like vehicle components, alongside new businesses like content services, robotics, and electric vehicle charging.
“I thought LG Electronics only did home appliances, but I didn’t realize it was operating across so many diverse areas,” marveled one participant, a software engineer at a major tech firm after completing a U.S. master’s degree. “I’m excited about their future prospects.”
AI luminary Park Sung-Hyuk from KAIST, visiting Stanford University since January, was another invited guest. “It’s remarkable that a hardware company like LG is generating revenue from software, which isn’t easy,” Park noted. “I’m eager to see LG’s future success in monetizing content consumption.”
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
