Bill Gates Joins Korean TV Hit 'You Quiz on the Block'

Tech billionaire makes rare entertainment appearance during Seoul business trip

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates surprised entertainment fans worldwide by confirming his guest appearance on South Korea's most popular talk show, "You Quiz on the Block," tvN announced Monday.

The episode, scheduled to air in August during Gates' Korea visit, marks an unusual crossover between global tech leadership and Korean entertainment.

The show, hosted by comedian Yoo Jae-suk - known as "The Nation's MC" - typically features intimate conversations with people from all walks of life. Since launching in 2018, "You Quiz on the Block" has become one of Korea's most-watched programs, originally featuring the hosts meeting random people on the street for impromptu interviews and quizzes.

CJ ENM executive Nam Seung-yong, who arranged Gates' appearance, explained the connection: "The show respects the value of every life and conveys human dignity through diverse stories. This resonates with the Gates Foundation's belief that 'every life has equal value.'"

Gates' Seoul visit represents his first trip to Korea in three years, with meetings planned with major conglomerate leaders including Samsung's Lee Jae-yong and SK Group's Chey Tae-won to discuss philanthropic partnerships.

The Gates Foundation already works with Korean government agencies, private companies, and academic institutions on global health and development initiatives.

Earlier this year in May, Gates announced his plan to give away virtually all his wealth through the Gates Foundation, which will spend over $200 billion between now and 2045 before closing permanently. This represents one of the largest philanthropic commitments in modern history, outpacing even historic industrialist donations when adjusted for inflation.

The show has previously featured global celebrities like Scarlett Johansson, Timothée Chalamet, and Zendaya, but Gates' appearance represents a unique blend of technology leadership and humanitarian focus.

Behind-the-scenes photos shared on the show's Instagram account revealed Gates chatting comfortably with the Korean hosts, creating what fans described as an unexpectedly warm atmosphere.

The exact broadcast date has not been announced, but the episode will air later this month as part of Gates' broader Korea engagement focused on expanding global health partnerships.