In a mind-bogglingly unexpected move, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has now been confirmed as a guest star for an upcoming episode of the popular Korean variety show, You Quiz on the Block. The US billionaire is all set to grace the show hosted by South Korean comedians Yoo Jae Suk and Jo Se Ho, who’ve previously welcomed A-list international stars, including BLACKPINK’s Jennie, and Hollywood stars Zendaya, Timothee Chalamet and Scarlett Johansson.

“Not AI, not a hologram, not a video message,” tvN’s You Quiz on the Show’s official account announced along with a photo reading, “Really! Bill Gates is coming to You Quiz!!” The addition of the global billionaire, formerly the richest person in the world, to the much-loved Korean show’s guest roster inevitably shocked netizens. Many took to the platform X to question the credibility of the reports circulating online.

When is Bill Gates coming to Korea?

While the exact release date of the episode featuring Gates has yet to be confirmed, tvN’s August 18 announcement noted that his appearance on the variety show is slated for this month itself. The global philanthropist is reportedly set to visit Korea around August 21, marking his first trip to the country in three years.

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How did Bill Gates’ You Quiz appearance come about?

The shocking development took shape months after the Microsoft founder divulged that he’s planning to give away 99% of his billions-worth fortune over the next 20 years. The global tycoon, who already gives back to the world via the nonprofit Gates Foundation, revealed in May that he did not intend to “die rich,” and would be spending another $200 billion over the coming two decades.

In a press release titled, “Bill Gates to Direct Majority of $200 Billion Pledge Toward Africa’s Future,” his eponymous foundation quoted him saying, “I recently made a commitment that my wealth will be given away over the next 20 years. The majority of that funding will be spent on helping you address challenges here in Africa.”

Gates further disclosed that he was inspired to do by a quote from Andrew Carnegie’s 1889 essay “The Gospel of Wealth,” which read, “the man who dies thus rich dies disgraced.”

South Korean entertainment and retail company CJ ENM’s executive Nam Seung Yong is believed to have made Bill Gates’ You Quiz connection possible. “You Quiz on the Block’ is a program that respects the value of all lives and conveys human dignity and understanding of one another through the stories of diverse people,” he shared of the grand opportunity becoming a reality.

“This aligns closely with the Gates Foundation’s belief that ‘every life has equal value.’ We are honored to host Bill Gates, a person who is connecting the world through technology and changing it through philanthropy, on ‘You Quiz on the Block.'”

Bill Gates’ past Epstein friendship back in focus

Despite all the goodwill associated with the tech titan’s name, he unfortunately also happens to share history with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Microsoft icon has long been linked to the controversial financier, who died in his prison cell in 2019, over their past friendship ties.

Earlier this year, Bill Gates tried his best to put arguments fuelled by the same reason to bed by clarifying his stand on the matter. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, he admitted to having made a “huge mistake,” calling himself “foolish” for having spent time with Epstein.

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Speaking in retrospect, he added, “I think I was quite stupid. I thought it would help me with global health philanthropy. It failed to do that. It was just a huge mistake.”

Nonetheless, The New York Times unearthed some previously unreported pictures of Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse earlier this month. The photos in question further shed light on Gates’ past ties with the convicted pedophile, as a framed $1 billion signed by the Gates Foundation chairman grabbed attentions. The note put on display in a living room captured Gates’ words “I was wrong” scrawled on it.

A photo from 2011 also famously catches Bill Gates sharing a Kodak moment with Epstein alongside James Staley, Lawrence Summers and Boris Nikolic at the Manhattan estate. The Microsoft founder is said to have cut off contact with the scandalous man in 2014.

Internet reacts to Bill Gates’ unexpected Korean variety show appearance confirmation

Given his their old friendship, some users couldn’t help but point out how the Korean show was bringing on who was potentially in the so-called ‘Epstein Files.’ An X user commented, “Why would they guest someone in the Epstein flights allegedly?”

Others were equally baffled by how “random” this crossover was. “Wait what—Bill Gates on You Quiz on the Block?? Never thought I’d see the day This show really pulling global icons now lol!” wrote someone.

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Some even jokingly addressed him Korean honorifics as “Gates sunbaenim” (used to address someone senior or an experienced person in a given field) and “sajangnim” (boss or CEO). Yet another quipped, “Does he have a drama to promote,” as the show had originally featured K-drama actors on most episodes who sought to spread the word about their new projects.

Netizens also took note of how the Gates’ upcoming feature further stood as a testament to the show’s host Yoo Jae Suk’s influential stature. “wow, YJS show is really the representative – talk show program of South Korea !!!” someone said of the TV personality behind signature variety show franchises like Running Man, Infinite Challenge, Hangout with Yoo and more.

As of today, the Forbes lists Bill Gates, the former wealthiest person’s net worth as $118.1 billion. Claiming the Rank #14, he has now even slipped out of the Top 10 ‘Real-Time Billionaires’ rankings.