Bill Gates appeared on You Quiz on the Block, surprising host Yoo Jae-Suk and Jo se-ho He honestly discussed his luxury spending and revealed his phone was a gift. His plans to donate nearly all of his wealth deeply impressed Yoo Jae-Suk.
The atmosphere was palpably different on the set of tvN’s "You Quiz on the Block" on a August, 27. Even for seasoned hosts like Yoo Jae-suk and Jo Se-ho, who have interviewed countless individuals, the arrival of a particular guest caused a wave of genuine awe. Before the recording, Yoo Jae-suk confessed to the unusual quiet in the studio, noting, "We're all nervous, as is the production team."
That guest was none other than Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates, making a memorable appearance on the show's 308th episode. When Gates finally walked onto the set, Yoo Jae-suk’s completely blank, star-struck expression said it all, leaving the crew in stitches while Jo Se-ho could only repeatedly mutter, "Unbelievable."
Source: tvN's You Quiz on the Block
Yoo Jae-suk immediately set the tone, telling Gates that they're honored.
"It's the honor of our family. Our family is in chaos. I'm momentarily dumbfounded."
The conversation, once it began, was remarkably candid. When a guest on the show, Kwak Ji-hyun, known for her extreme frugality, asked the billionaire about his daily expenses, Gates didn’t shy away from his reality. He answered with honest transparency.
"To be honest, I live in a pretty nice house. I have a very large garden, people who cook delicious food, and I actually take a private plane when I travel. Sometimes I feel guilty, but thanks to that, I get to travel all over the world, including Africa," Bill Gates answered while smiling.
The honesty didn’t stop there. In a moment that particularly amazed Yoo Jae-suk, Gates even revealed that his high-tech Samsung Fold phone wasn't a personal purchase.
Source: tvN's You Quiz on the Block
"I use a Samsung Fold phone. Chairman Lee Jae-yong gave it to me as a gift, so I didn't have to pay for it," he stated, a detail that highlighted both his connections and his practical approach to life's luxuries.
A Legacy Defined Not by Wealth, But by Giving
While his spending on certain luxuries is a fact of his life, the heart of the discussion quickly turned to what Gates does with his vast fortune. Yoo Jae-suk’s admiration was visibly directed not at the wealth itself, but at Gates's monumental commitment to giving it all away. The host expressed sheer disbelief at the scale of the philanthropy.
"Donating 99% of your entire fortune is incredible. The amount you've donated so far is 140 trillion won. It's beyond words."
Bill Gates explained that his motivation stems from his parents, who, though not wealthy themselves, were deeply involved in charity. He shared a pivotal piece of advice from his mother.
"The more you give, the more responsibility you have."
This philosophy culminated in the creation of the Gates Foundation with his ex-wife Melinda in 2000, focusing on global health, education, and poverty.
Gates’s commitment is so absolute that he recently announced plans to donate an additional $200 billion (approximately 280 trillion won) by 2046, effectively ensuring that he will not leave a vast inheritance.
"I won't let anyone say I died rich. I was very lucky. I have no intention of using that money for myself," Bill Gates declared firmly.
He even added a thoughtful note on his children, explaining, "I don't want my children to take over the family business. I need to find a way to earn my own living."
This profound sense of duty and desire to solve the world's biggest problems, from preventable child deaths to climate change, left a deep impression on everyone present, showcasing a man whose legacy is being purposefully built on impact, not net worth.
More Than Just a Quiz Show: The Global Reach of 'You Quiz on the Block'
For those unfamiliar, "You Quiz on the Block" is a beloved South Korean variety show that has carved out a unique space since its debut in 2018. Hosted by the iconic Yoo Jae-suk and comedian Jo Se-ho, the program’s original format involved the duo traveling to different neighborhoods to meet ordinary people, hear their life stories, and administer surprise quizzes. The show is celebrated for its warm, sincere, and often emotionally resonant conversations, offering a refreshing glimpse into the lives of everyday citizens. While the pandemic shifted the recordings to an indoor studio, the core mission of highlighting fascinating human stories remains unchanged.
Source: tvN's You Quiz on the Block
While it often spotlights Korean citizens, the show has also steadily built an impressive roster of international celebrities, proving its wide appeal. Beyond Bill Gates's headline-making appearance, the show has welcomed global superstars like American singers Billie Eilish and the duo Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, who appeared to promote their film Dune: Part Two. This mix of heartfelt stories from common folk and insightful chats with A-list international stars is what makes "You Quiz on the Block" a unique and enduring program in the Korean entertainment landscape.
Source: tvN's You Quiz on the Block, news.nate
Melinda must have had very strong reasons to separate after all those years. No one is truly as perfect as they seem in the media
Could buy all the concert tickets and merch! This article is my morning read before calculus…
After all those years and building such a beautiful family together… it just goes to show, we never truly know what happens in someone else’s marriage. It’s so sad:broken_heart:
Then fund young producers everywhere. Talent needs opportunity, not just luck! 
Did anyone else feel secondhand awe just reading this?
but true, the smell of money is strong.