On April 3, 2026, the bustling city of Seoul played host to a meeting that could shape the future of artificial intelligence and cloud technology across continents. Naver CEO Choi Soo-yeon sat down with French President Emmanuel Macron, who was visiting South Korea to mark the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The encounter, held at the request of the French government, brought together some of the brightest minds and top executives from both nations, all with one goal in mind: forging deeper ties in the rapidly evolving world of AI and cloud computing.
Choi Soo-yeon, leading one of Korea’s most prominent IT companies, took the opportunity to showcase Naver’s technological prowess. According to Yonhap News Agency, she highlighted the company’s competitive edge in both artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure. But it wasn’t just about boasting technical capabilities—Choi emphasized the potential for meaningful collaboration between Korean and French enterprises, suggesting that the strengths of each country could complement and accelerate progress in these fields.
One of the key talking points was Naver’s European foothold, specifically the operation of Naver Labs Europe, an AI research institute based in Grenoble, France. As reported by Yonhap Infomax, Choi shared insights from running this world-class facility, which has become a hub for cutting-edge research and innovation. She also discussed Naver’s ongoing investments in the region, including participation in Corelia Capital, a venture fund established by Fleur Pellerin, the former French Digital Economy Minister. This investment underscores Naver’s commitment to expanding its global footprint, with France serving as a strategic gateway.
Choi didn’t stop there. She detailed Naver’s so-called “full-stack AI” capabilities—a term that covers everything from the in-house development of large language models (LLMs) to the construction of proprietary data centers, robust cloud infrastructure, and scalable services for millions of users. “We have the unique ability to connect every stage of AI development and deployment with our own technology,” Choi explained, according to sources present at the meeting. She expressed a clear desire to leverage these strengths in partnerships with French AI companies, stating her intention to “create diverse opportunities for collaboration based on our distinctive technological edge.”
The French side, led by President Macron, responded with enthusiasm. Macron outlined his government’s policies aimed at transforming France into a leading AI powerhouse within Europe. According to Yonhap Infomax, he introduced a series of initiatives designed to foster innovation, attract global talent, and encourage investment in AI and cloud industries. Macron made it clear that France sees technological exchange and business cooperation with Korea as crucial steps toward achieving these ambitions. “We will support the expansion of Korea-France technological exchange and investment cooperation in AI and cloud industries,” Macron affirmed, signaling a strong commitment to bilateral progress.
The meeting wasn’t just a tête-à-tête between Choi and Macron. On Naver’s side, several top executives joined the discussion: CFO Kim Hee-chul, Naver Cloud CEO Kim Yoo-won, and Naver Labs CEO Seok Sang-ok. The French delegation included not only President Macron but also presidential diplomatic chief Emmanuel Bon, Asia-America-Oceania advisor Julie Le Saos, and investment and trade policy advisor Victor Bandville. The presence of such high-level officials underscored the importance both countries place on this burgeoning partnership.
Beyond the boardroom, Macron’s visit to South Korea was packed with high-profile meetings. As reported by multiple outlets, he also sat down individually with Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong and Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun. These sessions were aimed at exploring further avenues for cooperation between France and Korea’s corporate giants, especially in areas where technology and innovation intersect. The French government’s proactive approach—seeking out meetings with key Korean business leaders—reflects a broader strategy to deepen economic and technological ties in Asia.
For Naver, the timing couldn’t be better. The company has been aggressively expanding its global operations, with a particular focus on Europe. Its investment in Corelia Capital, for example, aligns with France’s ambition to attract foreign capital and expertise in the digital economy. According to Yonhap News Agency, Choi highlighted these efforts during her conversation with Macron, positioning Naver as a bridge between Korean innovation and European opportunity. She pointed to the company’s track record in France, from research initiatives in Grenoble to strategic partnerships with local firms, as evidence of Naver’s commitment to international collaboration.
What’s at stake here is more than just business deals or research grants. The collaboration between Naver and France could set the tone for how countries with strong tech sectors cooperate in an increasingly competitive global landscape. As AI and cloud technologies become central to everything from healthcare to finance, the ability to pool resources, share knowledge, and innovate together becomes ever more critical. Choi’s vision of “full-stack AI” isn’t just a technical milestone—it’s a statement about the future of cross-border cooperation in a digital world.
Macron’s visit, meanwhile, sends a clear message about France’s priorities. By reaching out to Korean tech leaders and signaling openness to joint ventures, the French government is betting that international partnerships will be key to maintaining its edge in AI. The willingness to engage at the highest levels—presidential meetings, top advisors in attendance—reflects a sense of urgency and ambition that’s hard to ignore.
As the meeting wrapped up, both sides were keen to stress their mutual interests. Choi reiterated her hope to “create diverse opportunities for collaboration” with French companies, while Macron pledged continued support for bilateral initiatives. The atmosphere, by all accounts, was one of optimism and shared purpose. The next steps, of course, will be crucial: turning high-level discussions into tangible projects, joint investments, and perhaps even breakthrough innovations that neither country could achieve alone.
For now, the Seoul summit stands as a testament to what’s possible when vision, expertise, and political will converge. As Naver and France look to the future, their partnership could well become a model for international cooperation in the digital age—one where borders matter less, and shared goals drive the next wave of technological progress.