Why Yoo Jae-suk Faces Backlash Over Bill Gates’ Appearance on You Quiz on the Block
Bill Gates’ guest appearance on You Quiz on the Block has sparked mixed reactions, with Yoo Jae-suk caught in the crossfire of public debate.
The announcement that Microsoft founder Bill Gates will appear on tvN’s popular variety show You Quiz on the Block has triggered intense reactions from viewers.
On August 18, the show’s production team revealed the news through its official social media, instantly sparking debate. While many expressed excitement at the idea of seeing Yoo Jae-suk converse with one of the world’s most influential figures, others questioned the true intent behind Bill Gates’ appearance.
Some critics speculated whether his guest spot was linked to vaccine promotion, given Bill Gates’ high-profile role in global health initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Calls for the program to go beyond “surface-level questions” and deliver meaningful dialogue also gained traction online.
Two days later, on August 20, You Quiz fueled anticipation once more by posting a photo of Bill Gates with Yoo Jae-suk, captioned “Life brings such days.” However, this move unexpectedly shifted criticism toward Yoo Jae-suk himself.
Certain online users—particularly from right-wing communities demanded that the comedian prove his vaccination status, echoing conspiracy-driven rhetoric. This backlash mirrors a past controversy from 2022, when Yoo Jae-suk was scrutinized over his expressions and behavior during an episode featuring then-president Yoon Suk-yeol.
At the same time, many defended Yoo Jae-suk, arguing that targeting the host personally was unfair and misplaced. Netizens engaged in heated debates, exposing once again how politically and socially charged celebrity appearances can become.
The controversy is amplified by Bill Gates’ own history with misinformation. During the pandemic, conspiracy theories falsely claimed that he sought to implant microchips in people via vaccines—an allegation he has publicly denied, calling it “entirely baseless.”
Beyond health debates, Bill Gates continues to work through the Gates Foundation on global causes, including climate change, poverty alleviation, and vaccine access in low-income countries. His current visit to Korea reportedly involves exploring collaborations with domestic pharmaceutical companies on vaccine distribution projects.
As anticipation builds for the broadcast, all eyes are on whether You Quiz will manage to balance meaningful conversation with the weight of public scrutiny surrounding both its star host and its most high-profile guest yet.
