Bill Gates Uses Galaxy Foldable Phone: "A Gift from Chairman Lee Jae Yong"

A Long-standing Relationship with Chairman Lee Jae Yong of Samsung Electronics

Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft and chairman of the Gates Foundation, revealed that he is using a foldable smartphone from Samsung Electronics. On August 25, tvN's "You Quiz on the Block" released a preview video of Gates' appearance, which will air on August 27. In the preview, Yoo Jaesuk appeared nervous, saying, "I never thought I'd be having a talk with Chairman Gates," and then Gates appeared and began to share his story.

Bill Gates, chairman of the Gates Foundation, is delivering a greeting on the 21st during his visit to the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

Regarding his previous statement that he would not "die rich" and his pledge to donate 99% of his fortune, Gates said, "I thought it was right to return the resources I have left to society," adding, "It was a philanthropic endeavor that began with the question, 'What can I do to truly make a meaningful impact?'"

Microsoft founder Bill Gates revealed that he is using Samsung Electronics' foldable smartphone. tvN You Quiz on the Block

Previously, Gates announced his intention to return to society approximately $200 billion (about 280 trillion won) by 2045, combining 99% of his personal wealth and the Gates Foundation's donations. In the video, Gates was also asked, "How much do you spend in a day?" to which he replied, "I spend quite a lot." He then stated that he is "using a Samsung Galaxy foldable phone," and added, "I received it as a gift from Chairman Lee Jaeyong of Samsung Electronics."

A Long-standing Relationship with Chairman Lee Jaeyong of Samsung Electronics

Gates has mentioned Galaxy smartphones on several occasions. In 2022, he revealed that he was using the Galaxy Z Fold3, and in April of the following year, he stated on social media, "My phone is the Galaxy Z Fold4." Gates and Chairman Lee maintain a close relationship, frequently meeting whenever one visits the United States or Korea and sharing opinions across various fields. In particular, Gates expressed his satisfaction with the phone gifted by Chairman Lee, saying, "It's a far cry from the heavy bricks I used to carry around in the early days of Microsoft," showcasing their friendship.

He, who visited Korea for the first time in three years, met President Lee Jae Myung on the 21st, and the next day, on the 22nd, had lunch with Chairman Lee at the Samsung Electronics headquarters in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Samsung Electronics

Visiting Korea for the first time in three years, Gates met President Lee Jae Myung on August 21 and had lunch with Chairman Lee at the Samsung Electronics headquarters in Seocho-gu, Seoul, the following day, August 22. During the luncheon, the two reportedly discussed cooperation plans for corporate social responsibility (CSR) among global companies. It is known that Gates and Chairman Lee frequently meet and exchange views on various topics whenever they visit each other's countries.

This relationship stems from Chairman Lee's previous participation in a sanitation toilet distribution project initiated by the Gates Foundation to help underdeveloped countries lacking water and sewage facilities. In 2018, the Gates Foundation requested technical assistance from Samsung, and under the direction of then Vice Chairman Lee, the company developed and provided technology over three years to produce effluent that does not harm the environment.