OpenAI's Sam Altman postpones visit to S. Korea due to daughter's birth: sources

SEOUL, June 18 (Yonhap) -- OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's visit to South Korea, originally scheduled for earlier this week, has been postponed due to the birth of his second daughter, sources here said Thursday.

Altman had been set to arrive in South Korea on Sunday for a two-day trip that included meetings with major technology companies, including Samsung Electronics Co., to discuss potential cooperation in artificial intelligence.

During the visit, Altman was also expected to meet executives from portal operator Naver Corp. and mobile platform operator Kakao Corp.

"The postponement appears to have been driven by family priorities rather than any business-related issues," an industry insider said on condition of anonymity. "In the United States, it is generally considered natural to adjust schedules for family events, such as the birth of a child."

OpenAI previously said it hopes Altman will be able to visit South Korea in the near future and meet local partners in person.

This file photo, provided by Samsung SDS Co., shows Samsung Electronics Co. Chairman Lee Jae-yong (L) and OpenAI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sam Altman shaking hands in Seoul on Oct. 1, 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)